This week’s dose of Hump Day medicine comes in the form of the four things that helped me make it through the writing of DEAD RINGER in (mostly) one piece. I am a creature of routine and habit, plus I never met a proper carrot that I couldn’t crawl my way to with some time and patience.

Not mentioned on this list is my puppy Louie who was 4 months old when I sold the book. His need to be walked every hour on the hour so he wouldn’t pee all over my carpet was also a huge help in the time-management and small goals category. Here he is saying WELCOME MOM!

Now here are the rest!

a cozy F21 writing sweater

 

I cannot explain why, but I need to be wearing some sort of warm shawl/sweater situation when I write. I’m sure there is some weird occupational therapy science behind this, but I’m more concerned with the fact that it means I get to own a bunch of giant, fuzzy, warm and comfy cardigans. My favorite looks like the one featured as item #1, and it is from Forever 21, of course.

a Face Haus facial as incentive

 

I wrote the novel in three chunks of 115 pages. Each was due one month after the other (a chill just literally ran up my spine #ptsd). Every time I turned in another set I treated myself to a facial at the totally blissful Face Haus on 3rd Street in West Hollywood. $55 for a 30 minute skin savior and damn good source of relaxation.

a Gray Malin as my goal

 

I have been a fan of photographer Gray Malin‘s work since I first met him in a friend’s backyard almost 5 years ago. His creativity is second to none, and his gorgeous prints make you feel like you’re two steps away from paradise. When I first started writing the book I told myself that if it did well I would buy my favorite print, the “I Am Busy” balloons above. Fingers crossed that I’m coming for you soon, Gray!

a Lauren Hefez sweat to keep me sane

 

I do a million different things to combat writers block (here is my absolute fool proof trick), but there’s a difference between not being able to write and not wanting to write. Exhaustion is definitely a part of the novel writing process and, even though it sounds counter intuitive, I would pop on one of Lauren Hefez quickie You Tube videos to get my blood pumping and improve my mood. Best part: you don’t have to leave the house. Worst part: my puppy loses his mind.

 

Now, any tips for motivators or saviors to get me through the first days of DEAD RINGER sales??