This post was originally published at Novelicious.com and is now at WritingTipsOasis.com. WritingTipsOasis.com acquired Novelicious.com in June 2022.
All my writing happens in my office. Until January, I used to write at the dining table but this wasn’t very successful, partly because I’m very messy when I’m writing and so felt obliged to tidy up before my (OCD) husband arrived home and partly due to the fact that the view of the garden out of the windows was too distracting.
So in between writing Ivy Lane: Spring and Ivy Lane: Summer, I had our little office decorated and renamed as ‘Cathy’s Office’. I fell in love with a wallpaper and matching fabric from a British designer called Louise Body with bluetits and finches perched on birdcages. A chandelier from BHS adds a bit of sparkle and a pin board keeps all my inspirational pictures for my current WIP in sight at all times.
If you look closely enough you can spot my special things. On my laptop screen you can just make out the cover for Ivy Lane: Winter. This is my favourite of all the covers. On the window sill are three cards, one from my husband, one from my agent, Hannah Ferguson, and the other from Harriet Bourton, Senior Editor at Transworld. These last two arrived on the same day, both congratulating me on joining their respective teams in January. I think this was the moment that it finally sank in that I was a proper writer! 
On top of the bookcase is a framed quotation from Nelson Mandela: ‘It always seems impossible until it’s done.’ (Not actually from him obvs. I printed it off t’internet.) As clichéd as it sounds, I do have to remind myself that I CAN do it on an alarmingly regular basis. Next to the printer is this year’s Mother’s Day present from my eldest daughter. It’s a framed photo of both my girls holding the winners’ trophy at a cheerleading competition. Another proud moment from this year.
And finally, Pearl the dog, who keeps me company and is the only family member allowed in while I’m working. She reminds me to take a break from writing every once in a while by pushing her nose under my arm as I type and gazing up at me hopefully.
I generally do all my writing before two o’clock before taking Pearl out for a walk and then fetching the girls from school eight miles away. Once my domestic chores are disposed of, I try and get another hour’s work in in the evening, either planning for the following day or answering emails or tweets. And sometimes this part of the day is helped along with a glass of white wine!
Ivy Lane: Spring by Cathy Bramley is out now. Ivy Lane: Summer (part two of the Ivy Lane series) will be released July 3.