3 Reasons to Take a Break from Writing

Morning storytellers and life changers!

I hope you are all a great week. I’m away at the moment, visiting a friend, so I’m keeping it short and sweet today on the blog. I want to talk about the importance of taking a break.

As writer’s we are told to make writing a habit, to write a little every day and to try not to skip a day. I agree with this, personally, as writing at least a little every day has steered me well. However, there are some exceptions to this rule.

For me, I find it best to take a break after finishing a draft/edit (no more than a week), if I’m having a particularly stressful week (no more than a couple of days), or if I just really don’t feel like it (no more than a day). This will vary from person to person and there is no right or wrong answer here. Even if you have to/want to take a really long break from writing, you’ll still manage to get back to it when you’re ready.

What I want to discuss today, is the reasons why you should take a break from time to time.

1. You deserve it
That’s the simplicity of it. You deserve a break. Chances are you don’t just write. Chances are you have other things in your life that require your time, love and attention. Maybe you’re a student, in employment, a parent, a carer…there are many aspects to your life, and so if you need a rest take it. You deserve it, you deserve time to spend on the other things you enjoy, to sit back and relax. Writing may be enjoyable, but it is hard work at times too. You are amazing for writing and keeping at it, so don’t feel guilty if you need to take a break.

2. You’ll avoid a burn out 
Ever gotten so stressed out you burn out? From a writing perspective you may find yourself riddled with writer’s block or deep in a writer’s slump. And when other stresses of life combine with this you can end up so stressed you feel as though you could break down. Don’t put yourself under this level of pressure. If taking a break from writing frees up some time, then go for it. Burning out will not only see your writing suffer, but other aspects of your life too.

3. You’ll come back to it with a new perspective
Sometimes you spend so much time with your work that you start losing perspective on the story. It all starts to feel too obvious and sometimes the edits blur until you aren’t sure where to turn next. Taking a break is a great way to come back to your novel with fresh eyes and view it in a new way. You’re more likely to spot mistakes you didn’t notice before, and figure out those pesky plot holes.  Sure, writing every day can see you make steady progress, but taking a break and then coming back can help you move forward when you’d otherwise be stuck.

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Do you take breaks from your writing? Does it work for you?
I’d love to know so do comment below,

Until then,
Keep writing,
M
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