Do you want to know a writing secret? Writing is hard work and writers need and should take a break. I will be taking some time off from writing this blog for the month of August. I may even take a break from writing stories. Every writer needs time to rest, relax and regroup. I am calling it my summer writing break.
Burnout
When you’re go-go-go all the time, shifting from one project to the next, it wears you down. At first it feels great to be writing and completing story drafts, but I have been going non stop for almost three years. I stopped enjoying writing and have been spending less and less time writing. I was running out of new ideas and fresh storylines. By taking a writing break, I can hopefully prevent burnout.
New perspective
Revising continuously the same piece of writing can make us lose our objectivity. Sometimes I get so caught up in my writing or I try to finish a writing project quickly that I lose my focus. Taking a break allows me to come back to my writing with a clear mind and a new perspective. This is important because it allows writers to critique our writing by bringing a fresh view to our work.
Sometimes when revising writing after a break I can bring new ideas to my writing. Giving yourself time away will allow your creative juices to flow. You may even find the courage to scrap what you were doing and start something completely new. Gertie Saves the Day was one of those pieces I had written years ago and when I came back to it after a break I started to take it in a new direction. Visiting new locations, even if it is a new coffee shop, often will inspire new writing ideas.
Taking a break does not mean you are giving up writing
A writing break doesn’t mean you can’t think about writing or think about new ideas. As a writer I can see something or hearing something that can spark my creativity. Taking a writing break can simply be a break from your current writing project to allow your mind to have a rest and let you creativity soar. If you want to read a terrific book about creativity I recommend Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert. I enjoyed her perspective on creativity.
How long should your break be?
Only you can decide how long of a break you need. Try not to feel guilty if you end up taking a long break. You should take the time you feel you need. When you are ready to come back to it, your writing will be there. You can take a writing break whenever you feel the need, not just during a summer break.
Do yourself a favor and take a break from your writing. Allow yourself time to refresh, get reacquainted with your creativity and revamp your writing. You may be pleasantly surprised.
My summer break will be for the rest of August. This blog will return right after Labor Day.
With gratitude …
I am glad you’re here. Thank you for taking the time to read this post. I am grateful that I can share my writing journey with you. It is an endless journey of learning and growing. A journey that I am enjoying.
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