Alex J. Cavanaugh came up with IWSG... a place for writers to vent, encourage, or both. To check it out, click on the pic below and meet some awesome people.
Outline, read, research, write, read some more, edit, rewrite, read even more...
While I love doing all of those, I know stepping back is important, but I've never really been able to do that. I’m not talking about putting the novel away for a while and coming back to it. I’ve done that and it works wonders. But what I’m referring to is literally taking a break from writing. Period.
I did that this weekend when my hubby and I took the boys on a mini-vaca.
At the beginning, my eyes would drift to my bag, where I keep my notebook and pencil, but I refrained from touching it. I needed to relax, to enjoy family time, and to NOT write.
At the beginning, my eyes would drift to my bag, where I keep my notebook and pencil, but I refrained from touching it. I needed to relax, to enjoy family time, and to NOT write.
Now, I come back refreshed, full of ideas, and can see the light at the end of my novel tunnel, which is a goal in and of itself.
Do you ever have a difficult time stepping away? Or can you let go easily?
“Writing a novel is like driving a car at night. You can see only as far as your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way.” -E. L. Doctorow
Happy writing!
Oh, and please make sure to stop back here on Friday for a spooky blogfest announcement.
A while back I was so caught up in something I was writing that I took my notebook to bed with me. A break is good though, it always clears your mind :)
ReplyDeleteIt's easy for me to step back but you already know this. I can't shut my brain off from thinking of new ideas tho. I struggle with the constant babbling in my own head.
ReplyDeleteI too find it hard to step away and only do so when I really have to!
ReplyDeleteI took a two month writing hiatus a couple of summers ago because I was so discouraged with it. And it was hard for a while, but I adjusted eventually.
ReplyDeleteTaking a break can give you new perspectives when you come back, I agree! Sometimes you need that refreshing time off.
ReplyDeleteAllison (Geek Banter)
I have a hard time backing away from the daily stuff. But this summer took two vacations with my wife and they were awesome.
ReplyDeleteHi Jackie, I've added you to my Google reader. Yes, I have problems stepping away from the writing. If I'm not doing it, I'm thinking about the story.
ReplyDeleteI'm surprised at how hard it is to step away. I hate being gone for too long.
ReplyDeleteI worry that I'll never write anything viable again, when I let go for a bit because I've lost my mojo. Breaks are necessary, though. I'm glad you can enjoy them. I hope to get to a place wherein I choose my breaks. Rather, it feels like they choose me. I guess the key is to keep faith through it all.
ReplyDeleteThanks for dropping by so I could find Bouquet of Books. Great to meet you through the IWSG.
xoRobyn
I find that when I take a break, it's usually involuntary. Life (job, family, etc) conspires to keep me so busy that I don't have as much time as I would like to write, so I don't. I hate those kind of breaks, because I feel bad about not writing.
ReplyDeleteA 'vacation' break sounds nice though! :)
I feel guilty stepping away, but I very much see the importance and have been doing so this summer to keep the rest of my life in check. Great reminder and a weekend getaway sounds awesome!
ReplyDeleteLike Michael, I feel guilty for walking past the computer, knowing there's editing to be done. After only a week, I sat down yesterday and started my first round of edits on my recent first draft of my ms. My fear was waiting too long, and that my motivation would somehow crater.
ReplyDeleteBtw, I adore your new blog look. *hangs head* It's been a while since I ventured here. The header is fabulous!!