A regular day in my writer's life starts with a
breakfast smoothie and a bike ride or swim. To get going physically helps me
get going mentally. I find that the hour I'm active outdoors helps stir my
imagination, focus on the day ahead and plan out what needs to be done – Work
on a new idea? Critiques? Revisions? Publicity?
Then I get to work. First, I do a quick check of
my email to make sure there is nothing pressing. I answer any quick questions
first and save longer, less dire responses for noon. Ideally, I like to do any
creative work, whether on new material or revisions, as early in the day as
possible. Around mid-day, I answer more emails, eat lunch, and either get back
to writing or work on critiques or the more business side of publishing.
Once my children return from school, I leave my
computer and give them my attention to listen to their day, have a snack, and
help with homework if necessary. Once my daughters are on track with their
assignments, I get back to work until dinner. I love to cook and find that
during the time I am preparing meals my mind wanders and explores possibilities
in my current work-in-progress. (It has happened that a pot boils over or
dinner is late because I've had to stop to jot down “a great idea!”) I use
evening hours to read in my genre or books on the craft of writing before going
to bed.
But, to be honest, regular days don't always
happen in a (my) writer's life! Inspiration hits when and where it will. I've
written unexpected ideas on my grocery list in the produce aisle, recorded a
scene on my iPhone in a parking lot and, some days, my creativity is on
sleep-mode. When that happens, I catch up on critiques and business work. Or
better, I change my environment. I get out,
go to a museum or simply going to the library or to a cafe to free
write. Unexpected sounds, sights, smell, etc. can sometimes spark the best
ideas.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: Freddy, Hoppie and the Eyeglasses
Genre: Early Reader, ages 6-9
Author: Michelle Nott
Website: www.authormichellenott.com
Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing
Freddy, Hoppie and the Eyeglasses is about a little boy and his imaginary frog named Hoppie. Whenever Freddy struggles, Hoppie helps out. Specifically, Freddy's having problems at school that he doesn't realize stem from his poor eyesight. Not sure how to tell Mom about his trouble, he explains that Hoppie is the one with headaches, etc. Of course, Mom understands that Hoppie is the tool that Freddy uses to express himself. So, she takes Freddy (and Hoppie) to see the eye doctor. When Freddy leaves with brand new eyeglasses, Hoppie stays to assist the eye doctor with the other young patients.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Before becoming an author, Michelle Nott enjoyed being a French teacher (pre-K to university levels) in the U.S., working for a French company in Paris and an art gallery in NYC. She has also edited and written articles for numerous on-line and print magazines in the American and European markets.
In 2004, Michelle moved to Belgium. When she noticed that her daughters' book collection included more French titles than English ones, she decided to put her creative writing degree to use. Many of these early stories can be found on her blog Good Night, Sleep Tight where she also reflects on raising Third Culture Kids.
In 2015, Michelle and her family returned to the U.S. But with American and French citizenship, they travel to Europe regularly. Their favorite places include the French Alps, the Belgian countryside, and the Cornish coast in the UK. Her family's life and adventures prove great inspirations for her stories.
Freddy, Hoppie and the Eyeglasses is Michelle's first book for children. Her future children's books are represented by Essie White at Storm Literary Agency. She is a member of SCBWI, Children's Book Insider and Houston Writer's Guild.
Connect with Michelle Nott on the Net!
@MimiLRN
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