by Shari Randall
Some people have the hard-won inspiration of a disciplined routine. I have an erratic schedule, so that doesn't work for me. No, what works for me is plain old guilt.
When my self-discipline flags and I need to sit down and write I think, "What would Mary do?" Mary Higgins Clark was the author of over 50 books, including the mega-bestseller Where Are The Children? Dubbed "The Queen of Suspense," Clark crafted resilient characters who faced challenging, often deadly, situations with grit and determination.
That determination was part of her own DNA. Widowed with four children, Clark would rise to write at 5 AM until 7 AM when she'd ready her children for school and herself for work.
So, no excuses. If Mary could make time for writing, so can I.
What author inspires you?
Shari Randall is the author of the Lobster Shack Mystery series, and, as Meri Allen, the author of the Ice Cream Shop Mysteries.
I'm in awe of anyone who works a full-time job, has kids at home, and completes and revises a novel. Those are my heroes.
ReplyDeleteGood old pants-in-the-chair-and-fingers-on-the-keyboard is what works for many of us.
ReplyDeleteWhat works for me is procrastinating until it's late afternoon, when I finally manage to sit quietly and get the words out.
ReplyDeleteIt amazes me how some writers are able to succeed, given how much of a challenge it is to find time to write. I didn’t start writing until I retired, and it was a challenge to motivate myself, given all the free time I had. I am inspired by Edith Maxwell and her dedication to writing. Her mantra was seat in the chair and work.
ReplyDeleteI have to echo Grace about Edith Maxwell. And Shari, I remember reading about Mary Higgins Clark's schedule. It was an inspiration. Danielle Steel also makes my list. She shows up, she writes (I've heard she still writes on a manual typewriter - my fingers hurt at the thought) and she claims she keeps going until she's so tired she could sleep on the floor. Amazing work ethic.
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