Mystery We Write Tour: Anne K. Albert

Anne K. Albert’s award-winning mystery and romantic suspense stories include Defending Glory and the brand new Frank, Incense and Muriel. When not at the keyboard she loves to travel, walk on a beach, visit friends and family and read books on her beloved and much cherished Kindle 3G. Find out more about Anne at her blog at this link.

What have you learned from writing your novels?
I’ve learned there are readers who enjoy reading the kinds of books I write. I’ve learned an “expert” opinion is only one person’s opinion and that it has no more value than mine or yours. It isn’t wrong or right, it is simply theirs. I’ve learned that no one cares more about my writing than me. I’ve learned to trust my writing process even if I can’t put into words what that process is—or how it works!

Do you have a "day job?" What is it and how do you write around it?
I’m retired, but really, that’s a misnomer. I’m busier now than when I was in the workforce. Now, I’ve more things to do, more people to see, more places to go, and far too few hours in the day to accomplish everything on my to-do list. Although I treat writing as my “day job” and put it at the top of the list, some days I just call in sick!

What’s on your writing desk right now? 
My desk is a mess. I do my best to convince myself I know where everything is, but that isn’t true and probably borders on my being delusional. Okay, here’s the list (and a partial one at that): an address book, a manila file folder of bills to pay and invoices to send, my phone, my GPS I still need to update, thumb drives, a day planner for the new year and a glass of  chardonnay (I'm writing this at happy hour!).

About Frank, Incense and Muriel
The story takes place the week before Christmas when the stress of the holidays is enough to frazzle anyone’s nerves. Tensions increase when a friend begs Muriel to team up with a sexy private investigator to find a missing woman. Forced to deal with an embezzler, kidnapper, and femme fatale is bad enough, but add Muriel’s zany yet loveable family to the mix and their desire to win the coveted D-DAY (Death Defying Act of the Year) Award, and the situation can only get worse.

Leave a comment to win an eBook copy of Frank, Incense and Muriel. Also be sure to check out two posts by me today: a Q&A about writing at Anne K. Albert's blog and my thoughts on the publishing industry at Earl Stagg's blog.

Comments

Hi, Anne, writers are supposed to have messy desks. If you took time to clean up wouldn't be time left to write.
Anonymous said…
Good one, Marilyn. I'll try mentioning that to my hubby who is a very organized guy. He has a 'station' for every item he owns...and worse, he uses them! No clutter in his world. :)
Anonymous said…
Good one, Marilyn. I'll try mentioning that to my hubby who is a very organized guy. He has a 'station' for every item he owns...and worse, he uses them! No clutter in his world. :)
Anonymous said…
Thanks for featuring me today, Collin. Not sure why that comment above was posted twice. Sure hope that's not an indication of what kind of day this will be!
Unknown said…
I couldn't work with a messy desk but enjoyed your blog, Anne!
Anonymous said…
I envy you, Joyce. Sometimes I find being organized and clutter free intimidating. No idea what that's all about, but guess I'll just embrace who I am!
Smoky said…
At least you don't have 3 cats and a Chihuahua battling for the closest spots to the warm computer...and yes, writer's desks are supposed to be messy, but are they supposed to be alive??? 8-)
Anonymous said…
That's one thing I miss about my current animal-less state, that familar purr and soft, cuddly fur. Give 'em all a hug for me, Smoky!
Unknown said…
I'm glad to know that my desk isn't the only one a mess. It makes me feel so much better. I still work nightshift and I struggle to get everything done that I need to. There are some days I just don't get through my email. Thanks Anne for a great post and good luck with your book.
Anonymous said…
Thanks, Madison. I know what you mean about getting through emails, and unlike you, I'm supposed to be retired.

I've recently been reading about time management, and one author/businessman refuses to do email. He has an assistant for that.

Maybe that's what we need!
M.M. Gornell said…
Retired! Ha, what a misnomer! You said it exactly, busier now than before.

Enjoyed hearing about your desk. Mine is not only a mess, but it's also dusty--desert winds blow a LOT of dust.

Great post, Anne, always enjoy hearing more about you.

Madeline
Earl Staggs said…
I know the feeling of not having enough hours in the day to keep up. Once a week I clean off my desk, then start a new pile for the next week. I consider that being very organized - for a writer.
Jake said…
Readers also have messy desks because we are busy enjoying your writings. Thank you for your time.

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