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Where Stories Are Made is a new feature here at Book Chick City. It’s where the author takes us on a tour of their writing place, be it an office, coffee shop or park and tells us about their writing day and rituals. My guest today is the very lovely Linda Wisdom…
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Welcome to my fun place!
After back problems didn’t allow me to use my desktop I switched to a laptop with a comfy chair and footstool. As you can see, Barney, my white mini Schnauzer, likes to curl up with me. I usually have my witches brew coffee mug nearby since I can’t live without caffeine. I enjoy the wool throw my husband brought back from a business trip to England and my husband’s grandmother knit the afghan. This is a great spot for me and faces the TV since I have to have it on while I work. No silence for this author! I either watch DVDs or watch something fun on cable, since I have my guilty pleasures during the day. Plus you never know what you might see or hear that ignites the imagination.
Then there’s all the inspiration around me. There’s my collection of Halloween Barbie dolls along with the Wicked Witch of the West and Wicked Witch of the East. I like to think they give me inspiration for my witches plus they’re just plain fun to look at.
And the same with my collection of stuffed animals that I’ve picked up over the years at conferences or because something about them appeals to me. My collection of Pocket Dragons, other dragons, gargoyles (including one named Horace), Ganesha to keep my imagination in full gear, and other fun creatures that have shown up in my books. Not to mention a pair of bunny slippers usually on my feet.
We writers live an insolated existence. Our days, and many nights, are spent at the computer writing, promoting our books, and keeping in touch with fans and friends. I can’t imagine any of them working in a sterile space. I have the original artwork for my first Silhouette Special Edition, (and I see it’s time to dust my stuffed animals!) other posters and witchy signs friends have given me. I think they’re trying to tell me something. :}
You can also see the bookcase that holds copies of all my books along with the foreign copies. When the case was totally filled, I had to change it over to two deep, so I didn’t have to start filling a new bookcase right away.
Writers need a space that’s all their own. Not just comfort, but even visual inspiration. I know I do. And I think they show the true me.
So what’s the true me? Magickal, whimsical, eccentric thrown in for some spice, and comforting. I know the day will come when I’ll think about the painting my work space in a warm color to go along with my imagination. When I see the right shade I’ll know it. Just as I know when I’m here my mind is allowed to travel to wonderful magickal worlds.
I hope you enjoy this peek into my office where anything can happen. Even bunny slippers chasing Barney. :}
Linda
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Wicked by Any Other Name: Out now
Hex in High Heals: Out now
The Best Hex Ever: Coming Oct 2010
You can find out more about this feature HERE
**Next week on ‘Where Stories Are Made’: Linnea Sinclair**
44 Comments
My study is filled with stuff, too! Collages on the walls and nick nacks. You're so right about having visual stuff to catch your eyes while you work. I'm not sure I could work with the telly on.
Looking forward to reading your work – I have '50 Ways to Hex Your Lover' on my To-Read shelf.
best
paul
http://www.paulmagrs.com
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I love these posts! This reminds me a bit of Laurel's space (who is a blogger and author) She also likes lots of inspiring things around her
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What a cool Barbie collection! Great source of witty inspiration!
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Thanks for giving us a glimpse into your writing life.
As an aspiring writer myself, it's always fun to see the creative process and space of others. Some people will tell you to lock yourself in a quiet room with no distractions in order to write well, but from what I've seen, usually those are the writers who write about how other people should write, not writers of fiction who sometimes take inspiration from the smallest things and who may be gluing their butts to chairs for hours on end when the muse bites.
Happy writing!
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I didn't even realize there were that many witchy Barbies. Hmmm. Interesting office space, I like the pink one.
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Looks like a comfortable place to spend lots of time. I love all the dolls. I have to agree I love the idea of having their books there as inspiration. Great place once again!
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Loving those Halloween Barbies – I need one of those!
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What a great post! I love getting an inside look at an author's writing spot.
I have at least one of Linda's books on my TBR shelf. I hope to read it soon. I've heard a lot of great things about this author!
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Oh I loved the Barbie Collection! I never knew they had different witches in their line…you know I will be on ebay searching for those later on! Thanks for sharing your space, Linda. And your doggie is adorable.
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I love these posts, I think it humanizes the authors. You can tell alot about an author by their offices. I also believe that visual stimulation does help with inspiration, regardless if you are an author or not. This was a fun ..what would you call this, chat, interview,… tidbit? Thanks for sharing.
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All I can say is nice glimpse into the visual inspiration of Linda's writing space and glad to see that she was persistent enough to figure out a comfy way to keep writing despite her back !
Barney is a cutie and just know that he keeps the writing chair warm in between times when Linda steps away from the computer!!!
Thanks for this one it was fun guest spot to read…
jackie b central texas
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Paul – I have only read Hex in High Heels but it is a really fun book. I have the rest of the series on my shelf to read, and I can't wait to get to them
Sheila – thanks, I'm glad you enjoy them! It's fun to see into an authors lair
Penelope – very cool!
Tea&Tomes – I agree, it is fun to see into an authors life, even if it's just a sneak peek
Parajunkee – I didn't know there were witchy barbies full stop! I'm a little out of touch with barbies these days
Melissa – I think Linda's little dog seems to be very comfy indeed! Does Linda get a chance to sit in her chair I wonder lol
Tam – great aren't they!
Jenn – I read Hex in High Heels but still have another three to read, looking forward to them too
Mar – I love dogs, so cute!
Lori – thanks – I'm glad you like the posts. Have some really great authors lined up this year, check out the schedule page under features
jacabur1 – Linda does seem like a really fun person, she's always so bubbly. A very lovely lady for the dealing I've had with her
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I love these posts — they are so much fun!
Had no idea there were so many Halloween Barbies. How cool is that?
I am so happy to know that I am not the only person out there who has to have the tv on while writing/blogging. Sometimes silence can be too loud.
And Barney has to be the best accessory Linda has. Love him!
Thanks, BCC, for the event and thanks to Linda for sharing her workspace with us!
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Great post! I have these books in my TBR pile on my dresser, just haven't gotten to them yet. I will soon:) Love the Schnauzer, I have two of them:)
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I've been meaning to check out these posts. That was really neat! That was a lot of witch Barbies. Loved the stuffed animals!
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Thanks Paul!
I have collages too for my books, but I've been told I need to keep their energy to myself, so I didn't take pictures of them.
I hope you enjoy Jazz.
Linda
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Sheila,
I love having anything that inspires around. I feel as if they talk to me. And they probably do.
Lidna
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Thanks Penelope!
I get two new Halloween Barbies every year since there's two places that carry them. It's always fun to see what they come up with.
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You're right, Tea and Tomes, although I know some authors who can't afford any distraction, as they call it. I call it my comfort zone.
If I get stuck I can look around my workspace and something always comes to mind.
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Hi Parajunkee.
They've been bringing Halloween Barbies out every year since, I believe, the early 2000s.
Target here in Calif. always has a special one and so does a drugstore chain. You can even find them on eBay. Here I started with one and now I have 14. And will have two more this October.
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Thanks Melissa.
It was so funny when I started the bookcase holding copies of my books. Soon one row was filled then a second and then the bookcase was loaded and time to go with two rows in each. And it's fun to see all the foreign copies.
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They are so fun, Tam!
The two Wizard of Oz Barbies came from the Barbie site. The Wicked Witch of the East was just released last year. And she and the Wicked Witch of the West even has sound effects from the movie.
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Thanks Jenn!
I hope you enjoy the book.
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Thanks Mar!
You'll go nuts when you see all the Halloween Barbies. I love the different personalities they have too.
And Barney says thank you.
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Thanks Lori.
I love posts like this because it shows how we all have our own ways in our offices. Just as we have different energies.
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Thanks Jacabur1!
Whenever I leave my laptop Barney has a habit of stretching out the width of the chair. He seems to think the chair is his too and if it's chilly he likes to even pull down the wool throw my dh brought back from England. I can't blame him, because I love it.
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Lori,
The TV is on now with Colin Firth in the Last Legion. Might as well have some eye candy too.
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I thank Carolyn for asking me to participate in this.
Carolyn, you are a treasure!
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Laurie,
Barney's our first Schnauzer and quite an education for us. He was given to me last summer and turned into a great comfort when we had to put my 18 yr old Chihuahua/Yorkie to sleep in January.
I love him to pieces and he's got so much personality.
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Amanda,
What can I say? In some ways I refuse to grow up.
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I love Linda's humor in her writing and really enjoy her books.
Thanks for the neat look at your writing space Linda!
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Oh I loved the peek into your workspace!
I didn't even know they made Halloween Barbies! LOL
Great blog tour Linda!
Lisa
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Linda, I LOVE your space! I especially like the dragons you've got:-) An afghan is a must, IMO. I wore my old one out, so my gramma is currently crocheting a new one for me! Definitely looks like a creative space…I was glad to have a peek!
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the dog is adorable! I also thought it was funny, I have a cup with "Witch's Brew" on it as well!
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Hi Linda!
I love seeing other authors' spaces, although a get a bit of a complex about how boring mine is
I can't believe you can write with the TV on!
I've read the 1st 2 books and love them–have to catch up with the next one soon.
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Thanks CheekyGirl!
I love my space. It's very much me. Scary thought, isn't it? :}
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Lisa!
Check Target around the end of Sept., beginning of Oct. and you'll see them there. Same with Rite Aid Drugstore.
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Thanks Kendra!
I love all my dragons and the friend who gave them to me knew just which ones suited me too.
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I also have a Wicked mug, Melissa and a few other witchy mugs. I tend to choose the one that fits my mood that day.
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Deborah,
I was one of those kids who did their homework while in front of the TV. I always need some sort of noise and luckily, it's never distracted me.
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HI Linda – my office is just too cool. I overlook a valley, and I have floor to ceiling bookshelves built in and stuffed (er… I mean, "organized") with books and other goodies that need a lot of dusting. Can't beat out your pooch on your chair, though. Arf!
Happy Friday.
From
THE OTHER LINDA – WRITER
http://www.lindathomas-sundstrom.com
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I love it! I too am a collector of some select items….books(no, really?), porcelain dolls, cat figurines, and old bottles. It's nice to see someone else who enjoys their collections. I agree with the visual stimulating creativity. Great space Linda! Thanks for sharing with us. =O)
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