Too Wrapped Up in Writing?

Writers are dedicated, committed, sometimes obsessed individuals. Their creativity seldom gives them a moment’s peace. Some writers work on multiple projects simultaneously, which amps up the pressure to create even more and leaves little, if any, time to just chill a little. So, how does a writer take a break without feeling like they’ve abandoned their work, impatient characters, and unresolved plot? Even if writers can’t completely disconnect, let’s explore some temporary solutions.

A Related Break

Set your work aside and pick up someone else’s—genre’ of your choice. It can be the one you write in or something completely different and new. Get away from your desk/writing space and settle in with someone else’s work. Take a journey organized and orchestrated by someone else. Of course, you don’t want to plagiarize anyone’s work, but you may gain some insight into your own projects as you enjoy reading someone else’s story.

A Different Medium

Shut down the computer and turn on the TV. Watch something in your own or completely unrelated genre’ depending on your mood and frame of mind. I have found a genre’ break a welcome respite for my creative mind. On the other hand, if I’m struggling with a particular part of my work-in-progress, it often helps me to watch something in that genre’ to gain insight or clarify something that I’ve been struggling with or have doubts about. I may see a solution that I’m able to translate and customize into my own work.

A Clean Break

Step away from your story and do something completely unrelated to writing, plot-building, or whatever it is that you’re working on. Take a walk, dig in the garden, or pick up that craft project that’s been languishing in the corner. Train your focus on the task at hand, and free up your writing mind to focus on what you’re doing. Shop at the grocery store like it’s your first time or visit a museum or art gallery. Be present wherever you are, whatever you’re doing. Sometimes stepping away brings whatever you’re writing into clear focus.

The length of the breaks you take can be as long or short as you need. Sprinkle them in when the need arises and use them to their fullest potential. When you return to your writing, you may feel those tight wrappings loosen and welcome you back to wherever you left off.