A Day in the Life: From Dog Walks to Manuscript Magic

A Day in the Life: From Dog Walks to Manuscript Magic

Ever wondered what a typical writing day looks like? Spoiler alert: it involves a lot more dog interruptions than you might expect! ☕🐕

                                       Good morning, sleepy heads!

Morning Rituals: The Foundation of Creative Magic

My day always starts the same way - stumbling to the kitchen in search of that first, life-giving cup of coffee. There's something almost ritualistic about those first few sips; they're like a gentle wake-up call to my creative brain, whispering, "Time to bring some magic to life today."

But before I can even think about diving into fictional worlds, reality calls in the form of two very demanding boys - Taylor and Titan. These furry writing assistants have their own morning agenda, and trust me, it takes priority over everything else! Breakfast bowls need filling, tails need wagging, and the morning walk absolutely cannot wait.

There's something wonderfully grounding about that early morning walk. As we wander through the neighbourhood, I find my mind naturally drifting to my characters. Sometimes Taylor's playful antics remind me of a mischievous character trait I want to develop, or Titan's protective nature sparks an idea for how my protagonist might show courage. Who knew dog walking could be such excellent story research?

The Pre-Writing Prep: Shower, Dress, Refuel

Back home, it's time for the human morning routine - shower, get dressed, and most importantly, coffee refill number two. This second cup is crucial; it's my transition from "dog mom" to "serious author mode." Well, as serious as one can be when working from home with two four-legged writing critics nearby.

Office Time: Where the Real Magic Happens

Finally settled in my office, manuscript open, cursor blinking expectantly... this is where the day's real work begins. Currently, I'm deep in the editing phase of my latest middle-grade manuscript, and let me tell you, editing is like being a detective, therapist, and magician all rolled into one.

Today's focus: developing my main character's emotional arc and strengthening the storyline that carries readers through their magical journey. I'm working on those crucial moments where my protagonist faces their biggest fears - because isn't that what growing up is all about? Finding courage when everything feels uncertain?

As I dive deeper into the story, tweaking dialogue and refining plot points, I'm constantly asking myself: "Does this feel authentic to a 10-year-old's experience? Will this moment make them feel less alone in their own struggles?" It's delicate work, weaving real emotions into fantastical adventures.

The Great Distraction: When Dogs Become Creative Directors

Just as I'm hitting my stride with a particularly tricky character development scene... enter Taylor and Titan with their "emergency" meeting request. Apparently, the treat jar has been criminally neglected, and their sad puppy eyes are far too persuasive for any reasonable person to ignore.

One treat leads to another, and suddenly I'm being escorted (okay, dragged) toward the door for walk number two. "Just a quick one," I tell myself, but we all know how that goes. Twenty minutes later, I'm back at my desk with grass-stained shoes and two very satisfied writing assistants sprawled across the office floor.

Here's the thing, though - these "interruptions" often lead to my best ideas. Something about the rhythm of walking, the fresh air, the way Taylor bounds ahead fearlessly while Titan carefully surveys every corner... it all feeds into my storytelling somehow.

The Afternoon Shift: Juggling Two Passions Under One Roof

With the boys finally settled (for now), it's time to tackle the business side of things - and here's where sharing an office space becomes both a blessing and a beautiful curse!

You see, my writing office doubles as headquarters for my stationery business, which means I'm constantly surrounded by the most gorgeous, colourful supplies that practically beg for attention. One minute I'm responding to emails about manuscript submissions, the next I'm completely mesmerised by the latest block planner pad I've just printed for testing - the colours came out even more vibrant than I'd hoped!

Today's agenda includes the usual mix: checking and responding to business emails, working on some new product designs (I've been sketching ideas for a whimsical "Magical Creatures" collection that keeps calling to me!), editing product photos to make them absolutely irresistible, and - when I actually remember - updating social media with behind-the-scenes glimpses of both the writing and business worlds.

Then there's the packing orders part, which honestly might be my favourite business task. There's something so satisfying about carefully wrapping each stationery item, knowing it's heading off to brighten someone's day. Though I'll admit, Taylor and Titan find the rustling packaging materials far too entertaining, often turning order fulfilment into an impromptu game of "chase the tissue paper."

But here's where things get wonderfully chaotic - inspiration strikes at the most inconvenient moments! I'll be halfway through writing a blog post about character development when I spot that perfect shade of purple in my stationery collection, and suddenly I'm sketching ideas for a new "Magical Stories" themed product line. Or I'll be photographing some beautiful notebooks when a character name pops into my head, and before I know it, I'm scribbling story notes on the back of an invoice.

The research component has expanded too - it's not just about magical systems and child psychology anymore. Now I'm also diving into stationery trends, colour psychology for product design, and finding ways to blend my love of storytelling with beautiful, functional products that inspire creativity in others.

Some days, the stationery business wins more of my attention than the manuscripts do. Other days, I'm so deep in editing mode that I completely forget to check business emails (sorry to anyone waiting on order updates!). But there's something magical about this creative chaos - both sides of my work feed into each other in the most unexpected ways.

Reflections from the Writing Trenches

As I wrap up today's work (with Taylor now using my feet as a pillow and Titan standing guard by the window), I'm reminded why I love this chaotic, unpredictable, absolutely magical life of being a children's author and small business owner.

Yes, some days the dogs win more battles than the manuscript does. Yes, sometimes I write more about dog treats than character development. But there's something beautiful about this blend of real life and fantasy, of everyday moments and extraordinary stories, of creative writing and creative products.

After all, the best children's stories come from understanding that magic exists right alongside the ordinary - in morning coffee rituals, in loyal friendships (even the four-legged kind), in the excitement of a perfectly printed planner pad, and in the courage it takes to sit down each day and try to create something meaningful.

Tomorrow, I'll wake up, grab that first cup of coffee, feed the boys, and do it all over again. And honestly? I wouldn't have it any other way.

What does your creative day look like? Do you have furry writing assistants too? I'd love to hear about your daily writing adventures in the comments below!