… and when you need a break, take one! Forcing yourself into the nitty-gritty may not result in the quality of work you’re used to producing. Let’s remember, this is supposed to be play. Stories are fun. If it isn’t fun for the writer, it isn’t going to be fun for the reader.

And another thing, this isn’t just about the quality of your written words. It’s about the quality of your creative life. Did you get into this to slog away your hours and your life? What exactly are you serving by showing up when you don’t have it in you?

Now, this isn’t permission to avoid your writing every day as your appointment with yourself comes up. You must make that appointment most of the time if you’re going to make progress. But sometimes we all need a day away. If you’re big on goalsetting and structure, set aside the occasional day for when you just (surprise!) need some time to think about other things or screw off completely. The key is to keep from waiting so long to take time off that you look like this…

Yeah, that’s a stop sign resting in the arms of that thoughtful tree.

(No stop signs or trees were harmed in the making of this blog post…I just spotted this near my work & had to write to YOU. Don’t wait this long to take a break. Listen to your body & mind.)

Have a beautiful week!