Writer's Workspace -- Leigh Duncan and Her Writer's Camp plus giveaway (US/Can)

PHS is thrilled to have a sneak peak in Harlequin American Romance author Leigh Duncan's Writers' Camp

 

These days, dust coats the desk in my office.  The blinds remain closed, the computer screen darkened.  No, I haven’t stopped writing.  In fact, I’m writing more these days than ever.  But I have found a new process—and new places—to write.  Several of them, actually.

It all started in July of 2011 when I received “the call” from my agent.  Harlequin American Romance had offered a two-book contract for Rodeo Daughter and Rancher’s Son.  The catch?  Tight deadlines.  Very tight deadlines. 

To make them, I’d have to abandon my usual practice of writing a paragraph and playing a game of Spider Solitaire (or maybe two) before writing another paragraph.  I needed more focus, more dedication. 

Enter Candace Havens and her Fast Draft workshop.  Add Lara Santiago, a good friend who had recently learned it was nearly impossible to write at home with two recent graduates underfoot.  Toss in Roxanne St. Claire and Kristen Painter, two more friends writing to tight deadlines...and Writers’ Camp was born.

The four of us began meeting at the library where we’d snag one of the tiny, cramped study rooms. 

We’d turn off our cell phones, plug in our laptops and write one thousand words before we allowed ourselves a lunch break.  Another, longer session followed the lunch hour.  The result—seriously improved word counts and a better chance of meeting our deadlines.

But the room was t-i-n-y, windowless, and often, airless. 

After three months, we trusted our process enough to re-locate.  We started hosting Writer’s Camp at one another’s dining room tables.  Some, like Roxanne’s are elegant. 

Lara’s offers the best view.  And she always provides snacks. 
At Kristen’s, we often have to displace the true owners of the house before we can settle in to work.

No matter where we work, the rules stay the same:

            Arrive on time

            Take 15 minutes for gossip and news before settling in to write

            No phone calls, texts or games allowed

            Everyone must put 1000 words on the page before anyone can break for lunch

                        (And yes, some days tummies rumble!)

            Hit it hard after lunch to meet word count goals for the day

This method won’t work for everyone.  Some writers heard our rules, shook their heads and walked away.  Others have joined us for a day, then decided the process doesn’t work for them.  But wherever you work, whatever your process, consistently meeting goals and deadlines is an important part of writing. 

Today, we’re meeting at my house. 

Care to join us? 

Nearly everyone needs to change their writing environment at one time or another.  Share how you’ve had to adjust your writing schedule, space, or process in order to be more effective for a chance to win a copy of my December Harlequin American Romance, Rancher’s Son. 

Winner will be chosen at random from those who comment.  (Sorry, due to postage costs, shipping addresses are limited to US or Canada only). 

 

Romance author Leigh Duncan spent years moving about the country, but now calls Central Florida’s east coast her home.  Rancher’s Son is her fourth book for Harlequin American Romance. Rodeo Daughter, was an RT Magazine Top Pick! for June 2012 and was re-released in a Larger Print edition for the sight-impaired.  Leigh is a long-time member of Romance Writers of America and serves as the published author (PAN) liaison for the Space Coast Authors of Romance (Florida STAR).  She belongs to several other RWA chapters, including the Washington Romance Writers.  When she isn’t busy writing or helping aspiring authors, Leigh enjoys curling up in her favorite chair with a cup of hot coffee and a great read. To learn more about her, visit www.leighduncan.com