A Life in a Day of a Writer: Author Darlene Foster
Posted on: September 9, 2020
- In: Books | guest posts | Spain | Writing
- 32 Comments
Today I am a guest over at Anne Stormont’s wonderful blog, Put it in Writing. Anne is an excellent author and a great supporter of other writers. If you wonder what a “typical day” looks like for me, read on.
Today it’s the turn of author Darlene Foster to give us a glimpse into the unpredictable and variety-filled days that make up her life as a writer. Darlene writes enthralling children’s adventure fiction. She also writes short stories and a wonderful blog with lots of posts and photos about her travels.
Darlene Foster’s Writing Life in a Day
I will start by saying there is no such thing as a typical day in my life anymore. I worked for 48 years and my life was very structured. During the latter part of my working life, I decided to follow my dream of becoming a writer and made a vow to write for two hours a day, no matter what. And I did, usually in the evening after dinner while others watched TV. As a result, I wrote and published four books and several short stories.
Now I’m retired and live for the most part in sunny Spain. I seem to have rebelled against structure in my day, so I write whenever I find some time. I no longer write every day either, although I write most days. In the past five years since I retired, I have written four more books.
Read more about my not so typical day here.
32 Responses to "A Life in a Day of a Writer: Author Darlene Foster"
[…] didn’t intend to write anything about my strategy and process until I read Darlene’s blog post A Life in the Day of a Writer on her day as a professional writer which I found interesting and very […]
September 9, 2020 at 9:32 pm
Lovely, Darlene. I agree. I can’t imagine life without writing. What would I do?
September 10, 2020 at 5:49 am
Hi, Darlene – I loved how you progressed from writing a minimum of 2 hours a day (while others watched TV) to now writing when it works for you. Great guest post with great advice!
September 10, 2020 at 7:45 am
Sounds like a lovely life, Darlene, and that Dot keeps you active! I’m still used to my routine of writing 7 days a week, even though I’ve been retired for over 3 months now. I know the change will come, but I figure I’ll go for it while I’m motivated.
September 10, 2020 at 7:47 am
Thanks, Debra. You will find what works for you. I do book-related work 7 days a week, but not always writing. xo
September 10, 2020 at 10:44 pm
Reading this was Deja Vu’ for me. A new author of fiction on the block. I am waiting for my book ” The Chronicler of the Hooghly” to roll out of the presses. But do they do that any more?
September 10, 2020 at 11:01 pm
It´s a tough time to publish a book right now but everything is doable if you are determined and have patience.
September 12, 2020 at 2:29 am
Just keep sending your query letter out to publishers. Do a lot of research to be sure it is a publisher that works with your type of book. Good luck.
September 12, 2020 at 2:33 am
Thank you. Actually my manuscript has already been accepted by a publisher and ‘The Chronicler of the Hooghly’ is currently under publication..
I am now focussing on what all should be done to build awareness and push up reader interest.
September 12, 2020 at 2:41 am
Congratulations! Finding a publisher is never easy. I hope your publisher is helping you with the marketing. I like doing book signings and readings at bookstores, libraries, coffee shops, and schools but that may be difficult right now.
September 10, 2020 at 11:37 pm
48 years is a long time, Darlene. Well done on getting books published during that time.
September 10, 2020 at 11:45 pm
I hardly remember not working! Took two short maternity leaves. I was driven, sort of like you!
September 11, 2020 at 8:41 am
Hi Darlene! I found your blog through the weekend blog share and I’m so glad I did!
You have a lovely page, and I look forward to reading more from you.
Care to check out my page as well?
– Brittany
September 15, 2020 at 7:11 am
I loved hearing about a “typical” day xx I actually felt I was with you walking the dog, at the beach sitting by the pool. I love how you find inspiration in everything that surrounds you for your books. #SeniSal
September 15, 2020 at 7:16 am
Thanks! It is amazing how you can find inspiration everywhere. I got an idea tonight watching a TV show with hubby. It wasn’t even something I was interested in. Go figure!
September 18, 2020 at 2:11 am
I found your day to be one that we would all enjoy. Isn’t it nice when you can work at a beach cafe or by the pool…keep it us, you are doing great. 😊
September 18, 2020 at 2:12 am
up not us…sorry about that.
September 18, 2020 at 2:14 am
I figured that out. I do it all the time. I blame the computer.
Darlene Foster's Blog 
September 9, 2020 at 2:30 am
Darlene’s books encapsulate so much to whet the keenest appetite. Variety, adventure and sometimes mystery, are present to tempt the young reader, and they have fun while.they are learning too! Recommended
September 9, 2020 at 2:52 am
Thanks so much, Joy for the endorsement!