Workspace Wednesday welcomes Trish Milburn

 

I’m especially delighted to have Trish Milburn as my guest today. Trish is a fellow member of the Wet Noodle Posse (or Noodlers, if you prefer), otherwise known as the RWA Golden Heart® finalling class of 2003. In fact, the WNP will be celebrating 10 years of noodly goodness when we all converge at the Romance Writers of America’s National Convention in Atlanta this year, and I cannot wait!

 

Trish is a gifted, prolific and versatile author. She writes emotional, heart-warming Harlequin Americans, as well as single title small town romances, romantic suspense, women’s fiction, and possibly my favorite – awesome YA. (Like this one below. Magick is the third book in Trish’s Coven trilogy from Bell Bridge Books.) She is also a huge Joss Whedon fan-girl and a Supernatural fanatic. In other words, she is made of sheer awesomeness.

 

 

Take it away, Trish.

 

TRISH MILBURN: Thanks for having me here today, Norah. I’m loving this series on workspaces because I enjoy seeing where other writers work, the things with which they surround themselves for inspiration. So here’s a peek at my office.

 

It’s one of the two bedrooms that face the street and gets a lot of afternoon sun. That means that it gets hot in the summer and I usually have a fan going in addition to the AC, but it’s nice in the winter because I’m such a cold-natured person and I need heat and sun. As you walk into the room from the hallway, you see my desk and main computer straight in front of you. I’ve added a small, secondary desk behind where I sit to hold file folders and my fax/copier.

 

 

But before you get to the desk, both walls as you enter the room are filled with maps. I love maps, and I collect ones from all of the National Park units that I visit. The long one on the left as you enter is of the Appalachian Trail. I have this dream of hiking the trail someday. Also on that wall is one of Yellowstone National Park, where my sister worked for a year. It’s such a surreal and gorgeous place, and I’ve only been able to visit a tiny fraction of all it has to offer. The final map on that wall is of all the National Park Service units. I have a goal of visiting all 300+ of them. The two framed photos are from my honeymoon almost 20 years ago. The waterfall is in Chimney Rock Park in North Carolina, where they filmed one of my favorite movies, Last of the Mohicans. The other is of Myrtle Beach at sunrise.

 

 

On the opposite wall are a map of the world and my giant map of the United States with all the counties in every state outlined. The ones highlighted in yellow are ones I’ve been in. Eventual goal is to visit them all. Yes, I’m a road trip kind of girl, how did you guess? 🙂

 

 

Also against this wall is my deadline schedule. This is for major deadlines for books and freelance articles.

 

 

My office is filled with things that make me happy. I think part of this is because I spend so much time in there, and partly because I never had my own room. I went from sharing with my sister to sharing a dorm room to getting married to the wonderful hubby. So my office is my space filled with my personality and interests. You can see that by the posters on the wall – Game of Thrones, Pirates of the Caribbean, Lord of the Rings and Supernatural.

 

 

A closer look shows a stack of the books I’ve had published, my Firefly figurines, my Doctor Who sonic screwdriver (Are you getting the geek-girl theme yet?), and a photo of me with my editor, agent and another Harlequin employee at Walt Disney World. Just out of this shot are my bear figurines, a picture of me with my husband, and my baby shoes that I brought home last year after my father passed away.

 

 

Above my desk is the framed piece of artwork by Rebecca Sinz that my husband commissioned for me. It depicts Jax, the main character in my Coven young adult series. I did mention my hubby was awesome, didn’t I? 🙂

 

 

In the other front corner of the room are some of my huge collection of books, my little TV, DVD player and the TiVo I bought myself when I sold my first book. I’m a big TV and movie fan, but sometimes deadlines are pressing and I can’t stop to watch my favorites when they’re on. I’d love to kiss whoever invented TiVo.

 

 

And finally, this is where the magic happens. LOL. While I spend a lot of time at my desktop computer doing e-mail, social networking, freelance articles, and work for my part-time job, I actually write books on my laptop, a lot of that writing happening in this old but comfy piece of a section couch. The truth is that I tend to do a combo of writing and watching TV. For whatever reason, it works to help me actually produce more pages. I write X amount of pages, then I get to watch a segment of a recorded program in between commercials. Then I have to write X more pages before I get to watch more. It’s the reward-for-good-behavior method of writing. J You’ll might also notice my little Winnie the Pooh and Eeyore from Disney World sitting atop the filing cabinet. I love Disney World, and Pooh is one of my all-time favorite characters.

 

 

When it’s nice, I’ve been known to take my netbook out to a nearby park by the lake and write at a picnic table, and when it’s cold in the winter, I sometimes write in bed with my feet and legs under the covers because, quite frankly, I’m a total wimp when it comes to cold weather. I get cold in November and often don’t thaw until April.

 

Thanks again for having me here today. I look forward to reading more of your Workplace Wednesday posts.

 

Thank you for that tour, Trish! I’m blown away by your workspace. Love it! And omigosh, that map! You are one well-traveled gal.

 

Okay, folks, it’s giveaway time! All you have to do for a chance to win is to comment on this post. To be won is a complete set of Trish’s American Romance “Teagues of Texas” trilogy. Ain’t it purdy?

 

 

 

50 Responses to “Workspace Wednesday welcomes Trish Milburn”

  • Very Nice!!! Quite interesting about the maps. I’d love to have a EXTRA LARGE world map but don’t know where to get my hands on it.

    I thought I was the only one who still loved Pooh! He’s always been and always will be my favorite character. I had everything Pooh when my first son was born.

    Blessings

    Renee-Ann

  • Wow! What a well lived-in office. It’s so cozy. Add a bathroom and a bed, and I could live there! More inspiration for moving into my new office. Thanks for inviting us in.

  • Karen Potter:

    Great space, Trish! I love seeing where other writers work.

  • Roxy Boroughs:

    I just LOVE this series, Nora. It’s so interesting to see everyone’s space. (Reminds me that I should clean up mine!)

    Thank you for sharing with us today, Trish. That map of the US is awesome. Happy travels.

  • In blowing up your US map on my computer, it looks like you were real close to visiting our Parish in Louisiana. And you didn’t drop in for coffee?

    My office is much like yours. I love the stuff that your ‘inner child’ has around. They promote creativity. My Pooh is Yoda. Love that little guy. “Try. Try not. Do or do not. There is no try.”

  • Hi Trish and Norah. Norah, I love these posts. And Trish, I LOVE all of the details you included…surrounded by all the things you love. I like reading about how you reward yourself with your favorite shows after you’ve written. Wonderful. I really want maps like you have and my own office and commissioned artwork of my book! Your husband is awesome. You’re awesome, too. Thanks for sharing.

  • Trish, you are so organized. I organize my desk, but it only takes a couple of weeks before it looks like I never touched it. I’ve been to all fifty states. I never thought about going to all the counties in a state. My next goal!

  • Hi, everyone. I’ve been loving this series, too, because I really like seeing writers’ natural environments. 🙂

    Renee-Ann, I got my big map from a local map store. You might see if you have one locally or nearby, or I’m sure they probably have online stores for them.

    • Jey:

      First wanna say ur lookin amnizag! Very Barbie Like That’s the perfect example of how to stay healthy. It’s the simple and fun things that are gonna make a difference. Simple like taking the stairs, parking further from a store you’re walking into and just lil things like that. And fun like taking a walk or jog around the park, playin tennis, or paddling a canoe. Shoot even playing the Wii can be a great way to exercise.I have cystic fibrosis so keeping myself health is important, but I’ve never been able to handle a gym or workout routine. So that how I manage, keep it fun, simple and things you wouldn’t even consider to be a workout, and you won’t even notice how much you’ve done, till you notice the results Again you look beautiful and I really enjoy your site.Hope you have a great day. Matt

    • Omg. I hear you girl, what to eat??? Ha. We need an Idiot’s Guide for this haha. or just each other I’ve been doing quite a bit of research mixed with some reecpis from the last season of Biggest Loser.Yesterday I was super strict. Had a about 6 egg whites throughout the day, some chicken and green beans, and jelloooo! its sooo yummmii and no carbs. Yesterday was a no carb day really (or very few) but I’m more about monitoring the calories you know??? I don’t want to feel deprived or restricted for the rest of my life. Ha.OOOOOOOOOOOOOOH -and ommmmg. I have been meaning to do a makeup how-to I’m trying to learn how to like fast forward through the video cause it is soooooo long. I really need to invest some sort of editing system. ha .but I will!!!!!!!!! maybe one day, I’ll do eyes, then another day face, another day lips and so on break it up.ha

  • Kate, the bathroom is right across the hall and my bedroom right next door, so it’s all very handy. And it’s the best commute to work in the world. 🙂

  • Hey, Karen! Me, too. It’s fun seeing what things are the same and what are vastly different.

  • Thanks, Roxy. I’m sort of chomping at the bit to hit the road and add some more counties, but the writing and related work schedule are keeping me in this chair at the moment.

  • Pepper, I like Yoda and his “try” saying, too. And that trip through Louisiana, I hate to say, was just a drive-by on my way home from San Antonio. It was January of last year, and I was trying to get home from a friend’s while avoiding a snowstorm in Arkansas, which was my normal route home. Maybe I’ll get back one of these days. I’d like to see some of the plantations down there.

  • Hey, Theresa! Thanks for stopping by. And you’re awesome, too! 🙂

    • I just ran across this blog tgruohh a facebook page for a local fundraiser and wanted to send my thoughts & prayers Grayson’s way. I was wondering how we could mail Giftcards to Target or Walmart to the family? Can we send to the addresses in your post from Oct 4? I live in Omaha and would love to help more than the $15 i donated. I will be receiving several giftcards in the next week for my wedding and want to help others with them who need more than I do. Please let me know where to mail. Thanks.

    • This could not possibly have been more helpful!

  • Thanks for sharing your writing space this morning, Trish. I loved being able to see the details or your day come to life. 🙂 It was very inspiring for my own space. I tend to change it a lot since I use a laptop.

  • Wonderful workspace. I’m envious. Wish I had some of your organizational skills. That deadline schedule impressed almost as much as your maps, travels, and future plans, Trish.

  • LOL, Gail. Sometimes that deadline schedule is enough to freak me out. But I need it right there where I can see it so it’s always in the front of my mind.

  • Trish, you’re one the coolest people I know, and your office is every bit as cool as you are. Thanks for sharing it with us!

  • Tereasa:

    I love this blog, this is the first time I’ve visited. It’s great to see where the magic happens. My office is a collection of everyone’s junk including mine. One day I hope to have it looking more like yours.

    • Hello Lance & Family,Our prayers and thuohgts are with you and your family. Grayson is beautiful. We pray he is given strength to endure his treatments and the road ahead. Even though I’m far away I’m sending you love and positive thuohgts. Kalee,You’re going through so much, not only with Grayson but with all your little ones that need you. I know you must be so torn. I pray heavenly father gives you strength and courage. Your family is so beautful.Love you all, Phyllis & family

    • *beep beep richie* haahha. just kidding. I’m a little obsessed with it at the moment. brilliant. ha. just made me think of it no pun intended!? ha.anyways thank you soooooo much!!!!!! sooooooooooooo funnnnnnnnnn to actually hear from people you know??? like you can have all the online friends in the world -but with no communication, what fun is it???ooo and hopefully that 30 minutes will go up to 60 and then 90 and then no stopping me haha. all this support is making me feel all tinglii (and powerful) inside.

    • Dear Freda:Thank you for dropping in. Your comments are alwasy our inspiration. I start this 1% movement to free people from procrastination and cynical attitude.I am extrememly happy to see you here.How is Tony and you two brilliant kids?. Please ask them to join the conversation. I may be in the position to help him if they are in the mid of job /life strrggle.Love,Ping

  • Hey Trish!

    You’ve got to get some of those counties in Michigan colored in yellow! Come on up some time–we’ve got trails and falls and–oh yeah–LAKES! 🙂

    Your office looks fabulous, and just like you! Congrats on the release of MAGICK!

    Hugs,
    Colleen

  • Aww, thanks, Lee. You’re pretty darn cool yourself. 🙂

  • Tereasa, for years my office was a corner of the guest bedroom. Or, in the very early years, a sliver of our one bedroom. When we bought our house, I wanted a room that was just my office because I’m not one who works well with a bunch of noise in the immediate vicinity. I love it! I don’t know how anyone writes with kids running to and fro.

  • Thanks, Colleen. Yeah, Michigan is a state that I’ve not even been in. It’s never been on my way to anywhere I’ve been going. If you look at the map, you can tell where the interstates and Amtrak tracks are. 🙂

  • Trish, you won me over when you mentioned maps. I love maps. I have one of the world above my desk, and a detailed ordinance map of my township right beside it. I’ve been known to create maps on my whiteboards of areas in my stories.
    Your office looks wonderfully busy and yet cozy. I bet the view is great.

  • MJ:

    I realized that we’ve been friends for almost ten years and I’ve NEVER seen your office! So cool to picture you there now!

  • Yay, Barbara, another map fan! I don’t even have a GPS because I prefer to look at the road atlas. 🙂

    Alas, my view is of the houses across the street. If it looked out on the ocean, it would be perfect.

  • MJ, you know that you could cure that by coming to visit me! Hint, hint. 🙂

    • Pawpaw & Granny love this little guy & his faimly. We pray for him nearly all the time. Its terribly diffcult to see him suffer some much. Bless him Lord God. His little Mommy is suffering right along side of him. What I asking is for other great grandfathers & great grannys to join us in praying with all of your might that God will heal this little amazing guy. Please join us lifting up your prayers to amighty God. whos full of love & mercy. Great granny & great pawpaw.

    • Matt thank you so much. My goodness, the ptsvoiiity and sincerity of your comment really really touched me thank you.Wii!!!!! I never even thought of that you’re soooo right. Tennis and golf that’d be sooo good because I can’t do weights right now either so that would get my arms moving.Life is all about the little things, isn’t it?I like that.Thank you this has inspired me so much!

    • Well put, sir, well put. I’ll certainly make note of that.

  • Trish,
    Very nice tour of your office. And your Coven Series (which I’ve missed up to now) is on my list of acquisitions.

  • Hi Trish,
    Sorry for tuning in late, but life took centre stage this week. Your office looks so interesting, and your collection of maps is such a different hobby. Aren’t road maps fun? They’re so much more interesting that a GPS.
    Stella
    THE CHRISTMAS INN

  • Hi, Stella. Thanks for stopping by. I think we all understand about life getting the better of us sometimes. I do love maps. I’m such a dork in a map store. 🙂

  • Thanks, Lina! I hope you enjoy them.

  • Lori Gallagher:

    A woman with a Doctor Who sonic screwdriver is a woman worth knowing, as far as I’m concerned. Thanks for the look inside your office. I apologise for being so late commenting. This really is one of my favourite blogs!

  • Thanks, Lori. A fellow Doctor Who fan, I take it? 🙂

  • Doris McKay:

    Thanks, Trish, for sharing such an inviting work space. Love this blog; I have a small space, but usually it has a body, other than mine in there. But thanks for my lap-top, I can sit where ever I want. I’ve enjoyed this and I bet I’m the last one to add a comment. Doris

    • Congratulations, my wife and I are absolutely thleirld for Grayson and family. We have been following your story on facebook, loved the cupcakes we got at your fundraiser and are scheduled to donate some platelets this week hopefully Grayson won’t need them and they can go to someone else in need. We have been so touched by your story and are so proud to be part of your Frisco community. Wishing the blessings of Christmas and Peace and Health in the New Year,Andrew & Amanda McCaffrey & Family

    • Keep these articles coming as they’ve opened many new doors for me.

    • Aww, I’m so proud! I know you can do it! And hopefully I can too! Yeah, the stair idea is GREAT, I never even thuhgot of that!! I’m also on track so far,I did 30 mins cardio and 15 mins weights yesterday and I walked around theMall in heels, surely that counts?! LolGood luck! Can’t wait for you next post! You’re keeping me motivated and it’sOnly day 2!! XEllie

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