Sometimes words don’t work the way I want them to. I line them up in the order that my native speaker intuition and Mr. Strunk says is correct, but those nouns and verbs lie there–flat, dull, pedestrian. Once in a while a cliche creeps in. That’s when I know it’s time to refresh my brain. Luckily my body goes along with plan.
Here’s what they manage to do together when they’re on a writing break.
They take a walk along of coast in the morning |
They’re awed by feather-petals. |
They admire Bliss, dancing in San Francisco. |
And with that, the body carries the mind back to the desk and the writing continues–words juicier and plumb, plot more sparkly and characters that don’t just walk through the story. How do you recharge? What helps you out of a writing slump?
Beverly Stowe McClure says
I like to go for a walk to clear my thoughts. Sometimes I play the piano to lose myself in music. Other times I talk to the cats. They're great listeners, even though they seldom open their eyes.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Whatever works is my motto and it seems like each of you has something that does. Thanks for sharing!
Darby Karchut says
Yup, nothing like a romp through nature to get the old brain moving! Brilliant photos!
Samantha Vérant says
Wow! I love that photo of the coast. Makes me wish I was there. Gorgeous!
Kelly says
Beautiful photos, Lee!
I take a break. Sometimes it's a day, sometimes it's weeks. My books probably take longer than others, but I like to do it my way on my time! 🙂
mshatch says
walking works for me.
inluvwithwords says
A great reminder that sometimes sitting in the chair isn't going to cut it. Sometimes getting out and taking in nature or going for a walk is the best way to recharge. It seems I have to relearn this over and over.
M Pax says
What pretty feathery petals, and a gorgeous coastline. A great way to refresh yourself.
I find yoga rebalancing. Sometimes I take a day or two off.
Cat says
Reading also gets me out of my writing slump. So does clay. LOVE that stuff! And music. Music helps a lot.
Loved the photos! Oh my gosh, they're gorgeous.
DazyDayWriter says
The break in the day is so refreshing … when I am at the computer too long I lose focus. The joy is missing in my work. Thanks for your post, Lee. Always good to stop by and say hello to my California "writer friend." –Daisy
Catherine Stine says
What gorgeous photos! I'd love to take a walk on that coast. Funny, I just posted on the wisdom and necessity to at least take short breaks from writing. Check it out if you like. As for me, I just went to some fabulous beaches.
Lisa Gail Green says
I still make myself use the "butt in chair" method. But honestly when I find that idea that I get truly excited about, that just does it. You know?
khashway says
I usually read. Reading great authors always helps inspire me and recharge my own creativity so I write better.