When It's Time To Take A Break

As I'm writing this, I'm cuddled in a blanket with an empty tea cup, empty orange juice glass, a soon-to-be empty water glass, and a thermometer in front of me on the coffee table.

You guessed it. I'm sick.

And I'm on a deadline. And it's right before Thanksgiving and I still have an entire list of things that need to be done before the end of this week and definitely by the end of this month.

But, today, I am going to sit on the couch and rest.

Because sometimes, the best thing we can do for our writing is take a break and take care of ourselves.

I think that BJ touched on this a little while ago when she wrote about her friend who thought all writers just stared out the window and did nothing all day. If you're a writer, you know this isn't very true. Writing is work - hard work. No, we're not lifting 76 pounds a day or wrangling 32 kids in a classroom or waiting on people in a restaurant. But, maybe we're trying to figure out how to convey that our characters are doing those things - and by showing, not telling.

So, what do you do when you must write and yet something is preventing you from doing that?

Sit down. Realize that the God who has given you this desire for writing is the same God who has allowed you to get sick or get too busy or experience holidays with your family. And when it comes down to it, some things can't wait...and writing isn't one of those. Family, your health, your loved ones, however - they can't wait.

So, don't be afraid to stop. Put away your laptop, but keep your creative side of your brain on. Like CJ said on Friday, sometimes living life gives you way more ideas than you'll ever get staring blankly at a computer screen, sniffling into a Kleenex.

And with that, I'm going to go make myself another cup of tea. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving week, everyone!