Unless you are always on one. I had a nice little getaway/break this weekend, and let me tell you... it was fabulous. Getting away from the norm, recharging, and unplugging from the internet is a good thing, every once in a while. The only thing is that I feel so... well... disconnected! I miss reading everyone's blogs and seeing how you are all doing. (And it was only for two days! I'll have to give that whole unplugging for an entire week thing a shot. Someday.) So, what did I miss? Any fun and exciting happenings over the weekend? (Well, and maybe even for a couple days before that. I wasn't totally disconnected at the end of last week, but close.)
As writers, it's good to step back once in a while. Taking a break from writing (gasp!) for even just a weekend can really help you recharge your creative juices. I believe it's important to get some distance from your writing every once in a while, especially if you're editing, so you can be more objective about it. Everyone's idea of how long that break should be is different. Find what works for you, and then do it. If you haven't done this yet, and are feeling completely drained of all desire to continue on, try taking a SHORT break. Notice the emphasis on SHORT. Beware of taking such a long break that you get too scared to start back up again. That is not taking a break--that is QUITTING, something to be avoided at ALL COSTS. Is that clear? Good.
Later this week, I will be discussing why I love change (especially when it comes to my hair) and why it can be a good thing. Don't worry, it'll be related to writing, too. But seriously, I change my hair a lot. If you don't believe me, take a look at my author picture on the sidebar (from last spring) and then look at the shot of me and my hubby a few posts back at our ballroom lesson. Yep, change is fun. Especially when it's easy to change back. Stay tuned for more...
P.S. If you're in the mood for something Halloween-y, check out the scary story action going on over at smashingstories.blogspot.com !
9 comments:
i change my hair all the time too! :)
i thought i'd have all this time to write once my kids went back to school, but things have been so busy that there's been no time for writing. like a 6 week break. and now i have a revision deadline and i'm feeling like i'll never meet it!
I'm beginning to realize a break isn't a bad thing. I still write on vacation, but I don't freak out if I don't have a chance. (okay, that's not entirely true. I do get a little antsy). ;)
You are absolutely right. Sometimes all it takes is a short, well-deserved break to give you a fresh perspective on your WIP.
It's funny, there's a couple other blog posts out there today around this same topic! :) ... I think taking a break is a great idea. The problem I face is recognizing WHEN I need to take a break. Followed closely by forcing myself to take said needed break. :) A mom's work is never done. You know how it goes!
So right. If you don't take a break you can really get burned out and that is NEVER good!Can't wait for your next post on change!
I've just come back from a big break--not really self-imposed, life-imposed. I'm trying to find my legs again, but first thing I need to do is go buy some ink and print up the ms I worked on a week and a half ago in Germany. Like you say, it's not good to stay stalled for too long, but breaks can give you the boost you need to keep going.
ps: I deleted my blog list, so it should be easier for you to download my blog now. Let me know.
We are totally in sync, I think. I just drafted a blog post announcing a hiatus :P
AND, I just had my hair chemically straightened. Well then. We must be twins separated at birth.
So glad your break went well!! Next time, consider taking a holiday in Indianapolis. It doesn't SEEM that exciting, but John Green lives here and we can always go stake out his house. Talk about a vacation, huh?
I think a break and a change is always refreshing. I'm thinking of taking a break, just for a while (especially since it's fall!!! Yay fall!)
Carolina - we totally are twins separated at birth!! Well, it was only a one night thing, so we stayed close. But next time I'm planning a trip, I'm totally coming to Indianapolis so that we can stalk John Green! But only if you come here to help me stalk all the fabulous authors I live by too. ;)
Carolyn - Yay fall! I love it. :)
Elle - I will try it again, I hope it helps.
Colene, Ami, Stina, Windy, and Trisha - I'm so glad I'm not the only one who feels this way. Where does all of our time go? Sheesh.
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