Writing routines- writing crime novels, Pauline Rowson explains her routine

[Pauline Rowson]

I'm often asked if I have a writing routine.  There are a writers who write the same time every day come what may; others will write a certain number of words every day and say, 'when I've done my quota, I'll knock off writing.'  Me?  I have no real  set routine and I don't count the number of words.  Some days the words will flow and I can spend up to eight hours, maybe more writing.  Other days I will struggle to find the correct words. If the latter happens I will usually pick up my knitting, do some sewing or go for a walk.  My mind is constantly working though, thinking through the plots or sub plots, developing characters. I do, however, try to write or 'think' my novels every day. And if I can, I usually work on my crime novels every late afternoon and early evening, knocking off about 7.30pm.

I'm currently working in pencil on my outline plot, working up ideas for the new DI Andy Horton, which will be number eight in the series. Then I'll start to put down some character sketches before starting on the first draft of what I call the creative writing, which goes direct onto the computer.  When I will begin this creative writing stage I'm not quite sure yet, but it shouldn't be long. I like to start writing as soon as possible and then the plot builds its own momentum and the characters begin to come to life.