I constantly draw from my own experience, not for plot as much as emotion. I always try to "channel" my characters as much as possible, but understanding another person's feelings and reactions cannot be done without somehow relating them to your own.
I enjoy exercising out in nature--mostly walking--and that's what I do most mornings. I have my 110 pound yellow Lab with me, and sometimes my husband, and we have a grand time. Afternoons are for writing, usually 4-5 hours a day. I generally don't try to work on my books in the evening. I'd rather have a glass of wine and relax!
It was after my third book that my process changed the most. No longer do I edit along the way. Now I write straight through to the end so that I have a complete first draft before I start picking it apart. Works better for me, and it's more fun.
Try to remember why you wanted to be a writer to begin with---because you love it. Give yourself a break when you need it. Then dig a little deeper and trust your instincts. Authorship is a learning process, and you need to allow yourself room to grow.
