So We Begin Again...

I’m in that weird place in a writer’s life—the one where I’ve just released a new novel and I’m beginning another one.

The new release is out there, selling okay and getting some nice accolades. I’m doing promotion—sending it to reviewers, tweeting it, and no doubt annoying my Facebook friends with posts about The Summer of Second Chances. See what I just did there? I snuck in a link to the new book. Promotion. What can I say?

 

So now that the new-release flurry is cooling off, it’s time to get busy on the next Women of Willow Bay story… See there? I did it again. Apparently, I’m in the promo zone, eh? Anyway, I’ve started the new book. It’s brewing in my head, but this one requires notes, timelines, and some level of plotting. I’m working on it. And there are others, truly. Notes on my phone, ideas jotted in my knitting notebook, on the phone pads, and even on the backs of envelopes and take-out menus.

But here’s the thing. A part of me simply wants to sit and vegetate. Knit, read, binge-watch Netflix, or even take long walks and bike rides. Anything but sit in front of my computer screen and write. It’s not about lack of motivation or a case of writer’s block—I’m not blocked. Mostly, it’s just that I’m tired of thinking. I need to be mindless for a few days; have some time away from the demands of writing and editing.

So here’s the plan—yeah, if you’re me, there’s always a plan, even for goofing off. For the next seven days, I’m going to set aside writing and editing (oh, and worrying about editing). I’m going to read, watch movies, go the gym with Sister, spend time with Husband, and have lunch with some freelancer buddies. I think I’ll take in that new exhibit at the History Center downtown and maybe binge-watch some more of Damages. I’ll start my spring-cleaning and spend a day with Dee at chemo. 

Through all of this non-writing, I will be absorbing life, absorbing narrative, letting stories develop in my subconscious. Hopefully, I’ll come back refreshed, clearer, and more than ready to tell Sarah Everett’s story (she’s the next Woman of Will Bay—remember her from Sex and the Widow Miles?). Dang! I did it again, didn’t I? Well, since we’re here—Sex and the Widow Miles is only 99 cents right now… just sayin'...

How about it, writers? Do you ever need to just walk away from the keyboard for a bit and take a writing break? Talk to me.