Monday, October 21, 2013

Inspiration and Comfort

I opened my email yesterday to a big surprise. The ARC of my upcoming release, First Dragon, was in my inbox for a last read through before its November first release from Crescent Moon Press. I've been expecting it, but not on a Sunday.

I'd planned a trip to the local BAM to relax in the café, plan my blogs for the week and work on War Dragon, book #2 in The Morbunda Saga. Instead, I had an ARC to read. I warned the my husband and son not to bother me as I settled myself at my writing desk and went to work. The two men headed out to a local sports bar to watch football and leave me in peace.

And peaceful it was. I couldn't help but notice as I stood up to walk around every so often or to refill my coffee all the things I gathered around me in my writing for comfort. Things given to me by my supportive family. Some assist me and some just make me smile and keep on working.

My oldest son bought me this cool ceramic jar when he was a student at Gettysburg College. I use it to keep paper clips of all sizes and styles.


My daughter made me this ceramic cup I use to keep my glasses in. Yes, I have way too many.

My youngest son gave me this little speaker set for my iPod so I can listen to some tunes when I write.

My daughter gave me this really cool feather quill that I still can't write with, at least not very well.

My middle son and my daughter gave me these cards, one inspired by Dr. Who and the Wonder Woman in thanks for doing so much for them. I keep those where I can see them all the time.

Besides the comfort of their gifts surrounding me, the ARC itself inspired me to work for ten straight hours. The font selected by the editors for the chapter headings and page headings was so cool, I can't wait to share with everyone next week. The work the editorial staff did on the book was top notch. It was exciting.

Other things inspiring me everyday I sit at the computer are the people I know in the blogging community. Two great places to share and receive wisdom are the IWSG blog and the IWSG Facebook Page.

What things give you comfort in your workspace? Is your family supportive like mine? Have you visited IWSG today? Is your desk home to some beloved things or do you keep it bare and clear? What is the longest you've spent at your writing desk in one day?

21 comments:

Vanessa Morgan said...

A supportive family is indeed everything for a writer. Congratulations on the upcoming release.

Anonymous said...

How exciting! Congratulations.

shelly said...

I really need to get to that Facebook Page. Maybe after work today.

Hugs and chocolate,
Shelly

L. Diane Wolfe said...

A whole day to edit. I don't even remember what that's like. I have done it before though.

I have my little Tigger figure, my box of Flutie Flakes, and my BBT Soft Kitty on my desk.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

I'm grateful my wife is so supportive. I think five hours was my longest stretch.

Cate Masters said...

I couldn't do it without my family's understanding and support. They know when the door's closed not to open it unless it's important. :)
I keep special writing totems too. I used to have a Wonder Woman calendar to inspire me.
Congrats on your upcoming release!

Nicole Zoltack said...

Family's support is so important. Congratulations!

Dana said...

It sounds like you have a wonderfully supportive family! You're very lucky. ☺

Congrats on your upcoming release!

David P. King said...

That's great that you got your ARC! Releasing on the 1st, huh? If you need a plug for that, I'm game. :)

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Thanks, Vanessa and Donna. You'll like that facebook page, Shelly.
I like the sounds of your desk, L. Diane.
Alex, I saw a picture of your Spartan writing area on another blog. Maybe building that comfortable nest is a female thing.
Thanks, Cate, David and Nicole.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Thanks for the offer, David. That will be great. I already made a note on my calendar to mention your release on the same day.

Christine Rains said...

Yay! Congratulations! It's nice to have lovely thing from those who care about us around. I have my son's paintings on the wall in my office. And I have been to IWSG today. Love the group! :)

M Pax said...

What wonderful things to surround yourself with. I have 3 images of inspiration about my desk. They started me on this journey. I usually have a cat, too. :) Exciting to have your ARC. Woot!

Robin said...

Each one of those gifts from your family says, "I support you in this writing endeavor." We simply cannot attach a value to that... it is immeasurable.

Denise Covey said...

Congrats on the ARC and all your hard work. How sweet and supportive your family are. It's lovely to look around at treasured items. My husband is building me a writing room and I will decorate it with so many fond memories! D

Shannon Lawrence said...

So exciting! Also, I enjoyed the tour of your special gifts. Thank you for sharing them with us. I would love to try my hand at a quill, just for fun!

Shannon at The Warrior Muse

LD Masterson said...

My family is very supportive and I think the most important items in my workspace are family pictures. I'm surrounded by them. And then there's Sophie, sleeping in her little bed near my feet.

Best of luck with the new release.

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

I found a lot of solace in Michael Wallace's interview about finding success, and I would have if not for IWSG.

Loved the photos, love that your family is so supportive. That will go a long way to helping you gain success. I'm sure of it.

Unknown said...

I like a nice pot of tea, some music and usually a candle of some sort.

The Happy Whisk said...

You've got some real great goodies there. Fun stuff. And a day home alone to work, also fun. Good for you. Cheers and boogie boogie.

Anonymous said...

You have a wonderfully supportive family. : )