
What do I love about summer? Everything! Everyone has moved outside. They are enjoying the warmer temperatures, beaches, playgrounds, pools and other activities. These are my summer writing sparks. But if I am busy writing, will I have time to enjoy my summer too? The answer is YES!
Calendar
I am a calendar person. Thankfully, my phone makes it easy for me to record events for each month. If you prefer not to use your phone, you can use a desk calendar or a wall calendar to keep track of your summer events. I record showers. weddings, beach days, lunch dates, and birthday parties. Once the events are recorded I can easily schedule my writing time. I may not have large blocks of time, but I can find several hours a week to write.
Goal Setting
There are a number of ways for you to set your goal. Some writers set a time goal such as 15-20 minutes a day. Others prefer to use a specific word count such as writing 500 words a day. Or maybe you are a writer who wishes to write a specific number of pages such as writing three pages each day. For me, I like to set a weekly goal such as I will write every day, finish a blog post or write my newsletter. Goals help me to stay focused with my writing. I will be honest, I do not always complete my goals. Sometimes life gets in the way and I set another goal or carry the goal over to the next week.
Read, Read, Read
Reading helps us to be better writers. As a children’s book author, I read a number of picture books each month. Don’t worry I also read grown up books! I find that reading helps me to find inspiration for new ideas, enhances my creativity and imagination and expands my thinking. Reading also helps me to see what has been written on the topic before I start my writing. It also helps me find comp titles for my query letters. I have no guilt that I should be writing because technically I am doing research when I read. Here is a great article about the importance of reading for writers.
Take a Break
Putting down that pen or stepping away from the keyboard can actually improve your writing. Taking breaks allows your brain and body to reset and recharge. Even a short break can help your brain stay sharp. When you put your writing down you give your mind an opportunity to come up with other ideas. Take a break and listening to a podcast is another way to take a break. Whether you want to improve your writing or learn about a new genre, there’s a podcast that can help you become a better, more productive writer. One more tip – keep a notebook handy. Be more observant. It is one of the most powerful tools in a writer’s toolbox. You will be surprised at how many great ideas you’ll have for a new story.
Take the Plunge
Taking a break from your writing will also give you time to prepare your manuscript and submission packets. Don’t forget to send them! There is someone waiting to read your book, but they cannot read it until you get your book published. Take the plunge this summer, this might just be your lucky day!
Thoughts …
When you take a break from your writing, you come back to your work with a fresh perspective. Time away from your work will also help you remember that writing is something you really enjoy. Most importantly, enjoy your summer and your summer writing.
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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