The Real Life of This Author

Of course I can't speak for other mystery authors, but I know from comments made by non-writer friends, that there is a big misconception about the life of an author.

Despite what some believe, I don't make huge amounts of money. Sometimes when I get a royalty check I laugh because it might be enough for a dinner for hubby and me at a nice restaurant. (The question that might follow is, "Then why do you write?" My answer is because I want to see what's going to happen next to my characters.)

I do what most everyone else does: pay bills, do the laundry, prepare meals, shop for groceries and do errands. (I pay someone to do my housework--there's only just so much time.)

I have a big family and I spend time with them off and on and here and there. For added fun, hubby and I go to town about once a week and have a nice meal and take in a movie.

Now the writing part. At the moment I'm getting ready for my latest Rocky Bluff P.D. cozy procedural to come out, No Bells. I've been busy planning the promotion, both on the Net via two blog tours and my in-person appearances.

At the same time I'm reading the next in the RBPD series to my critique group, chapter by chapter. Something I do with every new book. I consider them my first editor. When I've considered all their fixes and ideas I'll edit again and probably do some rewriting.

I'm also writing my next Deputy Tempe Crabtree mystery. I try to work on it for two or three hours at least five days a week.

I'm also the program chair for the Public Safety Writers Association's conference which is in July. As it draws near, I have more and more to do as I have to plan the schedule for the speakers and the panels. If you want to know more about that conference (it's small but terrific) visit the website at http://www.policewriter.com/ and while you're there see who we've got lined up as speakers and read the latest newsletter.

Being an author is not easy work.

Marilyn aka F. M. Meredith