When the Washing Machine Calls, Don't Answer

Q: How do you set real life aside and connect with the imaginary worlds you create? And how long do you write each day/week?

-from Susan
A: Depends.
If the writing is under contract with a deadline, it’s easy to stay focused. I have a due date and so I aim to write a set number of words a day and that motivator works for me. If it is 1,000 words, I might only get to 750 on Monday, but may be in the zone and do 2,500 Tuesday. I was once a newspaper reporter and then editor, and deadlines were wh...