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A writer friend of mine told me this recently. Like many children's authors I have just finished a busy series of author visits in the weeks around World Book Day. There is much that is related to writing, but not actually getting words down on the page. All the other writing-related things that intrude on writing time, preparing for events and workshops, admin, all the many things that are not actually writing.
I had mentioned that I had a couple of deadlines to meet and also this blog to write. She said we often forget '..how important it is to sometimes stop stressing about what you are writing now/about to write/have no ideas to write about - and simply take time out to stop and smell the daisies.' She was right.
But then I find that even while watching a film an idea pops into my head, a way to solve a plot problem.
Reading a book I often get irritated by lazy writing, or captivated by the skill of the writer.
I find myself analysing the reasons why a particular set of characters are so engaging, or why I am left cold by another storyline. It is all very well, but there have to be times when a writer can take a day off.
Even social media is full of writers or writing related information, quizzes, articles that catch your eye.
So I took a day off - sort of.
1. I settled down to watch an old favourite film (and got an idea for something I am writing).
2. I went to spend time with family (and ended up reading a couple of picture books to little ones- Hmm that picturebook idea I had...)
3. I decided to do some spring cleaning (and cleared up my working space)
4. I went for a walk by the sea (Atmospheric! These pesky ideas, they get everywhere.)So it seems I am not really very good at taking time off. Even going for coffee and cake with friends (they are often writers and we end up talking about writing.)
Taking time off is a state of mind and I feel all the more refreshed by knowing I was free to NOT think about deadlines and things I had to do. So I think my friend was right.
How do you take time out?
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Linda Strachan is Patron of Reading to Liberton High School, Edinburgh
Author of over 60 books for all ages including the bestselling Hamish McHaggis series, teenage novels and a writing handbook Writing For Children
Her latest YA novel is Don't Judge Me
website: www.lindastrachan.com
blog: Bookwords
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