THE WRITER'S NEST - Denise N. Wheatley

 Good morning, everyone!

It's time to peek into another author's creative space. I love these posts!

Here's a quick reminder Bio:

I am a lover of romance, happy endings and the art of storytelling. My first novel, I WISH I NEVER MET YOU, was published by Simon & Schuster in 2004. I've since traditionally published several novels and novellas, including contemporary suspense and paranormal romance. I am currently working with Harelquin Intrique and Tule Publishing. I strive to create characters who are strong, colorful and relatable, and tell entertaining stories that embody matters of the heart.

If you missed other posts from this week, check out Tuesday and Thursday's posts this week.

Let's go inside!

Describe your writing nest?

While I do have a desk, I love sitting on my purple leather couch and writing in front of the television. It’s so cozy and doesn’t feel too formal.  I also like sitting on my gray suede stools and writing at my kitchen island. Again, this feels less formal than a desk, and the open space helps me keep a clear head. But that area can be dangerous considering I’m so close to the snacks!

What is it about this space that inspires you?

When I’m writing from the couch, the tv is on but the volume is very low. This space inspires me because the sofa is so comfy, and I usually have a true crime program playing in the background. That’s very motivating when I’m writing my thrillers. As for my Christmas novels, I love playing holiday movies while I write, no matter the time of year. Seeing all the snow and holiday decorations on screen, while snuggling underneath a blanket and working on a laptop, really helps get the creative juices flowing. 

Has finding your space been an evolving journey? How so?

Finding the right space has definitely been an evolving journey. If I’m not comfortable in my surroundings, then my writing will suffer. I’ve actually moved homes in order to find the perfect space, where I feel inspired to churn out my best work. Meeting deadlines is important as well. If you’re not content with your writing space, not only can your writing suffer, but it may be difficult to get your manuscript handed in on time.

Anything you would change?

I should probably try getting behind my desk every now and then since the comfy couch is a welcome space for napping! But for now, it’s working for me. Danelle Steele has a handcrafted desk designed to look like a stack of her books. It is absolutely gorgeous. I’d love to add my own bookstack desk to my writing nook one of these days.

Be sure to check out Denise's latest book:

AMAZON

THE HEART-SHAPED MURDERS is Book 1 in the West Coast Crime series.

Catching serial killers is her specialty
Until one follows her home

Attacked and left with a partial heart-shaped symbol carved into her chest, forensic investigator Lena Love finds her latest hunt has become personal. But leaving LA to return to her hometown comes with its own danger—like detective David Hudson, the love she left behind. And soon sparks fly, even as Lena is targeted and stalked, and bodies—all marked with the killer’s signature heart—are discovered in David’s jurisdiction…

I've not read this book (just purchased on Kindle to read this afternoon) to post a review as of yet. Please check back later in the week.

In the mean time, you can find out more about Denise N. Wheatley by following any of the links below.

WEBSITE   FACEBOOK   TWITTER   INSTAGRAM    TIKTOK   

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

You can purchase any of Denise N. Wheatley books by clicking the following links:

AMAZON   B & N   KOBO   Books2Read

I'll see you back here tomorrow when I'll pop in the Something Blue author I missed last week - Tif Marcelo

All my best

~Angela

 

THE WRITER'S NEST - Gregg McBride

 Good morning, everyone!

We are winding up a very special week here with a peek inside the writer's nest of writer/ producer, Gregg McBride.

Thank you for joining us today, Gregg.

Describe your writing nest? 

A little messy. A little magical. A lot in flux. There are always various piles on my desk – depending on what’s going on that day (or week). I use a desktop computer and a laptop, so I can write where my whims (and/or inspiration) takes me. Sometimes I love to have a nearby candle lit. There’s usually silence (or very soft ambient music in the background). And there’s always one of my furry children nearby, supervising. I have posters of past work on the wall. And journals full of new ideas on the shelves. It’s a space that inspires creativity. And I feel very lucky to have it.

What is it about this space that inspires you? From nothing, comes something. Whether it’s an empty room or a blank page. Whatever I’m creating (new script, book, or article), it’s coming from inside of my head. So as long as I have a keyboard in front of me, I’m usually good to go. I spend a lot of time thinking and ruminating before the actual writing process begins. Although I’m always taking notes, 24/7 (usually on my phone – thank goodness for the Notes app… I just must remember to look at it sometimes).

Has finding your space been an evolving journey? How so? Always. I don’t really get writer’s block. But I do get writer’s procrastination all the time. I’d rather be editing a finished draft than facing blank pages. There are some toys in my nest, as well as lots of stationery supplies and cards. I’m a card and stationery addict. I love having ribbons and wrapping paper around, too. Anything to inspire whimsy. Even if I happen to be working on a horror script. So I try and keep an influx of new inspirations (no matter how large or small) coming into my writer’s nest at all times.

Anything you would change? I always have ideas about changing my workspace. Or spaces. Just as I would like to think my writing talents evolve, so would the space I choose to do it in. Mood has a lot to do with it. There are times I love to be writing at a coffee shop or public place. Other times I need to be secluded in a room to myself with total silence (except for the furry kids, who make it clear they can and will invade my space anytime they please).

Gregg and Latte

What advice would you give to someone looking to build their own nest? Start with a pad of paper. An email to yourself on your phone. A laptop. A leaf and a magic marker. Whatever you’re going to make the first word of your project. Start there. That’s your space. You’re the space. What you write is going to change the world. No matter on what size the scale is, you’re going to make your mark. So, I’d worry less about the space and more about what you want to say. The space will take shape around you. Whether it’s a back porch, a dark hallway, an immaculate home office – wherever. What you write matters most.

How did you break into Hallmark and what advice would you give to someone trying? I had dreams of writing a Hallmark movie for a long time. Although I had a few encounters with executives at the channel over the years, it wasn’t until I had a general meeting scheduled that got postponed repeatedly that my dream started to come true. When the meeting finally happened, I pitched a one sentence idea about someone who doesn’t like Christmas having to be a Christmas angel. Little did I know that the channel’s planned Hallmark Hall of Fame movie for that year had dropped out the day before my meeting. They needed something. And my idea was it. Suddenly I wasn’t writing just any Hallmark movie, but a highly regarded Hallmark Hall of Fame Christmas movie, which ended up starring Shirley MacLaine, Eric McCormack, and Kristin Davis. Timing is everything. But so is being prepared.

These days, selling a pitch (an idea for a movie, even if well-crafted and planned out) is nearly impossible. Never say never, of course. But if you want to write a Hallmark movie, then you’re better off writing an actual script. But when you do so, make sure you’ve studied other Hallmark movies (recent ones) and read current Hallmark scripts. Things are changing at lightning speed in this industry. The movies that Hallmark was making a few years ago aren’t the movies Hallmark is making today. This is true for other networks that make Christmas and romantic fare as well. You’ve got to stay up to date. And you’ve got to write your little heart out. That way, when that magic moment happens, you’ll be 100% prepared.

Thanks so much for sharing sage advice. I look forward to seeing more projects from you. 

You'll find Gregg by clicking on any of the links below:

WEBSITE   BLOG   FACEBOOK   TWITTER   INSTAGRAM   YouTube   IMDB

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

Today Show Appearance on Joy Fit Club

All my best

~Angela

THE WRITER'S NEST - Beth Bartlett

 Good morning, everyone!

Unless I've scheduled something I forgot about (hey it's been a month!) this will be the last official post of 2021. 

Today, we are visiting the Writer's Nest of my friend and author, Beth Bartlett. You met her on Tuesday and again yesterdy, so let's jump right in to seeing where all that freelance money she earns is generated!

Him Beth! Thanks for joining me in the studio today. 

Describe your writing nest?

It’s a comfy space tucked in the corner of my wildly cluttered office. My desk is a thrifted one, it’s shaped like a giant book, it even has a title and author on the spine. I love it. I also have a TV as a screen to reduce eyestrain. Pop culture and geeky stuff is my hobby, so I have a lot of nerdy bits and pieces, and lovely little things my husband has made for me. Behind me are posters and signed art from the people and events in my life. The sun comes in through a window to the side, making it a bright, encouraging space for me.

See the book spine? Isn't that the coolest thing you've ever seen in a writing space?!

What is it about this space that inspires you?

Part of it is the natural light, part of it is having room for a bookshelf. The third component is the collection of doodles and drawings and prints. The energy of nature, the energy of friends and loved ones, together. 

Has finding your space been an evolving journey? How so?

I have written articles while sitting in cars with my (now departed) Netbook, at restaurant tables on my phone, on park benches, in libraries, you name it. I always thought the trick to finding the best writing space is to carry most of it within you. After working on the 2022 Writer’s Planner, I realize that planners and journals are so much easier to create in a stable setting with a desktop computer so I can see each space and line up close. But when I play with fiction, I need to be very relaxed. So I pop open the laptop and occasionally write in bed, with a cat snuggled beside me. I’ve learned to accept that certain places evoke different mindsets in me, and to work with that.

Anything you would change?

I love the desk and my office, but it’s in town, located in a business that my husband and I run. We live in a very small place in the woods. My ultimate writer’s nest is a simple computer desk, in a small home office of my own, art on the walls and a window with the sun shining through, in a house we have yet to build. 

What advice would you give to someone looking to build their own nest?

Surround yourself with things that comfort you or excite you, or both. You don’t have to have something straight out of a magazine spread to create, you just have to feel that it is yours. If something resonates with you, include it. Your nest can be a nook in the living room, a full office, or a night stand. When Erma Bombeck began her career, she wrote newspaper columns on a makeshift desk consisting of a plank balanced on two cinder blocks in her bedroom. Work with what you have, make it what you want, and when you sit there, you’ll feel that delicious creative energy flowing through you.

Great ideas, Beth. Thank you so much for being here. Hope to see you in real time soon!

You'll find Beth by clicking on the following links:

WEBSITE   TWITTER  INSTAGRAM  TIK TOK

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

All my best

~Angela

THE WRITER'S NEST - Ruth Mitchell

 Good morning!

I look forward to our Writer's Nest posts. I love peeking inside other author's spaces to see where they create their stories. 

Today, we're looking inside the nest of Arkansas author, Ruth Mitchell. You met her earlier in the week. Now, let's find out more about where she writes.

Welcome, Ruth!

Every writer needs a companion

Describe your writing nest? 

I write on a small antique library desk using a surface laptop and sit in a comfortable, but inexpensive swivel office chair with arm rests. My desk looks out a window into the woods where I often see deer grazing in the yard. There is a walking/bike trail just beyond and sometimes I am surprised by hikers or mountain bike riders whipping down the slope.

What is it about this space that inspires you? 

The natural light of the window, the surprise visitors in my yard.

Has finding your space been an evolving journey? How so? 

No, we moved to this house 3 years ago and I knew instantly this would be my office.

Anything you would change? 

I wouldn’t let my husband have a desk in here too, but he is rarely at his computer anymore.

Other books by Ruth include her first fiction - White Oak as well as her non-fiction about co-dependency... Living Happy, Joyous and Free.

You may purchase your copy on B & N and  Amazon

You will find Ruth on social media via the following links:

 FACEBOOK   TWITTER   INSTAGRAM   GOODREADS  

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

All my best

~Angela

THE WRITER'S NEST - Daisy Knox

 Good morning, everyone!

I look forward to The Writer's Nest posts. These Friday entries give me the opportunity to be inspired by where other authors create the stories we love to read. 

Like previous posts from Daisy Knox, we get a look at her unique writing space and learn a bit more about her.

Thank you for having us in your space, Daisy.

Describe your writing nest? 

This may sound odd, but my nest is portable, it’s really just my tools. I have a couple of favorite bags that fit my laptop, throw in some notebooks and pens, then I’m all set. I write anywhere and everywhere that I can so that may be on my couch, at my desk at day job, in the passenger seat on road trips, anywhere I go. Much of the time that’s in my backyard in a comfy chair or hammock next to the creek but when I’m lucky, it’ll be at the beach or somewhere fun far from home.

What is it about this space that inspires you? 

I have a short attention span so I need quiet and no distractions to concentrate. That’s not easy to achieve with a family and job and other responsibilities, so I decided to go portable. I love to be outside so setting up a little workspace in the yard is a must, too.

Has finding your space been an evolving journey? How so? 

It was. I’d make a space somewhere but then there would always be distractions so I need to be able to adapt. And by adapt, I mean move, whenever possible.

Anything you would change? 

Not at all. I love having a dedicated office space but at the same time, that’s not always where I’m productive so my go-bag is everything. 

Thank you for sharing your space with us!

Daisy's book, GO FOR BROKE is available through the following links:

AMAZON   KOBO   B & N   SMASHWORDS

You will find Daisy Knox by clicking on any of the links below:

WEBSITE   BLOG   FACEBOOK   TWITTER   INSTAGRAM

I'm back to regular posting schedule next week! yay!

All my best

~Angela

THE WRITER'S NEST - Elizabeth Bromke

 Good morning, everyone!

Are you ready to peek inside of another writing space? Elizabeth Bromke gave great advice yesterday. Let's see what she has to share today.

BIO:

Elizabeth Bromke writes small-town women's fiction and sweet romance. In her stories, she weaves multi-generational family dynamics with the triumphs and trials of modern relationships.

Elizabeth and her husband and son live in the mountains of Arizona. There, they spend time together reading, taking walks with their sweet pup, Winnie, and working on puzzles.

Thanks for taking us on a tour today, Elizabeth!

Describe your writing nest? It changes with the season! In the winter, I write in the cozy crook of my bed, next the window. When the weather is good, I like to write on my back deck. There, the sun sets and casts an orange glow through the pine trees. It’s breathtaking, truly. 

What is it about this space that inspires you? In my bed, even if it’s freezing out, I’ll crack my window so I have a cool breeze curling in and over my blanket-buried body! On the deck, the feel of the fresh air, the smell of wood smoke (mountain life!), and the sounds of birds all work together to shape my story telling.

Has finding your space been an evolving journey? How so? Yes, definitely. It still is, too. I like to roam around my house. Walking, even short little jaunts, keeps my ideas flowing. While routine is critical, for me, movement and change is critical, too. That’s why I mix it up regularly.

Anything you would change? One day, I’d love to have a sunroom! Seems like the ideal mix of elements. 

What advice would you give to someone looking to build their own nest? I like a bit of a dynamic set-up, where I can get up and move about. When I first started writing, I saw that so many writers committed to their desks or offices. I tried that, too, but without fail I never could stay in one place long. I finally gave myself permission to write wherever I wanted. The words flow better there.

Great spaces, Elizabeth. Very inspiring!

You'll find The House on Apple Hill Lane available on AMAZON & B & N

Sign up for Elizabeth's newsletter HERE.

You will find Elizabeth by following the social media links below:

WEBSITE   FACEBOOK   TWITTER   INSTAGRAM   PINTEREST

BOOK BUB   GOOD READS

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

THE WRITER'S NEST - A. E. Chewning

 

I love meeting new people. When I read on Instagram how excited A. E. Chewning was for her newest release and talked about her new writing space I knew we all needed a closer look. 

Describe your writing nest? 

My writing nest is always evolving, but as of this moment it’s a clean space that I’m happy with for now. We moved into our 1902 Victorian in Athens Alabama this past December and I have big, big plans for a space out in our garage. I believe it was the old boiler room, but not 100% sure of the actual original purpose. I just know that the vibes I get from it are great for the creative process. 

What is it about this space that inspires you? 

The nest that I have right now I find to be inspirational because it’s tucked into a little corner of our historic home. Next to my desk is one of the original fireplaces and as I sit there writing, I think about all the other people that have cozied up there, wondering what their lives were like. It’s a comforting space that I can createin and escape to when I want to go to a different world with my characters. I love being in here now that it’s clean and organized. 

Has finding your space been an evolving journey? 

Ha! I responded that it was evolving in the first question without reading this one. Yes, it is always evolving. How so? I think because as a creative, you are always getting inspired by different things. Each book seems to bring out a different perspective and I see that reflected in my space. 

Anything you would change? 

 Yes, I’d love to have a view of the ocean, but for now I’ll settle for some prints from an artist from Hawaii. I’ll eventually hang them up in front of my desk where I can escape into a daydream when the time allows. 

What advice would you give to someone looking to build their own nest? 

Make your nest something that gives you peace. Build it into something that helps you be creative and inspires you. Your nest has to be a place of refuge where your muse can be heard and your mind can escape into different worlds.

A.E. Chewning's newest release is:

AMAZON

Blurb:

Henri and Detra Ann have poured their hearts into making their dream a reality--Devecheaux Antiques is open for business. But managing this kind of shop will require more than a business degree and a good eye for hard to find items. Haunted things have a nasty habit of making their way to this paranormal landmark. 

Trying to escape the shadows of the past, Detra Ann finds herself immersed in a paranormal investigation, but this time it’s different. She can't run from the supernatural. Detra Ann must take a stand and allow the dead to speak. 

The Devecheauxs' new assistant, Mary Agnes Kelly--she prefers Aggie, is the one that’s hiding secrets. When a curious object in the shop goes missing, Aggie's abilities are exposed and she is thrust into a world of vengeance, murder and the afterlife. The college student will have to muster all her courage to face down the ghosts of Devecheaux Antiques--and her own demons. Opening the door to the paranormal, Aggie comes face to face with a spirit close to Detra Ann’s heart, leading them both to reveal what happened in the past and help the unhappy ghost rest in peace. Will Detra Ann and Aggie be able to expose the truth or will all be lost in the shadows of history? 

Find out in A Cup of Shadows by authors M.L. Bullock and A.E. Chewning. A Cup of Shadows in Book One in their new series Devecheaux Antiques and Haunted Things. If you love Seven Sisters, Idlewood and Haunted Gracefield, you'll enjoy reading A Cup of Shadows.

You'll find A. E. Chewning in the following Social Media streams. I hope you'll follow, subscribe and all that fun stuff!

WEBSITE   BLOG   INSTAGRAM   FACEBOOK   AMAZON

All my best

~Angela