Writers can easily fall into the mindset of ‘get ‘er done.’ We travel from task to task, checking off to do lists. We come up with a story idea, fact check and research, write and rewrite, write and revise, write and edit. While new stories are crafted, we are marketing and promoting the novels that have been published. There are book events to arrange, books to sign, readers to meet, and questions to answer. Many of us also work other jobs and have families.
It’s easy to forget that all work and no play sucks the life out of us– and out of our writing. It’s called burnout.
We need to take a day to regroup. Often, these rest periods become ‘thinking’ periods for me. I find myself becoming more aware of the world, of conversations and people. More often than naught, works-in-progress tag along in those quieter moments.
Recently, I’ve visited a butterfly sanctuary, toured of a former mill (being developed into affordable housing), and enjoyed walks along the river (which will soon be near impossible as the path will be closed from mid-June to October). I’m looking forward to a day at the beach with my family, library visits– as a READER, and walking the new nature trail close to our home.
Sometime, Friends, we must go rogue, go totally FERRIS BUELLER, just for a day or two. Playtime feeds both our souls and muses. Don’t ignore selfcare.
CARPE DIEM. When you can!
CYNDI MACMILLAN 