Dear reader,
I’m writing to you from one of my favourite spots, sitting comfortably and writing while listening to a bird chirp.
Tonight, I realized that I want to sit down on the couch and rewatch Rookie Blue (I watched it when it first aired on TV and it is every bit as good rewatching it now!).
But my desire to publish my books, starting with In Your Dreams, and to get this story out there is stronger. So I got my laptop, headed to the sunroom and have been editing a scene for the past 10 minutes.
And that may not sound like a lot, but it feels like something! It feels like progress, and it feels like momentum. The last time I edited In Your Dreams, I encountered the weakest part of the book, and I didn’t feel that “wow” feeling I’ve felt while editing every scene until that one. But tonight, while editing, it felt so good to read the story, and it’s that kind of feeling that keeps you writing, keeps you editing, and keeps you telling stories.
So I am writing to you to—if you’re looking for this—provide you with that voice that tells you that maybe, hopefully, likely, there is good in your writing if you look for it.
There is good in your writing if you look for it.
And, also, that if you need a break or really want to do something besides writing tonight, that is okay. Sometimes, when I really want to sit back and watch TV for the evening, I do that.
It’s okay to take breaks.
Taking a break doesn’t mean you’ll fall off track. Setting weekly goals is one way you can work towards your goals and still have room/the flexibility to spontaneously change your plans in a non-writing direction. If you’re interested in goal-setting tips, you can learn more about my approach to goal-setting and -achieving in the “Writer’s Corner” section of the writing tip #4 edition of Doing the Write Thing.
Taking a break doesn’t mean you’ll fall off track.
If not writing is making you feel guilty or doubtful, it can help to remember that taking a break can make your writing stronger (more on that in the writing tip #3 edition of Doing the Write Thing) and that, if you really want to write and do something else, you could do a shorter writing session, which is still super beneficial for maintaining momentum (more on that in the writing tip #1 edition).
That’s kind of what I’m doing tonight: I’m going to keep editing that scene in In Your Dreams after submitting this newsletter, and then I’m going to watch Rookie Blue.
Here’s wishing you happy writing and happy relaxing—a healthy balance!