Tag: career

career, writing

A Day in the Life of a Full-Time Writer

Elizabeth Yuen

Being a full-time writer is a dream job for many, but it’s far from lounging around in pajamas and waiting for inspiration to strike. It’s a balancing act between creativity, discipline, and the everyday responsibilities of homemaking. For me, every day is a dance between writing deadlines, caring for my family, and managing a high-energy border collie named Scout. Here’s a look at a typical day in my life as a full-time writer.

4:30 AM – Wake Up Call

The world is still and quiet—a perfect time for creativity. I’m up at 4:30 AM, often before the sun, to carve out time for my writing. It’s not easy to wake up this early, but I’ve found that the peace and stillness of the early morning hours are ideal for getting into a creative flow. I get my pre-workout and bake something to eat for my family later in the day before I sit at my desk and open my laptop.

5:00 AM – Writing Session

By 5:00 AM, I’m fully immersed in my current project. Whether I’m drafting new chapters, editing, or outlining my next book, these two hours are sacred. It’s my most focused time of the day—no interruptions, no emails, just me and the story. This is when I’ve written some of my best work, including large chunks of my books in the Seasonally Spellbound series.

7:00 AM – Get Ready for the Gym

By 7:00 AM, it’s time to switch gears. I get myself and my little one ready to head out the door. This means packing snacks, getting gym clothes on, and making sure we’re both prepared for the morning ahead.

8:00 AM – Workout

At 8:00 AM, I’m at the gym. Movement is essential not just for my body but for my mind. Exercise keeps me energized and sharp for the rest of the day. It’s also a chance to clear my head and let story ideas percolate in the background. I’ve solved more than one plot problem while doing a set of squats.

10:00 AM – Walk Scout

Back home by 10:00 AM, it’s time for Scout’s walk. Our border collie has boundless energy, so this walk is non-negotiable. We stroll around the neighborhood, and I’ll often use this time to brainstorm scenes or listen to audiobooks related to writing or storytelling.

10:30 AM – Morning Snack

After the walk, it’s snack time. A quick, healthy snack gives me a boost before diving into the next phase of my day.

11:00 AM – Clean or Dog Park During Child’s Nap

At 11:00 AM, my child goes down for a nap, and I’m faced with a choice: clean the house or take Scout to the dog park. On cleaning days, I’m tackling laundry, tidying up toys, and doing small household tasks that keep everything running smoothly. On dog park days, it’s a chance for Scout to run off her energy while I get a mental break.

12:00 PM – Writing Session

Once the cleaning or park trip is done, I’m back at my desk for another writing session at 12:00 PM. These early afternoon hours are quieter but often less focused than my 5:00 AM session. I’m juggling ideas and pushing forward on chapters, but I’m also mindful that the day’s responsibilities are piling up.

2:00 PM – Lunch Break

At 2:00 PM, it’s time to pause for lunch. It’s a chance to refuel, check in with my family, and take a breather before the afternoon push.

3:00 PM – Playtime with Scout

After lunch, I’ll spend some time in the backyard with Scout and with my son. We play fetch, chase, or practice training exercises. It’s a chance for us to get some fresh air, and it’s another moment of “active brainstorming” for me—where story ideas come together when I’m not actively thinking about them.

4:00 PM – Writing Session at the Gym (With Childwatch)

At 4:00 PM, it’s time for the second workout session of the day—but for me, it’s less about exercise and more about childcare. While my child is in childwatch at the gym, I’ll find a quiet spot to write. I’ve learned to be adaptable during this window, knowing that interruptions can happen. But having this dedicated block of time helps me stay on track.

6:00 PM – Dinner and Bedtime Routine

By 6:00 PM, it’s dinner time for the whole family. We sit down together to eat, talk about our day, and unwind a bit. After dinner, it’s time to get my child ready for bed—bath, pajamas, bedtime stories, and snuggles. It’s a cherished part of my day, and I’m fully present for it.

7:00 PM – “Closing Hour” Cleaning Session

Once the little one is asleep, it’s time for my “closing hour”—an hour of straight cleaning. I’ll tackle dishes, organize toys, fold laundry, and reset the house for the next day. It’s part of my “clean slate” philosophy: waking up to a tidy home makes it easier to focus on writing in the morning.

8:00 PM – Wind Down

At 8:00 PM, I’m officially done with household tasks. It’s time to decompress. I’ll read a book, watch a show, or simply relax. I’m mindful not to bring any more “work” into this space. This hour is sacred and sets the tone for a good night’s sleep.

8:30 PM – Lights Out

By 8:30 PM, it’s lights out. I’ve learned that to maintain my 4:30 AM wake-up routine, I need to prioritize rest. Sleep is non-negotiable. I’ve also learned that it’s not just about the quantity of sleep but the quality. A full night’s rest ensures I’m ready to do it all again the next day.

Being a full-time writer requires discipline, but it’s also a job filled with joy, creativity, and flexibility. Every day looks a little different, but this schedule keeps me grounded. Balancing writing, homemaking, and family life isn’t easy—but it’s worth every early morning and late-night cleaning session. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to live the life of a full-time writer, know this: it’s a marathon, not a sprint.

career, lifestyle

Finding Creative Inspiration in Domestic Life

Elizabeth Yuen

As a writer and a stay-at-home mom, my days are filled with everyday tasks—gardening, decorating, cooking, laundry—that may seem far removed from the creative process of storytelling. But over time, I’ve discovered that these activities are more than just chores; they’re powerful sources of inspiration, each offering a unique lens through which I can explore characters, settings, and stories. In fact, the rhythms of domestic life have become an integral part of my writing process.

Decorating and World-Building

Decorating my home is another activity that sparks my creativity. When I arrange furniture or add decorative touches, I’m not just designing a space; I’m considering the mood and energy it brings. Similarly, when I craft the settings in my stories, I think about how the environment reflects my characters’ inner worlds.

For instance, in my current work “The Midnight Masquerade,” the protagonist, Vespera Blackwood, attends a mysterious Halloween masquerade held at a gothic mansion. Drawing on my experiences decorating my own home, I picture the dark, ornate furniture, the flickering candlelight, and the deep, jewel-toned colors that saturate the space. Every detail—from the grand chandelier to the worn velvet curtains—serves as a reflection of the supernatural world Vespera finds herself in. Just as I carefully curate my living space to feel comfortable yet intriguing, I build my story’s settings with purpose, considering how they influence the characters’ emotions and decisions.

The Meditative Creativity of Laundry

Even something as mundane as doing laundry can spark creativity. The repetitive motion of folding clothes, the rhythmic hum of the washing machine—it all becomes a kind of meditation. In those quiet moments, my mind often drifts, unlocking creative solutions or generating new ideas for my stories. I’ve come to appreciate these seemingly “mindless” tasks as opportunities to let my imagination roam freely.

Laundry, with its cyclical nature, also reminds me of the passage of time—something I like to explore in my character development. As I fold clothes, I think about the little details that make characters human: the way someone holds onto an old sweater for sentimental reasons, or how the scent of fresh linens might evoke a childhood memory. These everyday objects can become powerful symbols in a story, giving characters depth and grounding the narrative in reality.

Incorporating Domestic Life into My Writing

In my writing, I love to weave elements of domestic life into my characters’ backgrounds and their day-to-day existence. I find that it adds layers of realism and relatability. A character who gardens may be someone who craves control or peace in their life. A character who obsessively decorates their space might be hiding insecurities or longing for a sense of belonging. Even something as simple as doing laundry can reveal aspects of a character’s personality—whether they’re meticulous, distracted, or using the task as a way to cope with emotions.

Finding Creativity in the Everyday

Ultimately, creativity is everywhere, even in the most routine activities. By embracing the domestic side of life, I’ve found inspiration in the ordinary. Gardening, decorating, laundry—they all offer new perspectives, sensory details, and emotional layers that help bring my stories to life. As I navigate the balance between motherhood and writing, I’ve learned that inspiration doesn’t always come from quiet, uninterrupted time at my desk. Sometimes, the best ideas grow out of the soil, the living room, or even the laundry basket.

If you’re a writer, I encourage you to look for creativity in your own daily life. You might be surprised by how the simplest tasks can fuel your imagination and deepen your storytelling. Whether it’s setting the stage for your next scene or finding a new layer of complexity for your characters, inspiration is all around you—waiting to be uncovered in the most unexpected places.

career, lifestyle

Writing and Workout Routines: How I Structure My Day for Both

Elizabeth Yuen

As a stay-at-home mom, writer, and someone who values staying active, finding balance in my daily schedule has been a journey. I’ve crafted a routine that helps me juggle writing, homemaking, and working out, while still making time for my family. Here’s a glimpse into what my typical day looks like:

6:00 AM: Early Start for Breakfast and Writing

The alarm goes off, and I start my day at 6 AM. After grabbing a quick breakfast, I dive straight into writing. This is my sacred hour, where the house is quiet, and I can focus on my creative projects. It’s a golden time to get into the flow and make headway on my novel before the day’s responsibilities kick in.

7:00 AM: Getting Ready for the Day

At 7 AM, I shift gears and start getting ready for the day. Outfits, shoes, bags—everything has to be in place before I head out the door. It’s a busy time––especially as a mom, but I’ve learned to embrace the hustle as part of the morning rhythm.

8:00 AM: Workout Class

By 8 AM, I’m at the gym for a workout class while my kid is in child watch. This is a crucial part of my routine, not only for staying healthy but also for keeping my mind sharp and energized. The hour spent moving and sweating is a great way to reset my brain, giving me the stamina to tackle the rest of the day.

9:30 AM: Childwatch Pickup

After my class, I pick my child up from the gym’s child watch. It’s a quick transition from workout mode back into mom mode, but it’s worth every minute of fitness time. Plus, my little one gets some fun playtime with friends while I’m working out.

10:00 AM: Nap Time Means Clean and Write Time

By 10 AM, it’s time for my child’s first morning nap. This is another golden hour for me. First, I take care of any cleaning or household tasks that need attention. Once the house is in order, I grab my laptop and get back to writing. Whether it’s refining dialogue, plotting, or getting lost in my characters’ world, I make the most of this uninterrupted time.

The Rest of the Day

The afternoon brings more family time, errands, and homemaking tasks. I fit in bits of writing wherever I can, but the morning is when I do the bulk of my creative writing. I love ending the day with a sense of accomplishment from both writing and homemaking, feeling balanced between my roles.

It’s not always easy, but having a structured routine helps me prioritize my passions and responsibilities. Writing, homemaking, and staying active all get their time to shine in my schedule, and that balance keeps me energized and fulfilled.

lifestyle

How to Save for the Big Leap: Building a Financial Cushion to Pursue Writing Full Time

Elizabeth Yuen

Financial security was a priority when I decided to transition to full-time homemaking and pursue my passion for writing. Building a safety net was essential before making this leap. Read on to find out how I approached this massive life change and for tips and tricks to help you make your own leap of faith.

1. Setting Up an Emergency Fund

The first step was creating an emergency fund. I aimed to save at least three to six months’ worth of living expenses. This fund can be separate from your regular savings and should be strictly reserved for emergencies—unexpected home repairs, medical expenses, or anything life might throw my way. To stay disciplined, I recommend setting up automatic transfers into a high-yield savings account, making it easier to watch your fund grow.

Setting up an emergency fund can seem daunting at first, but if you start small, it can add up over time. Plus, by choosing an account that earns interest but is still accessible when needed, you can access your funds quickly should an emergency arise.

2. Paying Off Debt

Debt can be a heavy burden, especially when income might become less predictable. Before becoming a full-time homemaker and writer, I made paying off high-interest debt a top priority. I recommend paying off high-interest debts first (like credit cards), as it accumulates quickly. When I first started, I used Dave Ramsey’s “debt snowball” method to get me going. By eliminating my student loan debt, I reduced the pressure on my budget, freeing up more money for day-to-day expenses and savings.

3. Budgeting for a Financial Buffer

In addition to my emergency fund, I created a financial buffer for the unpredictable costs that come with managing a household and creative work. I anticipated the expenses related to my writing career, from purchasing books and writing tools to attending workshops or even hiring a babysitter for dedicated writing time. Having this buffer in place gave me the confidence to explore opportunities without the constant worry of overspending.

If you’re planning on leaving a typical nine-to-five job, I recommend setting aside funds specifically for your creative and/or career-related expenses. I also recommend accounting for irregular or seasonal costs (Christmas gifts, anyone?) when budgeting.

4. Living Within (and Below) My Means

One of the most important habits I developed was living below my means. This allowed me to continue saving, even as I focused on managing a household. Tracking expenses, cutting unnecessary costs, and prioritizing essential spending helped keep my finances in check.

I started doing this well before I ever got married. I would regularly review my spending to find areas where I could cut back. I also made lifestyle adjustments when I was single that supported my long-term financial goals like taking up exercise that didn’t cost much money (running, hiking, or using my old apartment’s gym equipment over an expensive gym membership), doing free activities (going to a park for a date, cooking for friends at home instead of going out, volunteering for charities to make even more friends), and making sure I was eating at home a lot of the time.

5. Planning for the Long Term

Finally, I didn’t lose sight of my long-term goals. Even while focusing on immediate financial security, I made sure to contribute to retirement accounts and consider my future financial needs. Balancing short-term demands with long-term planning helped me feel more secure in my decision to become a full-time homemaker and writer.

Conclusion

Building a financial safety net allowed me to confidently step into full-time homemaking and writing. With the right planning—saving for emergencies, reducing debt, budgeting wisely, and living below my means—I was able to pursue my passion without sacrificing financial security. For anyone considering a similar path, careful financial preparation can make all the difference.

career, March 2024

Quitting Corporate: Why I Left My Six-Figure Job

Elizabeth Yuen

I’ve been in the corporate world for almost nine years now. Working in cybersecurity for the majority of that time, I had a pretty great career. I have worked with executives, interview industry experts, and got to be a part of two companies becoming unicorns. I have traveled across the globe annually for work (I went to Spain—twice!) and have received amazing benefits (hello box tickets to see Dave Chapelle).

Plus the money? The money was good.

I went from scraping by, living paycheck to paycheck to making $120K per year (plus an 11% bonus). I had a stable income, a wonderful job, and great coworkers time and time again.

All-in-all, it has been an incredible ride. So why would I leave?

The simple answer: I wanted a change.

The Corporate Conundrum

Stability is fantastic—most people thrive on it. There’s the financial side of things: knowing exactly when money is going to hit your bank account, how much will be in there, and what you’re going to spend it on (groceries, bills, that purse you’ve been saving up for, etc.). There’s also beauty in the corporate routine—you wake up, get ready, go to work, and then go home. You know exactly what every day will look like.

My days were predictable. And I loved that.

But as time went on, I realized I was spending a lot of my time chasing after other people’s dreams. Day in and day out, I spent 8 hours a day working in cybersecurity. I would get off of work and have little to no energy to do the things that I wanted to do. Any energy I did have leftover was spent on my family—being a wife and (more recently in the past six months) a mother. Both roles I love deeply from the bottom of my heart.

But for 8 hours of the day, I was chasing after the dreams of whatever company I was working for and not my own. And that begs the question: what are my dreams?

Embracing My Calling

In kindergarten, everyone is asked what they want to be when they grow up. Some kids want to be astronauts, others want to be firefighters and a special few want to be Batman or Superman.

For me? I figured I would be a music teacher like my mom. My parents encouraged my musical talents, getting me my clarinet and paying for singing lessons. I loved performing in concerts and I kicked butt at the vocal competitions. So I went to school for music education.

But when it actually came time to actually teach, I realized I sucked at it. I royally sucked at it. To the point where I needed to switch my major from music education in college to something else entirely. Yes. I was that bad.

So I switched majors, got my English degree, and graduated college.

Now, I’ve seen some authors come out the gate swinging—focusing all their efforts on getting published. And I’m happy for them. But my focus when I graduated college was one thing: money. I needed money to pay off my student loans and not be a burden on my parents.

So my creativity was pushed to the side while I went down a corporate career path that served me well for years. But there was always a part of me that wanted to go back to my dream of writing. And that dream of writing also tied in with my dream of becoming a stay-at-home mom.

Breaking Free: The Decision to Leave the Corporate World

Leaving the corporate world to pursue my dream of becoming a stay-at-home mom and writer was a decision that had been years in the making. It wasn’t a whim or a desire that came out of nowhere. It was a goal that had been cultivated after tons of careful consideration and unyielding determination.

When I said goodbye to my job in February, I knew I was embarking on a new chapter of my life. I was both excited and scared. Would I regret my decision? Would I be bored? Would I be disciplined enough to achieve my writing goals while simultaneously being a homemaker for my family?

Now, as March draws to a close, I can confidently say that I have zero doubts or regrets about my decision. I wake up in the morning energized knowing that I have plenty of time to be both a mother and a writer. The ability to nurture my family while also pursuing my creative ambitions brings me an unparalleled sense of fulfillment and contentment. The freedom to shape my days according to my own priorities and aspirations is a privilege I cherish deeply.

Instead of feeling constrained by the demands of a corporate career, I am empowered by the autonomy to pursue my goals on my own terms. This newfound balance between motherhood and writing has brought me immense joy and satisfaction, affirming that I made the right choice for myself and my family. Looking back, I am grateful for the courage to take that leap of faith and for the incredible sense of fulfillment it has brought into my life.

Conclusion

To those who also want to hop on the bandwagon of quitting corporate, I suggest you weigh your decision carefully as I did. The main thing is making sure you are stable financially to do so and have enough self-discipline to plan out your day. Once you determine that you are ready, take the leap of faith and follow your dreams.

career

Public Speaking 101: Tips to Get Through It

Elizabeth Yuen

“I’d love to give a presentation on social selling to the company.”

The words slipped right out of my mouth before I could even process what I was saying. No one had asked me to present. No one had even bothered to ask me for social selling advice in the past.

So why was I offering to give a presentation on social selling?

Because I just knew that I had to do it. To gain some more experience, teach my coworkers how they can use social media to their advantage, and to prove to myself that I could do it.tumblr_inline_nbrq1drg2f1rvajeq

The next thing I knew, I was up in front of about 50 employees with two (or was it three?) cameras all set on me as I talked about social selling for 30 minutes. And those cameras? They were recording so my presentation can be sent to over a thousand employees in other locations.

No pressure.

Public speaking is never easy, no matter how much experience you’ve had. That stage fright never really goes away. I was terrified up until I started my presentation and let what I had practiced come into play.

If you’re dealing with a public speaking event, here are a few of my tips to help you get through it:

  1. Take a Public Speaking Course
    If you haven’t already taken a public speaking course, sign up for one today! The public speaking course I took was back in college a few years ago, but the techniques I learned then still help me with presentations today. If you can’t take a public speaking course…
  2. Try out Toastmasters
    Toastmasters has meetings in almost any city you can think of. They’re an organization that is dedicated to helping people develop communication and leadership skills. When you attend a meeting, you get to practice your presentation or speech in front of others, and they will offer feedback that will help you hone your skills.
  3. Join an Actors Group
    Acting can help you get used to being in front of a crowd. It might be intimidating at first, but even if you’re not a such great actor, you can still have fun while learning to get in front of a crowd.
  4. Outline Your Speech
    Do not write a 5 paragraph essay and then attempt to memorize it. It never goes over well. Simply outline your speech with specific points and facts that you want to make sure you mention in your speech and then talk about those points and facts when you present. This keeps the pressure of trying to make sure every word is perfect away and focuses more on the ideas and facts you want to present.
  5. Prep In Advance
    This means practicing your presentation, getting your PowerPoint slides ready, and memorizing your speech outline. Practice for 15 minutes a day and you’ll be fine.

Do you have any more suggestions to make? Leave a comment below and let me know your thoughts.

career

One More Reason to Save…

Elizabeth Yuen

Written by Liz Britton

Just this past January, Paulette Perhach wrote an article for The Billfold called “A Story of the Fuckoff Fund“. The article depicts a nightmarish scenario where the main character (you) has just graduated college and is off into the world of adulthood. Little expenses such as lunch out with coworkers and shopping for pricier clothing add up, and the main
character gets into a relationship with a seemingly nice guy. Things get serious and the main character moves in with the boyfriend.

Things spiral downward fast when the “nice” boyfriend turns abusive and the boss starts hitting on the main character. Panicked, the main character has no idea what to do.

But Paulette Perhach provides a “choose your own adventure” option.

The first nightmarish scenario she provides could happen, or you could start your very own F*ck Off Fund right out of college like the main character in the second scenario. By shopping in thrift stores, skipping out on the expensive lunches with coworkers, and taking up a weekend job, the main character builds a strong F*ck Off Fund. This fund is meant to be her parachute – the thing that keeps her afloat when all hell breaks loose in her life.

The moment her boss starts hitting on her, she is able to drop by HR, report his creepy butt and strut out the front door. Living with an abusive boyfriend? No problem – she’s outta there and in a fabulous hotel room, searching for a new apartment just for her.

So many people fall into the trap of thinking that they’ll be fine and be able to rely on their SO or their parents to help them out with a financial crisis. In order to avoid this, the author suggests living like you’re still a broke college student. Don’t eat out, waitress on the weekends, buy from the thrift stores, and always keep your finances on the forefront of your mind.

Read this article to see how you can build your own F*ck Off Fund.

 

career

Stuck in a Rut? Ways to Conquer Writer’s Block

Elizabeth Yuen

Written by Liz Britton

Who here is guilty of writer’s block? I know I am. Anything from trying to write an essay to getting the words out for a blog post or working on your next epic novel can conjure up writer’s block.

And let me tell you: it is the worst. Especially when you have a deadline.

tumblr_mxhovcdibl1sglcspo1_500
Spongebob experiences writer’s block

Which is why I decided to attend a meeting led by Gail Z. Martin, author of The Chronicles of the Necromancer, that would address these issues. After sitting down with some fellow writers to discuss how to get out of a rut, I wanted to share a few ways you can over writer’s block and get back in the groove:

Take a Break

I know it seems like the world is ending and your work was due, like, yesterday, but taking a much needed 30 minute walk outside is good for you and for your writing. When you are stressed, you may suffer from lack of sleep, brain fog and other consequences that can derail your success.

Even taking a fifteen minute break to focus on something else can help jog your writing juices.

Exercise

According to the American Council on Exercise, just by exercising you can boost your work performance. Exercise comes with the benefits of re-charging your brain, allows you to do your best, focus more on the tasks at hand and gives you an edge in the work place.

One study showed that a supervised, pre-planting season exercise program among reforestation workers reduced injury rates from 22% to less than 5% — and increased productivity.
A daily supervised 10-minute stretching program among assembly-line workers showed significant improvement in joint flexibility, fatigue, anger, depression, and overall mood.

A nine–month study of 80 executives showed that exercisers experienced a 22% increase in fitness and a 70% improvement in ability to make complex decisions compared to sedentary peers.

A study of railroad workers showed that 75% of employees reported improvement in on-the-job concentration and overall productivity.

On top of helping you burn calories, exercise helps your concentration. So get your workout in today and reap benefits ASAP!

Work on Something Else

Yup. Step away from the laptop and go tackle that DIY project you’ve been meaning to get writingto for the past few months. Have laundry to do? Get it done while painting your nails. Go grocery shopping. Do something productive other than what you are trying to write.

One suggestion from a fellow writer was to “write in another dimension”. In other words: if you’re writing non-fiction, try a fictional world for a change. If you’re working on poetry, try short fiction. The point is to shock you out of your daily routine so you can get back into the work flow when you return.

Come back to work after an hour or two of doing something else, and you might be surprised what you are capable of accomplishing.

Walk and Talk it Out

We’ve already mentioned some of the benefits of exercise when it comes to your writing, but discussing your rut with a friend might help. Gail Z. Martin explained that whenever she is having trouble, she and her husband go for a walk to talk out where she is stuck in her writing.

By talking about it and processing it out loud, you will be able to work through your issues and even get an idea or two from your friend, partner, or coworker.

These are just a few of the ideas that were tossed around by myself and other writers. Leave a comment sharing what you do to get out of a writer’s rut!