About a family faced with tragedy, secrets, and misconceptions, No Ordinary Thursday by Anoop Judge, is a wonderful new novel. Please welcome Anoop back to Choices and be sure to comment about your book reactions below. Also, please read her special essay written just for us about her writing life.
A Peek into My Writing Life
by Anoop Judge
When I decided to transition from a career in law to one in writing, I envisioned a tranquil life spent crafting stories in a cozy study. Reality, however, has been a blend of routine, inspiration, and occasional chaos. Here’s a glimpse into my daily life as a writer.
My day begins before the sun rises. The quiet of the early morning is sacred to me. With a cup of strong coffee in hand, I settle into my writing nook—my office which is a space filled with books, notes, and inspiration boards. These first few hours are my most productive. There’s a unique magic to the pre-dawn stillness that allows creativity to flow unimpeded.
Every writer has their rituals, and mine involve a strict adherence to a writing schedule. I typically write for four to five hours each morning, setting goals for word counts or chapters to complete. My novels, from ‘The Rummy Club’ to ‘Mercy and Grace,’ have all been born out of these disciplined sessions. Some days, the words come effortlessly; on others, it’s a battle to fill a single page. But persistence is key.
By late morning, my focus shifts to other tasks—responding to emails, preparing for upcoming teaching sessions, or conducting research. Balancing writing with teaching at institutions like The Writers’ Grotto and Stanford University has taught me the importance of time management. Each role fuels the other; teaching keeps me grounded in the fundamentals of storytelling, while writing provides fresh perspectives to share with my students.
Afternoons are reserved for activities that replenish my creative well. This might mean a walk in my neighborhood with my rambunctious Westie, a Pilates class or simply reading a book. Inspiration can strike anywhere—a snippet of conversation, a television show, or the rhythm of city life. These moments of reflection are crucial, allowing ideas to simmer and develop before they make it to the page.
Evenings are often spent revising the morning’s work. The first draft is never perfect; it’s in the editing where the story truly comes to life. I also participate in workshops and writing groups, such as the Amherst Writers Program, where I exchange feedback with fellow writers. These sessions are invaluable, providing fresh eyes and perspectives that help refine my narratives.
As a wife, mother and community member, balancing family life with writing is a constant juggle. My husband and I are now empty nesters but when my children were young their needs often took precedence, and I learned to adapt my schedule around their routines. Writing in shorter bursts or late at night became a necessity, but it was a challenge I embraced.
Each day in my writing life is different, a mix of structured routine and spontaneous creativity. As I look forward to new projects and teaching opportunities, I remain committed to the craft of writing. The journey from litigator to writer has been filled with challenges, but it’s a path I wouldn’t trade for anything.
For anyone dreaming of a writing career, my advice is simple: write every day, stay curious, and embrace the journey with all its twists and turns. The stories waiting to be told are worth every moment of the ride.
About the Author
Speak Your Mind