Shannon here: Allison Wells shares a day in her life as an author, plus a chance to win a digital copy of her latest Historical Romance, A Journey for Sallie. Comment or answer the question in this post to enter the drawing. Deadline: May 11th, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Allison:
I think I have a fairly typical day, and I’m blessed that all my work revolves around books. Aside from my family, words are my passion, so working with them day in and day out is a dream come true for me.
My day begins at about 6:30 a.m. when I get moving and get my younger two kids up for school. They are finishing 3rd and 5th grades this spring. Once they get off to school, I make sure my high schoolers are up and moving as well (they’re finishing 10th and 11th grades) before I head to my office.
The she-shed in our backyard, built by my talented and extraordinary husband, is where the magic happens. Having my own space allows me to work without interruption from our four blessings.
I had a hard time writing while being able to see dishes in the sink, a pile of laundry, or that one project I hadn’t gotten around to finishing. My office is my sanctuary. It’s outfitted with soft purple walls, pictures of highland cows everywhere, and a hodgepodge of things that make it homey and tranquil.
Since I also edit and coach other authors, I prefer to prioritize their work in the mornings. Recently I’ve worked on a memoir, a Christian romance, a fantasy retelling, and several other books. I love each and every project, as well as the authors I work with. Helping other authors achieve their dreams is the best feeling, and I love that I get to build a career around that.
When my kids come home from school, I usually help with homework if needed. Depending on the day, I can scoot back out to my office for about an hour to do some daily tasks like reply to emails, organize things, schedule things, etc.
In the evenings, I return to my office, where I can work on my projects. I also try to work on them during the weekends when everyone else is off doing their own things.
I know many authors like music to set the mood for their writing, but I often prefer silence. My characters all live rent-free in my head, so they’re often clamoring to get out and onto the page. When I get a good writing flow going, I can write over 1,000 words in an hour.
My children all know that Mom is an author and that I work hard to create books readers will enjoy. They’re incredibly supportive of me—I hope because I am supportive of them, and they know that they are my priority. Nothing is as important as their recitals or basketball games or playing a game of checkers with them, even if it means I didn’t get anything written that day.
My husband is also exceptionally supportive. He encourages me to go on retreats and attend conferences. He talks through writer’s block with me and celebrates my wins. He also works from home, so we have weekly lunch dates and often make dinner together, though occasionally one of us will text the other saying we’re swamped and to please handle it.
None of what I do would work without the support of my family. My tenth book recently launched, and it’s only with the grace of God and the love of my husband and children that I am able to do what I do.
Much like my characters, who have the support of their families (be they real or chosen), it’s the only way to make things in life run smoothly. I could not be more grateful.
Question for Readers: How do you work family, friends, and responsibilities around your job or hobby?
About Allison: Allison Wells is an author of sweet romance and Christian fiction books. She is also a certified book coach, editor, and all-around word lover. She loves with her family in the foothills of the Blue Mountains of South Carolina. Allison’s motto is: Life is Short, Eat the Oreos. Learn more & connect:
Allison’s Website Allison’s Instagram Allison’s Facebook
About the Book – A Journey for Sallie (Book 19 in The Reluctant Wagon Train Bride series:
After the death of her beloved husband in the War Between the States, Sallie Tenney joins her brother and his family on their journey west to Oregon. Upon arriving in Missouri for the trip, Sallie is shocked to learn she cannot travel as a single, albeit widowed, woman. She must marry to join the wagon train.
With little choice, she agrees to marry fur trader Michael Schmidt on the promise that he will grant her an annulment as soon as they arrive in Oregon. It’s only after they say “I do” that Peter Cardinal arrives for the expedition and catches Sallie’s eye.
When Sallie’s new husband Michael vanishes and she’s left to defend the wagon and supplies against thieves, she quickly learns that the journey won’t be what she anticipated. Especially when Peter is so close and they have a long way still to go.
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A Journey for Sallie Allison’s Books
Come back May 3rd for Hope Toler Dougherty!
make time
Scheduling is definitely important!
I have a winner! Tess White won the drawing. I appreciate Allison for being my guest and everyone else for stopping by.