Charli my book character and I have published two books, with two more novels in the series on the way! People often ask me, “Jena, please tell us how you write. What is your routine?”

I am happy to share this with you as I do have a boring  well-established, professional method that I used when I am writing a manuscript. “Studies” do show that it is good for your brain to get into a pattern- it helps your mind click on with great thoughts. So,

here is how I follow my muse.

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I wake up, at least I have so far each day. I say, “Thank you God for another great day!”

I do my morning ablutions and then I brew a mug of bold roast coffee.

I catch up on the state of the world.

I like to work in a pleasant environment so I do my some household chores. I might take out the trash…

….or dust!

Then I make another cup of coffee and head to my desk.

I look at my social media accounts and send out pithy comments.

Before I start to write, I review all the amazing ideas that I wrote down in the middle of my night. Such vivid dreams!

This is it- Must. Start. Writing. 1,000 words. 1,000 fresh, inspiring, words. Words that inspire the soul!

Time to clear my head and get my exercise steps in!

Yes! I did it! 10,000 steps and 1,000 words!

And here’s the wonderful part about writing. My summer was full of joy- I taught Your Book: Write, Edit, Publish, Market at Lakeside Chautauqua every Monday night. Each week I encouraged my new friends. Some of them, like the delightful woman who was raised as the child of medical missionaries in India, wanted to know if she should begin to write her book. Yes she should! Other weeks, I was the guide for people who had already written their book and wanted to learn more about publishing and marketing, like the man who was creating a unique coloring book with uplifting quotations. One memorable Monday night, we heard from a published author about how emotionally challenging it had been to write the true story about a murder. I left the class each week knowing that I had learned so much more than I had shared.