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But I do have the basics. I have a desk and a chair. I have a file cabinet. Sometimes I even file things in my file cabinet. I’m always trying to find the “perfect” method for keeping track of all the research stuff related to a project. If it were all one size it would be easier.

Some authors use a three-ring binder. I tried that and the books kept falling out. If I have a lot of related material, sometimes I’ll use a box, preferably one with a lid. I ended up with two boxes of research material from writing Out of Time. I’ll have to get back in them if I write the sequel I’m planning.

There are some nice computer programs out there that will let you attach notes, character sketches, etc. to a story file. Power Writer is a very good one—but you still can’t attach physical research items, like books, to it.

If this all sounds less than “business-like” keep in mind that this is the random, creative, author side of my writing. This business side is much more structured and organized. So I thought I’d share some tips learned over the years.

My business receipts are filed in the cabinet. I keep any receipts that I think might be tax deductible and figure it out when I do my taxes. My son created an excel file for me, with columns for things like advertising and promotion and income. I like it because it does math way better than I do.

There are lots of good programs out there for tracking submissions to editors agents, and publications, too. Before you buy or create a program, do a google search and see if someone else did it for you. Sometimes you can find one for free. Many will let you try before you buy. Make sure it works for you. One size doesn’t always fit everyone.
Thanks to yahoo maps I now have a quick way to keep track of mileage. I generate “directions to” for any writing events, then print and save it, noting which event at the top. Yahoo puts the date in for me. I also keep a calendar on my desk top. I write in any business events such as trips to the library, conferences, writer’s meetings or trips to places specifically related to the story I’m writing. Before I published, I used to make a note about writing days and how long. It helped me see progress and looks good if the IRS comes calling.

A recent innovation I’ve added to my office set up is a second monitor. My daughter, a freelance editor, has a double monitor set up (as does Jodie Foster’s character in Nim’s Island) to make editing easier. Now when I get a document from my editor, I can compare it directly with my original. And it looks really important.

Early on, an author advised me to create an office space for myself, even if it’s just a corner somewhere. It helps to have a place to “go to work” even if you’re wearing pajamas. (Some authors recommend dressing for success, but I can’t do it. My Muse doesn’t like it and already has to be wooed into making an appearance.)

A lot of what I do boils down to playing mind games with myself. I’m trying to convince me that I want to work. I don’t know why it’s so hard, because when the words start flowing, I love it. It’s a total rush. When I was writing The Key, it was hard to make myself stop writing for Christmas. I felt like I’d been dammed up when I’d stop, and when I could work, I’d type until the tips of my fingers were numb.

But not all books are like that. Like pregnancies, some come easier than others—which surprised me about as much as anything about this business.

It took me a while to realize that nothing stays the same—and thank goodness for it!