Thriving When Pen Hits Pause
Writing Breaks
Is it ever okay to take breaks from writing? I’m not talking about the occasional fifteen-minute dog walk between writing sprints; I’m referring to longer periods away from your WIP, lasting months or even years.
Contrary to what some might believe, taking writing breaks is an essential and healthy part of the writing journey. So, that 3-month hiatus from your writing project that made you feel guilty last year? Don’t sweat it—it’s not as big a deal as you think.
Why Are Writing Breaks So Important?
Sometimes, when we pour all our efforts into something, whether it be work, a hobby, or any other pursuit, we can become so engrossed in it that we lose sight of everything else in life.
Writing is no exception. As writers, we can become deeply immersed in our projects, to the point where we lose touch with the world around us, and that’s completely normal.
Feeling passionate and driven about your WIP is commendable; it shows your dedication and commitment. Being wholeheartedly invested in your story is a natural part of the creative process.
However, it’s essential to recognize when this intense focus disconnects you from reality. If your writing has consumed your entire being, and you find yourself oblivious to the world and its happenings, it might be time to consider taking a break from your project.
The opportunity to step away from everything and take a break is something that shouldn’t be squandered — Harper Reed
Planned Breaks
Every now and again, stepping away from your project(s) is a must. Planned breaks are ideal because they provide an opportunity to distance yourself from your project and return with refreshed eyes. During these breaks, you may even stumble upon new elements to add, which is especially beneficial if you’ve been working on a project for an extended period and find yourself stuck.
Moreover, planned breaks offer a chance to celebrate the progress you’ve already made, instilling a sense of accountability and motivation to push through and complete your WIP.
These breaks need not be bound by specific time constraints. Take as much time as you need or allow yourself to have — the key is to take a break.
Unplanned Breaks
There are unforeseen occasions when you may be forced to step away from your project. Whether it’s due to a family emergency, a health issue, or any other unexpected interruption, taking a break becomes inevitable.
In such scenarios, the most human thing to do is to prioritize and address whatever demands your attention immediately. It’s essential to put your writing aside temporarily and focus on dealing with the pressing matter.
Sometimes, these unforeseen breaks may last longer than expected, and that’s completely okay. Certain circumstances are beyond your control, and accepting that fact is crucial. Making peace with the situation allows you to cope better with the unavoidable hiatus.
However, even during extended breaks, you can take steps to keep your drive and motivation alive for your writing project. While you may not have control over external circumstances, you can still foster a creative mindset and remain connected to your work.
What To Do In The Meantime Between Time
There are countless activities you can engage in when you find it challenging to physically accomplish your writing. Keeping your creative juices flowing is essential during such times. Here are some alternatives you can explore:
- Reading: Immerse yourself in the written word of others to stay inspired and connected to storytelling.
- Journaling: Express your thoughts, feelings, and ideas through journaling, which can spark new perspectives.
- Podcasts and Music: Listen to podcasts or music that resonates with your writing genre to stimulate your imagination.
- Drawing and Painting: Engage in visual arts to tap into a different form of creativity that complements writing.
- Watching Genre-Specific Movies and TV Shows: Watch films and TV shows in genres similar to your work-in-progress for additional inspiration.
- Brainstorming: Allow your mind to wander and brainstorm new ideas, characters, or plotlines.
- Taking Walks: Step outside for a refreshing walk to clear your mind and potentially find new sources of inspiration.
- Exercising: Physical activity can help alleviate mental blocks and boost creativity.
Being proactive in any way can contribute to staying creative and increase the likelihood of returning to your writing endeavors with renewed energy and motivation.
Ways To Keep The Momentum
If none of the previous suggestions appeal to you, here’s another option: voice recording. It’s a simple and convenient way to maintain your writing momentum in audio format.
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Using any voice recorder you have access to will do the trick. The great news is that most phones come with an automatic voice recorder built-in! Voila! You can take that unplanned break without worrying about losing track of your progress.
With voice recording, you can pick up right where you left off, create notes, and brainstorm key elements or new ideas. This method allows you to keep your WIP going strong. Two apps that I enjoy using for writing and voice recording are Evernote and Day One. Give one or both a try!
Gearing Up To Get Back In The Game
So life has finally given you a break, and you’ve mustered up the motivation and dedication to return to your WIP. But do you just jump back in, guns blazing? Heck no! Especially after a super-duper-long break, you’ll need to take some baby steps.
It’s comparable to experiencing the numbing sensation in your leg after a painful Charlie horse; you don’t immediately jump up and start running after it knocks you down. Instead, you tiptoe around until you regain enough strength to walk on your leg again.
Here are a few tips to get back in the swing of things:
- Short story writing or flash fiction
- Writing prompts (my absolute favorite!)
- Writing sprints
- Poetry
- Revisiting an old WIP (my second fav!)
Doing some or all of the above-mentioned can help you regain those dormant writing muscles and get you back to what you know and love to do and that’s writing!
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this post! If you have your own tips for getting back into writing after a break, why not share them in the comments? Share the strategies you’ve discovered along your own writing journey. And let me know if you liked this post by reacting to it with a clap or highlight!
Until the next post…
Stay creative! : )
—Meghan 💕
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