Everything comes around... I've commented on several blogs that taking a break is the best thing I do for my writing. Bleary-eyed on the main WIP, I go to the other one, or take notes on a third. When I return, I have better eyes for the project, less attachment to what needs to be cut, more clarity on what needs to happen next.
I plan my breaks. But this time I went with the flow and took nearly a week-long unplanned break.
The payoff was immediate. On the North Cascade Highway, it became clear how to approach the middle section of my main WIP. During a sunset sail, I knew I was permanently shelving a novel I'd been planning for several years. In the snow-filled crags of Artist Point between Mt. Baker and Mt. Shuksan I understood the setting for my current second priority novel. On a boat back from Victoria, we saw three pods of orcas and the main characters and the first and the last lines of new novel popped up. In the shower I changed the main characters.Now I'm writing again. And it's clear that my week of fun was as helpful as a week of traditional at-my-laptop writing.
How does fun help your writing?
I agree time away can be productive--especially if you look at it in that light. I'm so glad that you live in a place of perpetual inspiration!
ReplyDeleteSuch a good post. I blogged about taking a break a few weeks ago. I find that when I actually do take a break and then go back, everything becomes clearer.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this. Sometimes I feel a little guilty when I take a break from my WIPs and I know I shouldn't; I need the time to regroup. For the past three days, I haven't done much more than revise the rejected stories I've received in order to resubmit them. Now I'm itching to dive back into El WIP Grande!
ReplyDeleteWow! Those are some major revelations in respect to your stories. Very cool!!
ReplyDeleteI love how this all happened. So organic. So you.
ReplyDeleteYes, yes, a break is always needed to refresh the little gray brain cells :)
ReplyDeleteI never like an overly long break because I miss my job after a week or so, but a few days of relaxation is like a car maintenance - you can't drive it non-stop without losing and wasting fuel :)
you're so so right! sometimes we just need to take a break to be able to see the bigger picture!
ReplyDeletegood luck with everything :D
Fun, work, awake, asleep, inspiration can trickle down from all of these elements. Anything and everything which happens under the sun can serve as inspiration. I find myself inspired a lot of the time, though I agree that it's okay to take a break from the writing, too. Recharge the battery, or what have you.
ReplyDeleteA good and well-earned rest always clears one's mind. It allows inspiration and ideas to grow, for one's thoughts and words to be refreshed and revitalised. I could really do with a break right now :)
ReplyDeleteSounds like the break did you (and your writing) a lot of good. I wish I could get away like that once in a while. You live in such a beautiful part of the world. Happy writing :)
ReplyDeleteThat's fantastic! Congrats on productive rest :) I always say that a break is the best thing, too, although I sometimes hate to practice my mantra. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteu r right,
ReplyDeleteI feel dry this week,
did not post for up to 3 days..
shifting one's mind to something else is a way to get inspirations.
wow! that's super! it's wonderful that you got so much work out of your break!! :)
ReplyDeletesorry about shelving the one! :(
but it leaves time for the others now!! :)
A break seems to have done the trick! I often do that, or even stop working on the novel and write poetry for the week, it gives a bit of perspective!
ReplyDeleteThank you everyone for the encouragement. May all of our breaks be rich and replenishing!
ReplyDeleteSame with you - many of my breakthroughs happen when I'm not trying, not writing - but having fun or cleaning (which is not fun)!
ReplyDeleteSo cool, Robert. I always love your take on writing and your epiphanies. They are reassuring and give me hope and also make me so intrigued. I can't wait to read these things as they make there way to the world!
ReplyDeleteJust like the body and mind need a break our creativity needs that rest as well.
ReplyDeleteTaking things or thoughts slow is a real treat for me. I wish you a very restful break....
I have little breakthroughs in between my writing--though I'm not so fortunate as to be seeing pods of orcas while this happens. That is just too cool.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a very productive week! I can usually focus on my writing and see things more clearly when I take a walk, but not usually at other times when I'm not specifically thinking about the project. I need to train my subconscious to be working on these things even when I'm not!
ReplyDeleteHi Robert, great to meet you. Thank you for following my blog. I have enjoyed reading some of your posts. Sounds like you've been working really hard and you're about to hit pay dirt. Great stuff. I fully agree that taking a break is a great boost for creativity. Looks like you've proved this again. Kicks the old subconscious into gear..:)
ReplyDeleteFun relaxes the mind. Glad to hear you had a great break :)
ReplyDeleteAgreed. I usually leave to go to my girlfriends house every week for 2 days is a real big helper but not enough during the day. I love how great the autumn evenings are now, I walk my dog in the park and sit on the grass while she spazzes out. I find the best thing to do in the morning is not blog but walk around get some fresh air and stretch out my back that's been hunched over a computer for hours at a time. It just gives me time to think, brainstorm, clear my head. It's great for content and it's great for grammar.
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