Alexis
asked
Martha Hall Kelly:
I read your Goodreads bio and I see that you worked as an advertising copywriter for a number of years before transitioning to writing full-time. How did you incorporate writing into your life while busy with a full-time position? Do you have any tips for writing even though you're exhausted at the beginning and end of the day?
Martha Hall Kelly
Hi Alexis,
Sounds like you are working full time and trying to write? That's so hard! I'm a big fan of getting up a little bit earlier than usual when everything is super quiet and writing--seems like the best stuff comes out then. (I'm way too tired and brain-fried at night to write so I save research for night.) Believe it or not I also do a lot of writing in my head as I'm driving around...more imagining scenes, but writing dialogue, etc. too. That seems to make good use of time as well. Also, have you tried a writer's retreat? A solid weekend away from home can help you get so much writing done.
Overall I would say don't put too much pressure on yourself to hit a regular word count or even certain number of days to write if you're working full time, but just pat yourself on the back for fitting any writing in at all, since it's a huge accomplishment to do both. Hope that helps!
Sounds like you are working full time and trying to write? That's so hard! I'm a big fan of getting up a little bit earlier than usual when everything is super quiet and writing--seems like the best stuff comes out then. (I'm way too tired and brain-fried at night to write so I save research for night.) Believe it or not I also do a lot of writing in my head as I'm driving around...more imagining scenes, but writing dialogue, etc. too. That seems to make good use of time as well. Also, have you tried a writer's retreat? A solid weekend away from home can help you get so much writing done.
Overall I would say don't put too much pressure on yourself to hit a regular word count or even certain number of days to write if you're working full time, but just pat yourself on the back for fitting any writing in at all, since it's a huge accomplishment to do both. Hope that helps!
More Answered Questions
Mj
asked
Martha Hall Kelly:
Martha, what a gem of a book. I read and listened and I couldn't wait to get back to it after that pesky work that I do to put food on the table and pay the bills. Are you working on something new? My girls from high school just started a book club as a way to keep in touch and your book was our kickoff. It will be hard to beat next month.
Charlotte Gonzalez
asked
Martha Hall Kelly:
I'm 13 and love chemistry, biology, reading, and writing. When did you know you wanted to be a writer? Was that your calling as a child, or did it come later in life? I want to write novel (for fun, but maybe publish it) but don't know how to start. Do you have any helpful advice? I don't want to be a writer (I hope to be a doctor) but I like writing and am curious about writers' lives. I liked The Golden Doves a lot.
Marilyn (not getting notifications)
asked
Martha Hall Kelly:
Hi Martha, I am reading Lost Roses on my kindle from Netgalley and loving it! Would it be possible to get a hard copy arc version? I teach at a Jewish Day school and have a lending library in my room and would love to share your book with the people in my school. Is this possible? Thanks, Marilyn Kurtis
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