The Writer's View: Nancy J. Cohen

All commenters during Nancy’s blog tour will be entered into a drawing for a Warrior Prince tee shirt and magnet and a pdf copy of Warrior Prince. Go to http://nancyjcohen.com/Appearances for a complete schedule of her tour stops.

My work area is a converted bedroom at the front of the house. Facing away from the window is a corner desk unit made from blond wood, with drawers on the bottom and shelving on top. This is my computer desk with a pull out keyboard shelf where I use an ergonomic Windows keyboard by Adesso. The upper shelves to my right hold texts on crime writing, romance writing, and science fiction/fantasy writing. Large print copies of my mysteries have space here, too, along with notebooks filled with printouts of fan mail.

On the top left shelves are more fiction writing texts plus my story notebooks. I do a notebook for each title so each spiral bound notebook is crammed with detailed notes, diagrams, and clippings. The glassed-in cabinets above the desk hold copies of my works in various print formats. Mementoes surround me, like an autographed photo of Jonathan Frakes from Star Trek, an Area 51 pencil holder, a Bad Hair Day mug, and assorted troll dolls. Onyx bookends and family pictures take up space, too.

Then there’s my mahogany desk with nine drawers where I do correspondence, pay bills, and manage the household budget. On the wall facing this desk is a bulletin board with business cards, my HOLT Medallion in a glass case, a framed copy of the original art for Murder by Manicure—a gift from the artist—and a giant poster of Starlight Child.

Lest you think I have any spare space in this room, the closet was already converted into shelving when we moved in. Many more books clutter this wall. And on my door hangs a sign that says, “Caution: Woman at Work. Cook Your Own Meal.”

I love this room and have trouble focusing my thoughts anywhere else. I love to be surrounded by books and writing related materials. I prefer silence when I write so I don’t listen to music. Here’s where I come around five o’clock each morning with a cup of coffee to begin writing my pages for the day. When that’s finished, I do promotional activities, answer email, read through loops and listserves. A writer’s work is never done. Aside from breaks for exercise or lunch dates, I’ll often be in here all day. Outside the window, I can gaze at our tropical landscaping or see who’s strolling down the street. But most often, I am staring at the computer screen to connect with fans or to compose my next page. I love this job.





Warrior Prince: Book One in the Drift Lords Series by Nancy J. Cohen

When mythologist and Florida resident Nira Larsen accepts a job as tour guide for a mysterious stranger, she's drawn into a nightmare reality where ancient myths come alive and legendary evils seek to destroy her. To survive, she must awaken her dormant powers, but the only person who can help is the man whose touch inflames her passion.

After a dimensional rift in the Bermuda Triangle cracks open and an ancient enemy invades Earth, Zohar—leader of the galactic warriors known as the Drift Lords—summons his troops. He doesn't count on a redheaded spitfire getting in his way and capturing his heart. Nira has the power to defeat the enemy and to enslave Zohar's soul. Can he trust her enough to accomplish his mission, or will she lure him to his doom?

About the Author:
Nancy J. Cohen is a multi-published author who writes romance and mysteries. Her popular Bad Hair Day mystery series features hairdresser Marla Shore, who solves crimes with wit and style under the sultry Florida sun. Several of these titles have made the IMBA bestseller list, while Nancy’s imaginative sci-fi/paranormal romances have garnered rave reviews and a HOLT Medallion Award. Active in the writing community and a featured speaker at libraries and conferences, Nancy is listed in Contemporary Authors, Poets & Writers, and Who’s Who in U.S. Writers, Editors, & Poets.

Find Nancy online at

Website: http://nancyjcohen.com
Blog: http://nancyjcohen.wordpress.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/nancyjcohen
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Nancy-J-Cohen/112101588804907
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/91508.Nancy_J_Cohen

Comments

  1. Honestly Nancy, it looks like you cleaned up the room in advance of having company who might take a peek in. LOL

    I still have my breakfast plate sitting on the printer, and a stack of finished books that I should be writing reviews for. I'll start on that hopeless project after I take my shower. This cold is killing me, and my head is exploding this morning.

    I wish I could keep my den as pretty as you keep that office.

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  2. I may have hidden a pile of papers or two, but my shelves are well organized. And no matter how big a home office is, there never seems to be enough space for everything.
    Sorry you have a cold, Nora, and I hope you feel better soon.

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  3. I appreciate this peek into a writer's space. I love mine, too, with it's l-shaped desk and red leather chair! I am in an end of this large utility room (but with a window over my desk), so I use a folding fabric/wood screen to separate the areas (for tax purposes and for work delineation purposes. Across from my desk is a sofa where I can read pages (or your books!).

    I also appreciate the description of your division of the day. I am still struggling with how much time to give each of the pieces competing for my time. Do you write for a certain number of hours or word count?

    Thanks for this and other blog posts.

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  4. I do five pages a day minimum when I'm writing, one chapter a day when I'm self-editing. Also I have a weekly schedule, like 25 pages that have to be completed. So if I miss one day or don't make my quota, I still have more time for the weekly goal. I have a favorite reading couch, too.

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  5. I love that you write your words first. When I'm focused (I almost said good), I do the same thing. And it works. I don't lose an hour or more strolling through the internet feeling vaguely disappointed. Great office.

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  6. Thanks, Lynn. I have to get my writing done first during the day or I'd get too distracted.

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