"I’d like you to write an article on how you spend your days," the editor’s voice whispers into my ear, from the other side of the telephone line.

Her words are filled with anticipation and curiosity. I can almost hear her thinking, "A pubbed author has the most thrilling life ever. So different from the boring days of ordinary people."

I can’t help peeking around. I’m sitting at my computer in an overstuffed office room. It’s a complete mess around me. Empty coffee cups, dirty juice glasses, half eaten cookies, folders, and shoe boxes next to a computer screen, a printer and a keyboard.

Bookshelves against the walls, almost collapsing under the weight of thousands of romance novels, including my own books, and large carton boxes with my published short stories in hundreds of colorful magazines.

The floor is covered by sheets of paper, wires, cable cords, yellow sticky notes that didn’t stick at all, and five woolly sleeping cats. It’s a true miracle I fit in.

"My life is quite dull, actually," I confess. "Exciting things only happen in my head."

Sometimes, I put my fingers on my keyboard and the words flow out. On dark moments, I lean back in my chair, staring at the cobwebs, asking myself why on earth I ever craved being a writer.

"Our readers want to know everything about book signings, newspaper interviews, where you get your ideas and so on," the editor insists. "I expect the piece to sit on my desk by next Monday."

With a shrug, I surrender. "Okay, but never tell me I didn’t warn you."

Putting back the phone, I struggle to my feet. I can’t write in this mess. High time to clean up first!

As I return with the vacuum cleaner, the cats run out as fast as they can, creating a nice free spot in the middle of my office.

But when my hand flicks the switch, a marvelous idea flashes through my head. Of course!

This is the plot twist I need so badly to defeat the sagging middle in my novel.

Jumping over the vacuum cleaner, I rush to my keyboard and start typing my brains out...

Greetings from The Netherlands!

    :-) Anita Verkerk.