How to Work from Home: Lisa Walker's Tips

Welcome to the week, and to a new blog series here at Wakefield Press! Introducing How to Work From Home: Authors talk about how they stay productive.

Like many others, we’ve recently begun the transition from office work to working from home. It’s a strange transition to make, and we need some help. We’ve interviewed a collection of our favourite authors to get their best tips, tricks and truths about working from home.
Next in the series is Lisa Walker, whose body-positive detective romp, The Girl with the Gold Bikini, features a hearty appreciation for the glitz and glamour of the Gold Coast. Lisa writes novels for adults and young adults, and has written an ABC Radio National play. She has worked in environmental communication and as a wilderness guide, and recently spent six months in a Kmart tent in outback Australia.

Is writing your full-time job, or do you have another job to keep you busy? If you have more than one job, what’s the split between that job and writing?

Writing has been my job for the last few years because I’m doing a PhD in creative writing and I have a scholarship to support that, which is wonderful. Before that, I worked three days a week for many years, so that I could write on the other days.

How do you usually structure a writing day?

I’m a bit flexible, as it depends on how good the surf is! I’m usually at my desk by about 9.30 but sometimes later if the surf is good. I’ll have a break every couple of hours for about half an hour. I usually wind up by around five o’clock. I’m pretty much brain-dead by then anyway.

How do you keep yourself on task when you’re working from home?

I make sure I’m at the desk throughout the day and I use an internet blocker to try to stay on track. With everything so strange and crazy lately, I’ve definitely been a bit distracted, but I haven’t beaten myself up too much about that. There’s a lot to take in right now, and I think we need to be kind to ourselves.

How do you take a break properly?

I always do some exercise before I start writing. If the surf isn’t happening, I’ll walk or ride on the beach. I then have a couple of mini-breaks during the day. If I start to get sleepy, I’ll often do a short yoga session mid-afternoon to wake me up. I also like to play the ukulele as it really gets me in a different headspace.

Do you have any favourite treats or things to have nearby to help you work?

I start off with a nice cup of coffee, then I have a big bottle of water and frequent cups of tea throughout the day. Writing is surprisingly thirsty work. I also eat a lot of nuts!

What are your thoughts on getting dressed for work when your office is at home?

Definitely not! Appearance is not a priority, I just wear whatever is comfortable. My look can get pretty bad, particularly at the moment, when I have no real reason to smarten myself up. I guess I’ll have to do something about my hair at some stage.

What are your top tips for working from home? Alternatively, what has working from home taught you?

My top tip is the Pomodoro method, in which you work in twenty-five minute blocks with a five-minute break between them. It helps to keep me motivated and I do a few stretches between writing blocks so I don’t seize up.
My next tip is that I love the internet blocker, Freedom. When I start writing, I’ll set a two-hour Freedom session then have a break, then do another two hours and, if I’ve got the energy, a third one. It keeps me focused.
My third tip is that I’ll usually do at least a two-hour block of new writing, which takes the most creative energy, first-up. Then, if necessary, I can do other writing-related work such as promotion in the afternoon when I’m tired.

What does your workspace look like, and where is it?  Would you change anything about it?

My workspace is a room at the bottom of our house. The good part is that it’s roomy and mostly quiet. The not so great part is that, being under the house, it’s a little dark. But being away from the action is the main thing, especially now that my son and husband are also at home for the duration of this pandemic. I have a stand-up desk, which I like, though I still probably spend more time sitting than standing.

What are you working on at the moment?

I’m finalising my PhD, which is due for submission in July. This is a thesis and a novel, which is focused on an older male character, so it’s bit of a change in direction! I’m also working on a new young adult novel. I alternate between the two as the mood takes me.

Keep up to date with Lisa by following her on her website, Facebook, or Twitter (or all three!). Read more about The Girl with the Gold Bikini over on our website. You can also read an excerpt of the book here.

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