Yesterday, there was no “Creative Every Day” post in this blog.
Why?
I was busy…living.
I think living is a good touchstone to help avoid overwork. In my case, I am seeking recovery time from the rigorous job of writing a 100,000-word book before I begin a new round of classes on Wednesday and then start the editing/rewrite process.
I cannot remember having even a day off since winter break. Hopefully there were one or two and I just can’t recall them, but I would not be surprised if there weren’t any because I’ve been busting my hump.
Why am I sharing this? Who cares how hard I work?
Well, I care. I also know that my readers care about me, and even as I’m writing a book for them, they don’t want me to kill myself with overwork writing it.
So, don’t worry, folks, the pedal is no longer to the metal. I’m going into cruise mode for the rest of the spring and looking forward to spring break. SO looking forward to spring break.
Okay, so “cruise mode” for me means working only 50 hours a week instead of the goodness-knows-how-many I’ve been working, but still, it’s an improvement. Anyone who is of the mind that things just roll my way while I sit around eating bon-bons may benefit from the reminder of how hard authors typically work.
I don’t think my level of commitment is an exception. I’d say that hard work is the authorhood rule. Certainly there are a lot of folks out there who would not choose to work this hard, and that’s their choice, and their loss, in my opinion.
Writing books is extremely empowering. I have said and still have a lot to say on this topic. To read what I’ve already said about the care and keeping of authors, check out my e-book, Author Mama.
In the meantime, when spring break gets here, we will throw some bags in his car, grab the dogs, and get the heck out of dodge. There is nothing like a roadtrip, or even a good daytrip, to break out of the routine, restock the well, and restore the senses.
Happy Spring Break to all. Whatcha got planned?
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I think this is a great point. We can feel guilty if we’re not always writing, but it’s a physically strenuous process, even if it looks like we’re just tapping away at the keyboard or scribbling in a notebook (or staring out the window!) I think the trick is to have *planned* time off. It reduces the day-long procrastination, so we don’t have to feel guilty about “wasting” a whole day.
So reward yourself! You definitely earned it. 🙂
For spring break, I’m looking forward to (dare I say it?) spring. I live in Calgary, and it was -30 C this morning when I left for work (including windchill). There are still heaps of snow on the ground and I’m tired of it. Thankfully, our spring break isn’t until the end of the month, so there’s still time. I am looking forward to hanging out with my kids for one week, and then writing the second week when they’re off and I’m still on break.
Happy rejuvenating!