Susan Dennard: I’m a 28-year-old reader, writer, lover of animals, and eater of cookies. I used to be a marine biologist, but now I write novels. And not novels about fish either, but novels about kick-butt heroines and swoon-worthy rogues (I really like swoon-worthy rogues). I live in the Midwestern US with my French husband and Irish setter, and you can learn more about my crazy thoughts and crippling cookie-addiction on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest. (Author photo by Amanda Plavich.)
A Note From Meg
Welcome to "In Search of the Write Space," a new feature on my blog where authors share pictures of their work spaces, giving us all a little glimpse into their creative lives. Don't forget to check out last week's post from E.C. Myers for a chance to win his fantastic sequel, QUANTUM COIN! This week we've got Susan Dennard, author of SOMETHING STRANGE AND DEADLY, and all-around amazing lady. I'm going to let her take it from here, and show you her writing space!
The Tour
Writing Desk (Left)
I handwrite all revisions...and sometimes first drafts. I like to have a big, open space at just the right height. My husband made me this desk specifically for all my hand-writing needs. :) It's in our living room, so whenever I need a change of scenery--since I'm big on change for getting my Muse to cooperate--I can just move to this desk.
Typing Desk (Right)
It's not usually this neat. I definitely cleaned up for this picture. ;) This is where I do all my first drafting, which is usually done at the computer. It's also where I do all my blogging/intereting/emailing/etc.
My books
I actually have way more books than this, but a bunch got left at my parents' house after college. :-/ There just isn't enough space. Every time my husband and I move, we wind up buying at least two more new bookcases to deal with all my more recent purchases. Notice here, I've had to start the vertical stacking in order to increase shelf space. I'm also SUPER not organized. Things are grouped generically--favorite books are on one shelf, favorite series on another, books on exercise, classics, research, etc.--but that's as organized as I get.
Reading Nook (Left)
I usually read in bed, but when I'm NOT reading in bed, I'm a big fan of this corner. It gets really great light in the afternoon. (Also, I don't know why Asimov is being such a camera hog...)
Companions (Right)
My dogs, Asimov and Leia, are with me almost all the time. They are very good sports about the fact that they don't get nearly as many walks as they deserve. Usually, they'll race to be the first to sit under my desk (does anyone else's dog love to be by your feet?). It's like they call shotgun or something...one of them usually sneaks under there first and claims it for the day.
My lucky charms
On top of the desk, I have all of my lucky writing charms, and hanging on the wall are some items from events or fan art. I find that having things with a happy energy or that bring up good memories help my writing flow.
Something Strange and Deadly
by Susan Dennard
There’s something strange and deadly loose in Philadelphia…
Eleanor Fitt has a lot to worry about. Her brother has gone missing, her family has fallen on hard times, and her mother is determined to marry her off to any rich young man who walks by. But this is nothing compared to what she’s just read in the newspaper—
The Dead are rising in Philadelphia.
And then, in a frightening attack, a zombie delivers a letter to Eleanor…from her brother.
Whoever is controlling the Dead army has taken her brother as well. If Eleanor is going to find him, she’ll have to venture into the lab of the notorious Spirit-Hunters, who protect the city from supernatural forces. But as Eleanor spends more time with the Spirit-Hunters, including their maddeningly stubborn yet handsome inventor, Daniel, the situation becomes dire. And now, not only is her reputation on the line, but her very life may hang in the balance.
Giveaway!
I'm giving away one hardcover copy of SOMETHING STRANGE AND DEADLY by Susan Dennard! Entries are open to US residents only. Enter using the Rafflecopter form below, and be sure to check out the various ways you can earn extra entries! If you're a Pinterest user, you can score big on the extra entries scale!
a Rafflecopter giveaway“In Search of the Write Space” is an ongoing feature at meaganspooner.com that showcases authors through the spaces they carve out for creativity. You can find out more about the feature, and see a list of past guests, by clicking here.
If you or someone you represent would like to participate in “Write Space,” check out my policies and fill out the application form here!
I am extremely interested by how the books are stacked flat on their backs. I always stand mine up. But maybe this way is easier on the spines…. All in all, a very lovely tour. Thanks!
Hi Reina! I can’t speak for Sooz, but I know when I stack my books rather than line them up on end, it’s because I need to conserve space. You can usually fit a lot more books on a bookshelf if you stack them vertically!
Hey Reina! It’s totally just to conserve space. I never thought about how it might preserve the spines–but that’s an interesting thought!
Love the writing desk and lucky charms! Wish I had a dog to go with my desk… *le sigh*
Thanks! And it IS nice to have the dogs. They make me feel like I have social interaction when…I actually almost never do.
I love your desk in front of the window! Natural light is a must. I give you a lot of credit for writing first drafts longhand… I’ve tried it a few times but always give up after a couple pages. (Although I do get tired of staring at a computer screen.)
Meagan, love this feature!
I’m glad you’re enjoying the feature, Gina! I love Sooz’s writing desk, too. But I’m definitely not someone who drafts by hand! At least, not unless I don’t have anything available other than paper and pencil.
Thanks Gina! That natural light is a must for me. I actually hate turning on a lamp if there’s still any natural light by which to see (it’s probably terrible for my eyes!). And oh gosh, I love writing long-hand. I blame it on the fact that I first started writing as a kid, and I’d do it during class when I was supposed to be taking notes.
Love writing space blog series! My favorite one sort of discontinued, so I’m glad to have another one to start :]
I’ve always loved seeing where the magic happens for authors. Everyone has such different ways of organizing, motivating, and inspiring themselves–I often get a lot of ideas myself!
Oh gosh look at that pretty writing space! Mine’s not nearly that pretty lol
So excited for this giveaway, thanks so much for doing it!
Hahaha, it’s not normally that pretty either, Adriana. I totally organized everything for the photo. It’s a total trainwreck normally.
Your Irish Setter is so cute. I have a three year old Irish setter named Baily. They are such sweet dogs. Although I have noticed that Irish setter breeders are, in general, a little psycho!
Asimov is three too! Well, 3.5 now, I guess. Leia’s not even a year. We wanted a dog who could wear Asimov out since he’s so hyper (as I’m sure you know).
Wow. All that natural light! I love that! I turn allllll the lights on in the room when I try and write XD and we have like 5 lamps
Yes! Natural light matters so much to me. I always pick my office first whenever we move–and it’s always the room with the most light. I think it’s good for my brain. Get the vitamin D going, you know?
So nice to have TWO writing desks AND a reading corner. I definitely do a lot of the vertical stacking of books, too, because there is just never enough room for all the books.
I don’t have dogs, but we had them when I was growing up, and my parents still do. And yes, they love(d) sitting by her feet.
(Her feet, of course, meaning my mom’s feet.)
My mom’s dogs sit on her feet too. It must be a dog “thing”, you know? And yes! I started the double desk thing when I was revising SOMETHING STRANGE AND DEADLY for my editor. It helped 1) keep me from feeling stale, and 2) stay organized. Since I revise and sometimes draft by hand, I like to have a ton of space…and you can’t really do that when there’s a computer on the desk!
I know how it feels not to have enough space for all my books. It’s not that fun cause my mother uses that as an excuse for why I don’t need any more.
Oh gosh, I know! What with my kindle, my husband’s like, “Why not just by the e-version?” Pfffft.
The Reading Nook photo! I usually read in bed, too, but that’s mainly because the only Reading Nook I have is my e-reader, so a corner SPECIALLY for reading looks awesome.
I read a lot in bed too! Every night before I go to sleep, it’s a few chapters (er….or a whole book) and then sleep.
Susan’s house has such great natural light! I love that she has a little R2 on her writing desk. The white rocking char is just darling.
Oh my gosh, R2 is so important. And you can’t tell, but there are little Darth, Luke, Stormtrooper, and c3P0 figurines up there too. They’re positioned in an epic battle.
Love it! and the dogs are sooo cute
Thanks! I, of course, think so too.
It’s kind of a relief to hear that your writing space isn’t always so nice and tidy! I certainly can’t help but end up with little piles of things at whatever desk I clean up for the purpose of ‘accomplishing things.” Your dogs look lovely – mine also guards the space in front of my chair.
Oh gosh, NO. Right now, it’s actually at it’s worst since I have two deadlines and no desire to neaten up.
I am very excited to read one of your books. I am an avid reader and love that new to me authors are willing to give free books. I am keeping my fingers crossed as everyone else is. Thank you for the tour that was great
Yay! I hope you enjoy SOMETHING STRANGE AND DEADLY whenever you get a chance to read it! <3
What a gorgeous, light-filled writing space! And yes, my dog believes there is no better place in the world than underneath my feet. She likes getting scratched with my toes.
Ha! If I try to wiggle my toes, for some reason BOTH dogs freak out. They HATE it when I touch them with my feet, yet they both want to be under the desk… Go figure!
Ooohh, what a fun feature! So glad I saw a tweet from Lenore Appelhans that directed me here. How cool to be able to see the writing spaces – & reading spaces! – of some favorite authors! Susan’s doggies are sooo adorable, I LOVE the Irish setter in particular, he’s so pretty. I have 2 cats, but they do the same thing with needing to be either at my feet or at my side when I’m using the computer. I love both of her spaces, but that white desk in particular is so gorgeous, as is the reading nook. Lastly, I’d love to know from Susan if it’s her or if it’s her hubby (or both!) who is the big Star Wars fan
I mean, with a dog named Leia and a little R2D2 as one of your lucky charms…
It’s 100% me who’s the Star Wars fan. My husband wouldn’t know Greedo from Grievous.
That’s sooo awesome!! I don’t believe I’ve ever met a man who wasn’t a huge SW fan! But I love it even more that it’s YOU who’s the big fan
Oh, I finished SSaD this weekend – LOVED it!! I absolutely loved Eleanor’s voice, and the nonstop action. So much fun! And now I can’t wait for the next one to come out!
Asimov and Leia! What great names for such adorable dogs. I love these writing and reading spaces.
Thanks! I have to say I have massive book envy of your AMAZING collection!
First, thanks for the giveaway!!!
I love the pictures of the libraries – I love seeing what people do with their books, and how many they have. I’ve officially outgrown my bookcas. I really want to move into my brother’s room, since he has a bookcase as well, and he’s in college. One can dream…
<3
I love seeing people’s books too! One day, when we have our own place (instead of renting), I am SO going to have an actual library…with sufficient shelf space.
Susan, I love your Lucky Writing Charms
I have some on my writing desk too. I’m re-reading SSAD this week for an upcoming blogpost and let me tell you: it’s even better the second time!
Aw, how sweet of you to re-read SS&D! Did you see that book 2 and the novella are up on Amazon now? I about had a heart attack when I saw…
Re: Writing charms, I actually found an unpacked box today with EVEN MORE. The top of my desk is now a dust magnet…
Love the idea of lucky charms! Your pups are absolutely adorable. And that reading nook looks so lovely — sunlight is the best ingredient to any good reading space IMO.
Sunlight is SO the key ingredient. Of course, lately it’s been super cloudy…but at least I can still gaze outside at all the pretty fall leaves.
You named your dog Asimov? As in Isaac Asimov, I assume? How awesome!
Yes! As in Isaac Asimov! And Leia as in the Princess.
I am a HUGe sci-fi girl. Hubby indulges, though he really has no idea who those people are.
I like the first pic, with the desk by the window and the sunlight. So peaceful and inspiring!
It IS peaceful…when my Muse cooperates. Lately, I feel like it’s a wee bit stressful, but whenever that happens, I just get up and move to the other desk! I’m psycho, I know, but I learned years ago that I need two separate spaces for creativity….
I seriously love both of your writing spaces. Writing near a window is something I find to be very inspirational. I love seeing where writers craft their masterpieces!
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I agree that writing beside a window is a MUST. I tend to stare out them…a lot…
Oh My GOD!!!! Can I just have…well your whole writing space, you’ve got me sold on this one!!! The books, that is a whole lot of books missy!! I love it!!!!!!!!!!!!! I most definitely love your writing desk!!
Oh, thanks!! I’ll let my husband know you approve of the desk he made.
It’s nice to know I’m not the only person that has to stack her books vertically so they all fit on the shelf. Or mostly on the shelf. I think I still have a random box of them stashed under my desk.
Yes…there are a few random boxes of books stashed around my house. And in the garage. They have yet to be dealt with because I have NO IDEA where I will put them…. :-/
Okay so I have to write an entry about my favorite picture.
well my favorite picture in the whole world is Rusty Fisher book cover Zombies don’t Cry. I can stare at the cover forever! Then my second favorite picture or book cover has to be Something Strange and Deadly. And lastly City of Bones. I can stare at Jace’s abs forever:)-
Oh yes, Jace’s abs. One can never have too much of those…
No!!!!!!! I mean my favorite picture is the one with the books!!!!
its totally like my books are every where around the house:bathroom,bedroom,living room,kitchen,ect.
Haha! I think I like how you answered it the other way better.
But yay for books everywhere!!
Dogs!!! I am in love with the dogs! They are so adorable!!!
Thanks! I’m pretty partial, but I definitely think they’re adorable too.
And they keep me from going too stir crazy.
You have an awesome workspace. Both of them! Love all that natural light from the patio door. And omg, all the bookshelves *_* I’m totally playing Spot the Book Spine lol. And the doggies!
Dude, I started playing spot the book spine for my own pic too! I was like, “I wonder if there’s anything embarrassing in this photo…”
I actually really enjoy the fact that you have two writing spaces. I find that I basically do the same thing with my own writing. I have my desk and then a nice mushroom chair in my room, but I also like going to the library or to coffee shops for a change of scenery.
Yes, coffee shops or libraries are also places I LOVE to go. Or just sitting on my porch (in the summer…now it’s too cold) can be nice as well. Gotta switch up the scenery for my muse’s sake.
Thank you for this awesome give away! By the way, your website layout is SO cool. I mean, look at this comment box! hahaha!
My favorite picture is the one of your reading Nook. Only because I have wished for a long time that I had one of my own, but living in a small apartment I don’t have one yet. I also liked the one that showed where your books are because I can definitely relate to having books everywhere.
Aghhhh!!! This sounds great! I heard about it on Goodreads and I can’t wait until it comes out! Plus that cover is just GORGEOUS!!
Love the desk with the view. So peaceful!
Wow! just love your home and working area! it’s just an writer’s paradise, when i will be having my home, i just exactly know where to borrow ideas for home and workspace from(here!)