Athena - I’m not sure any day is particularly “typical” for me. I usually start checking my email very early in the morning, and after that, I generally get sidetracked by Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest—anything that seems like a shiny distraction. I try to rein it in within the hour and get started with whatever project I’m working on at the moment. Before I had an office with a lock, I would write in the kitchen, so chaos doesn’t really bother me. All I really need is my laptop, some comfy sweatpants, copious amounts of tea, and candy (preferably Skittles). Generally I work from right after the kids leave for school until early evening, sometimes later, depending on deadlines.
rkebook - I don't know much about self publishing, but traditional publishing shouldn't cost you anything, especially if you query via email