I have three preferred spots in my home for writing. My first draft was done mostly in bed at night. All I had was a blank book and a pen. Handwriting the first draft gave me the chance to introduce myself to the characters in my novel as we got to know each other without technology disturbances. I wrote in silence while everyone slept. It seemed like the world had gone to sleep except for myself and my story. Later on, the electronic drafts were written on my dining table – eighty percent of the time – during the night. Yes, I am an owl.

Photo: Sitting by the window with my dog Zorro and writing. The rainfall has a positive effect on my mood while having a conversation with my characters in the story. They speak to me more than I do in these final edits. So I can say thank you to the rain, Zorro and my characters who are talking volumes today.