“A writer never has a vacation. For a writer life consists of either writing or thinking about writing.” – Eugene Ionesco
I love that quote. It’s so true! As it happens, I am on vacation. And I’m taking most of my time to enjoy and appreciate the amazing things I’m seeing. It’s completely, 100% okay to take a break from writing. Always! But if you go on holiday and find yourself longing to write, here are a few ways to find the time.
1. Get up early/stay up later
This is particularly suitable for those traveling with others. Unless you’re traveling solo, you probably don’t want to take time out to write in the main part of the day. Because this is time for you and your friends/family/partner to explore and spend time together. In this case, wake up a little earlier or stay up a little later. You can use this quiet time in the day to jot down some words without feeling guilty.
2. Utilize wait times
When traveling you can easily find yourself in situations where you’re waiting. Hours at the airport, lines for attractions or events…these moments can be filled with writing, and if anything will help the time pass faster!
3. Write while you travel
Going from city to city or state to state? As long as you’re not driving (!!) you can write while you travel. Your travel companions may find themselves wanting to do their own thing on the journey too. Reading, playing games, browsing the internet…if so, you can use this time to write. You may may also find that the passing landscapes provide inspiration all of their own.
4. Keep a notebook with you
This is the main thing. Travel is inspiring, and whether you intend to write or not, ideas will come and go. Make sure you don’t lose any! Keep a notebook on you so you can jot them down on the go. Even if it’s just bullet points, or a word here and there. You’ll still be able to refer back to it, and use it for writing projects in the future.
Do you write while you’re away? Do you have any tips to fit it in? Drop a comment below.
Until then,
Keep writing,
M
x
Uninspired Writers 
There were a few times I used traveling for proofreading my drafts – the long time in bus/train is good for that and Kindle + paper notebook + pen don’t take much space. The vacation itself, as it tends to be mostly hiking, gives me a way to relax and get some new ideas I write down as soon as I can but I don’t delve straight into it.
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That’s such a great idea! Thanks for sharing ❤
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I love this quote. I love writing when I travel – I find so much inspiration – but it is usually short paragraphs of description or people who interest me. With so much to look at, I find it tricky to stay with my WIP. Some great ideas and a lovely post as per usual. 🙂 ❤
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Yes! I’ve done exactly the same, all my writing has been little bits of ideas and inspiration. It’s all too different to my WIP to stay in the zone for it. ❤ thanks for commenting lovely lady xxx
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I need to utilize my wait times better. I have wordpress on my phone now, so maybe that’s the way.
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That’s really cool! Yes I’ve been using travel time to write, which helps it go quicker 😀
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Love the idea of filling in time gaps with words. It would certainly make waiting more fun. I hope you’re having a great time on your trip, Meelie 😊.
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Thanks so much, Kate! I’m home now, trying to settle into normal life – I think it’ll take a while to get on top of things ❤ xx
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I started my novel last year while I was on holiday. Being away from my usual responsibilities gave me the time and space I needed to think and write. I jotted notes down when travelling in the train or on the flight home and when I got back had the beginnings of my novel.
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You’re so right about being away from day to day responsibilities. It’s so freeing! I bet your novel is amazing because of your experience ❤
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love this! I actually get more time to write (though must add that I can’t do some of the extensive sort of final editing that I do at home) – on airplane, as I wait for my husband to be done with bathroom upon waking and at bedtime — at home, I’m otherwise so easily distracted. too bad I can’t be on vacation all the time lol
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Haha, yes I wish holidays like this could go on forever! Thank you for reading xx
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M, I’m impressed you get any writing done at all, I usually never do. Using waiting times is a great idea, I’ll have to remember that tip for my next holiday.
I hope you’re having a wonderful time, I can’t wait to hear all about your adventures. Xx 💙💙
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I didn’t do as much as I’d like, but luckily long bouts of travel time on the coach freed me up to jot some things down ❤ Thanks so much, lovely! Speak soon , hope you're well xxx
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I always try to fit in some writing or planning in the end of the day. Usually I just jot down some quick notes before bed and review/expand once I get home. All of my trips are shorter, less than a week, so it’s not a hassle. For longer trips, I have no idea what I would do, to be honest. I might find out if I ever take a long trip. 🙂
Good tips!
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Thank you for reading and sharing your experience. 😀
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Brilliant advice, M! Such a worthwhile habit to use the quieter moments to jot down inspiration before they slip away from you. Great tips! 🙂
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Thank you Tom!
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I can’t resist scribbling in my notebook while wer’e away, or even on a day out!
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