Burns probably had another profession in mind when he dropped that quip, but thanks to the invention of the internet and the laptop, I do get to make money from bed… as a freelance writer. And as a bonus, every day is take-your-kitty-to-work day!
Today was a pretty typical work-day for myself and my "staff" (Suzy-cat, that is). With 10,000 words due at noon, I could have gotten started yesterday when I was sent the assignment, but instead I spent the evening on enjoyable sidetracks–writing about Peeing Trees and reading Artemis Fowl and watching the fourth Pirates of the Caribbean movie which arrived from Netflix and… well, stuff that wasn't writing-for-deadline.
So I set my phone for a 5 a.m performance of MercyMe's "You Reign" to get me going with an early start. (It takes some wicked Smashmatics at times, but I don't miss writing deadlines). Snoozy Suzy didn't even stir a whisker from her perch atop my hubby's tummy, but I got up, poured my first mug of coffee, and climbed back under the quilts, armed with my keyboard and caffeine.
After an hour or so, Suzy made the "commute" across the few inches of comforter to give me a hand paw with the typing, and between the two of us we got ten thousand words sent in by deadline. I can't even say I mind the early start, since I didn't really have to get up to go to work. Purring all around!
Previous Post O Peeing Tree, O Peeing Tree!
"A paw in time saves nine" – old cat proverb.
Kana, I totally fell in love with your tabby tabbing! Yes, this is definitely the way to avoid angst meeting a 10,000 word, same-day deadline!
Feeling incredibly jealous. I think working from home may be in my future.
Well, I will agree that working from home does have its advantages. Although, there was one "commuting" accident that involved my face and a rather rudely placed wall–not sure why they put that wall right next to the door, seems like bad planning for the morning.
I am jealous of those of you who have the extra assistance, even if they are paws…then again, everyone needs pawsitive reinforcements.
Consider yourself lucky; our cat prefers to drape himself across the keyboard.
It takes me DAYS to write a 650 word article (with sources and quotes,) and that's after doing it at least once a month for two and half years. Maybe non-fiction isn't MY gig…I bow to you!
Cats are always so willing to help!
What IS it with cats and keyboards! Mine does that too.
Ah, yes the joys of being a full-time freelance writer working from home. My cat doesn't help with the typing unfortunatly. Prue just likes to sit in my lap and dig her needle sharp claws into my thighs, while purring incessantly, which is really more of a distraction than an assistance. I admire your focus and ability to get 10,000 words down in a morning. I need to get up to that kind of speed.
You are, my dear, what they call prolific. I hate you. No, I envy you. You are much too sweet and likeable to ever hate. Besides how could I do anything, but adore the creater of this blog.
Aloha Kako'u, With all due respect to Suzy, your quote of George Burns has aroused my curiosity. Should I consider changing my signature line to "Keoni Da Literary Pimp"?
Your job sounds ideal, but I'm afraid I would snooze through the writing time and miss deadlines. My staff, (Cassie the talking cat,) has to live with my mom, but I visit whenever I can. She always gives me moral support.
I receive your posts in the email, but when I click on the name of the post, or on comments, I get 'page not found, try Searching.' Does this happen to others, do you know? Thanks — I love your writing!
I am also an author and writer working from home and my cats are my muses-I couldn't do without their wisdom and companionship. Like many writers, I'm a bit of a recluse. Cleo loves sitting in the 'in tray' near my lap top, and Zak sits up on the desk occasionally running across the keys if he thinks my writing isn't purrfect!
My oh my. Ten thousand words from 5:00 am till noon. Even with two felines, I wouldn't be up for the task. I take way too much time "changing my mind" and rewriting.
I love the insight in your process! I myself tend to end up on the coach when I do freelance gigs!
Ten THOUSAND words? Holy smokin' keyboard, Batman, no wonder you need kitty's help! I also have feline "help" but he only helps with the procrastination part. He's Siamese so when he comes and demands things, he's hard to ignore.
Sometimes my kitty sits on the desk beside me and keeps me company while I faff on the internet. But, echoing previous folks, 10K words? I'd have had a heart attack. It took me 2 months to write a 6K operational manual.