Downtime.
What do I mean?
Writers push themselves many times. They have deadlines. Times when fans and readers want books, more of your books, and we certainly don't want to disappoint them. We push and push, sometimes book after book until...
Burn out overtakes. And that is not a good thing to go through. Let me share a bit about 2019 with you.
I was writing and writing, busy with getting everything done, one book after another, research, promotions and more. Until when 2019 arrived, I couldn't write. I tried, I honestly did. I struggled, with no thoughts, no ideas how to proceed, until I finally realized I needed a break. I needed a period of time to rest, collect my thoughts and enjoy life for a bit.
That was my whole year. Rest, recover, rejuvenate my mind, my body, and soul.
And in 2020, I was ready to begin writing again. I hit the ground running with two books published. 2021 has seen the same results. But I've learned one thing which I should have known all along. Sometimes our bodies try to tell us something important. It's okay to take a break. It's okay to wind down with other things that give our minds a break, our bodies time to exercise and overcome the focus on one thing that we love. It's okay to spend extra time with family and friends. It's okay to rest.
Remember, if you feel you're dragging your "writerly feet" then take that break. Whether short or long, do it. Allow yourself to renew your spirit. You'll be much better for it. More relaxed. More focused. You'll have clarity of mind and that zeal to write will return.
I highly recommend taking breaks. They're a valuable part of a writer's life!
3 comments:
So true, Carole. We all need to take a break now and then. Great advice!
This is good advice, Carole. Of course, I have to be careful. Since my husband retired, I find I want to take lots of breaks :)
Thank you, Gail and Sherry! I've found breaks for me! :) Thanks for commenting!
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