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| Image from food.allwomenstalk.com |
Frappuccino Cupcakes: Taking a Writing Break
I love frappes. Starbucks frappuccinos are no exception. I go to Starbucks and get a frappe while I read my Bible or write, or revise, or blog. Or I meet a friend at Starbucks and while we catch up on life I sip on my frappe. Or when I've feeling stressed, I may stop by a Starbucks and pick up a frappe. So, I was beyond excited to come across these adorable cupcakes. They make me want to just sit back, relax, and savor life.
Those cupcakes look awesome! And writing breaks can be too. I have to admit, I'm on a major writing hiatus. There are times I miss writing. There are times I feel guilty I'm not writing. But I've learned there are three reasons to take a break from writing, guilt-free.
Three Reasons to Take A Break From Writing:
1) To let your writing breathe.
Put your manuscript away for at least a month, and then approach it again with fresh eyes. When you work on it every single day you lose your objectivity along with your love for the story. By putting the story aside, you'll come up with new ideas, and when you dig it out again you'll see new things, especially plot holes, and have a renewed desire to spiff up your manuscript and make it much stronger than had you kept plodding along. Let your story relax.
2) To let yourself breathe.
Whether it's taking a day off from writing each week, or enjoying some time off after completing a manuscript, or whatever works for you, everyone needs a break to recharge. And oftentimes, it's when we're not working on our stories, that's when the ideas come. I can't tell you the number of times I've had ideas for my manuscripts while in the shower, driving, or on a walk. Breaks are good and necessary for everyone. Go read a good book, watch your favorite TV show, go on vacation, have a family game night, the sky is the limit. You don't have to write every day. Life is busy enough. Let yourself relax.
3) To pursue another project.
Whether it's another hobby, furthering your education, having a baby, etc, there are other things in life that are important to us and have every right to take a front seat for a while. This is what I'm experiencing right now: putting my family first. My children need me right now, and I don't want to miss out on time with them because my writing is competing with them. There will come a day when they are more independent and that will be my opportunity to pick up my writing again. Until then, I'm going to cherish time with my little blessings. And when I have time, write a blog post or two. Don't feel guilty about life getting in the way of your writing. Relax and savor life.
Whatever reason you take a break from writing, know that in the long run, it'll give you fresh inspiration and energy when it does come time to dust off that manuscript. Let go of the guilt, relax, and savor life.
