And how to get back to writing after your break. Do you think I’d leave you hanging?
There are several reasons why you should take a mini-break and or an extended break from writing. We’re going to talk about why these breaks can be good not only for your health but also for your creativity. Of course, we will talk about how to bounce back from your break and make the most of it.
Why you might need a break:
First of all, we all need a break so don’t feel guilty for it. Like any work, whether creative or not, it is essential for not only your creativity but also your mental and possibly your physical health to take some time away. I fully admit that not all authors are going to agree with me. For example, Steven King writes every day no matter what is going on, holidays, birthdays, and vacations. It seems to work for him and it might work for you, too. But if you clicked this blog, you might ask yourself if it’s time to take a break or what do you do if you think you might need one. And that leads us to our next point. How to tell if you need to take a break.
How to tell if you need a break:
Why might you need to take a break from writing?
Other things in life that might need your focus. Like family, health, work, or life in general.
Burnout, struggles, or a sense of being overwhelmed. Burnout differs from writers’ block.
You are in the soul-sucking place of trying to write what you believe what others want you to write.
Physical or mental health needs are taken a priority.
You do not know what you should be writing.
Your creative well has run dry.
Too much writing, maybe you’ve scheduled yourself into overload.
You’re not sure what direction is similar to writer's block but with way more mental fatigue and despair.
That being said, you also might like to know when it’s not time to take a break:
You’re fighting the block.
You’re in a passion project.
Lack of motivation.
You’re being critical of your work and self.
Unable to focus on your project.
Some of these could easily be mistaken for the list above, so you might want to take a day and ask yourself some hard questions to see if it’s a reason to or not to take a break. At the end of the day, it is always up to you and your needs no matter what justification I could ever give you.
Ok I took a break and my mind is now giving me ideas about what to do now:
Here are some ideas on how to still be creative while on a break.
Leave the larger project on the back burner, but try to keep up with small creative goals. Like fun plot bunny projects.
Pause all projects and read, maybe even read a book in a genre you’d normally wouldn’t read.
Work on examining your goals both personal and creative.
Evaluate some of your favorite movies and entertainment media.
Pick up some flash fiction, novella, or quick projects.
Try journaling, especially about what you learn on your break.
Try a writing prompt book or make one of your own.
Try taking a break from writing blogs, social media, and website content.
Play in the plot bunny playpen and see what comes to you.
Or just take a long break without guilt. Set an amount of time you want to take off. Three days, a month, or more time away.
How to bounce back after a break away:
Make a plan. I love lists and plans, so this is so up my alley. I understand it won’t work for everyone.
Fill out this Reconnect with your story worksheet
I hope that you now feel like taking a few days or more away from your work might be just what you needed and that you don’t have to feel guilty about doing it. It’s just like self-care for your creativity.
Inspiration for this blog post came from https://www.thefearlesstype.com/articles/should-you-take-a-break-from-writing-and-how-to-bounce-back-and-win
A friends Blog post
What I’m working on
Line Edits from my editor on The Fire Inside Book 2 of The Fire Series
Events
8/18/21 Live Critique Read on Discord 5 pm Central
Wrap it up Wednesday Writing Sprints by Brandy on Discord 4 pm Central
8/19/21 Morning Writing Sprints on Discord 10 am Central
Evening Writing Sprints on Discord 6 pm Central
8/20/21 Discord Stage and S. A. Crow are bringing you How to Create Your Writers’ Notebook a Writing Workshop Sign up here Class 1 4 pm Central
8/21/21 Class 2 11 am Central
8/22/21 Class 3 1 pm Central
Merch of the Week
Into the Fire Planner
Size: Small (5.5" x 8.5")
If it’s not in your planner, it’s not happening, right? Well, no matter what the week, month, or year throws at you, you can handle it with your trusty, customized Softplanner from Zazzle! Add your own pictures, artwork, or personal motto to the cover and get ready to take on the world, one carefully planned day at a time!
Dimensions: 5.5″ x 8.5″
Includes monthly overview and weekly planning space
60 pages and 12 months long
Made from 60lb text-smooth paper
Cover Thickness (Softcover):12pt cover stock laminated with 5 mil gloss lamination
Cover Thickness (Hardcover): Label stock laminated with a 1.5mil satin-matte lamination and adhered and wrapped around a 70lb chipboard
Bound with 0.5″ metal Wire-o® spiral spine
What I’m reading
Summer Heat Anthology
What I’m watching
What If by Marvel
Cup of Coffee
If you like my content and want to let me know, drop by and buy me a cup of coffee or become a Bronze cup member and get a weekly coffee read.
If you would like to be a Guest Author on my Blog sign up here
Would you like to submit your book to my Book Club or become a member of our Book Club sign up here or submit your novel?
We focus on Indie authors, Authors of Color, and LGBTQ+ authors.
Comments