MINI VACATIONS FOR WRITERS

/ D.L. Finn, Author

Hi SEers! Denise here to talk about taking mini vacations away from writing.

Sometimes, I draw a blank. Not necessarily writer’s block because the words are just within my grasp. Yet, I can’t put them all together when I sit down to write.

This is when I step away from the computer, shut it off, and set my phone aside. My mind needs some inspiration—a mini-vacation from writing.

Where do I find this place to visit? My go-to spot is to head outside and take a walk. There is nothing more inspiring than a stroll through the forest. Maybe I’ll find a peaceful area and write some poetry. Or maybe not.

I’m hoping for those ideas to develop in my thoughts, allowing the words to make their way to the keyboard.

Here are a few ways to encourage creativity to flow again:

  • Walk in nature.
  • Take a nap.
  • Read a book.
  • Organize a closet or clean the house.
  • Watch TV.
  • Ride a bike or motorcycle.
  • Enjoy a shopping spree. The Dollar Stores or garage sales are the frugal way to do it.
  • Call an old friend and reminisce.
  • Meditate.
  • Create something like a bracelet, a song, or cupcakes.
  • Listen to music and dance around if no one is looking.
  • People watch.
  • Head to the spa and get pampered.
  • Look at old photo albums or videos.
  • Star gaze.
  • Hang out with your pets or volunteer at the local shelter.
  • Just be. Do nothing. Take in all you have around you.

After you’ve enjoyed your relaxation, those words will return in their time frame, not ours. In the meantime, enjoy your simple abundance. You never know where you will be led once your mind processes all that creativity and offers you the words you were searching for. Take that me-time to allow that to happen.

My break guided me to a project that had been sitting for a few years. I set aside the one I was working on—at least for now.

How about you? What do you do when those words and ideas aren’t available?

66 thoughts on “MINI VACATIONS FOR WRITERS”

  1. Hi Denise, I have discovered I can always write historical stories, it doesn’t matter how stressed I am, the words come. I cannot say the same for poetry and children’s stories. I have to be able to clear my mind of stress and work in order to do this sort of writing. Sometimes I go for a few months without being able to write a single poem. When I’m on vacation, I can write two or three poems a day.

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  4. Thanks Denise. Great tips for a little separation. Twice in one year I put out two books. I found it great when the muse wasn’t flowing in one to work on the other. Not sure I’m up to that challenge again, but when the well is dry, I’m always writing something else, or my go to- read a book. 🙂 xx

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  5. Pingback: #ReblogAlert- #TwoFer #ThisWeekOnStoryEmpire & #SmorgasbordBlogMagazineWeeklyRoundup | The Write Stuff

  6. I garden. When the weather permits, that is. Nothing is more relaxing to me than working in my garden, clipping spent blooms off my roses or potting up begonias and the like. But right now, it’s far too hot to be working outside, so that’s out until October or so. But the worst thing is, I feel like I’ve been AWOL from writing ever since I came down with my second bout of breakthrough COVID in January, which means I’ve been on a writing “break” of sorts for weeks and weeks now. It’s not one of my choosing, nor is it fun. I want to be writing, but the brain fog thing is not cooperating. Happily, I do think it’s easing some, and I’m definitely at the point where I’d like this mini-vacation to be over. I can’t wait to get back to my WIPs! Then, I’m going to keep some of your excellent suggestions in mind, Denise. They’ll definitely come in handy. Thanks for another great post! 😀 ❤

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  8. These are all great suggestions, Denise. Reading is my go-to when I need a break. I recently found myself refocusing on a project that had been sitting for a few years as well. I’m ready to tackle it all over again!

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  11. This is a great post & topic, Denise! You’ve listed some of my favorite things to do, but for me, nature is probably top of the list. Like you said, a lot of inspiration can be found when you’re surrounded by nature. ❤

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  12. Everything needs a break now and then, even creativity. I just leave my writing room, shut the door, and don’t let myself back in until my brain feels relaxed again. You have a great list of things to distract ourselves from writing, and I use a variety of them.

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    • You are so right about needing that break, Judi. Smart to shut the door behind you until you achieve that calm. Creativity needs to be recharged too and there are a lot of ways to do it.

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  13. I loved this and really appreciated the suggestions for unleashing the creativity. When the words don’t flow but have to be force, I’m another one who likes to go out into the garden and try to restore some order to it. I do this with plot holes, too, and it’s surprising how often removing a stubborn weed can also unblock the creative flow. ♥♥

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  16. Wonderful list, Denise. Like you, I often take a walk. When I do, my worries and pressures fade, and a deeper joy emerges. Always, the little creatures in my path bring me back to the wonder of life. Thank you for covering this topic so beautifully. ❤️

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    • Thank you, Gwen 🙂 There is something meditative about walking. Those little creatures do remind us of that joy and wonder in life, so true.

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  17. Great post and tips, Denise. However we do it, simply taking time for ourselves and taking off the pressure is what’s needed. Hard if we have a deadline, though! Happily, I don’t have deadlines with my writing except self-imposed ones, so I can follow your fab advice 💕🙂

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  21. I can’t think of anything to add to your list, Denise. You’ve about covered every mini-distraction we can take. And I truly love this idea, even though I have a hard time giving it to myself. Me, I love attending live music events. There is something about that kind of energy exchange that gets me going. Thank you for sharing this much-needed and always timely post!

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    • Thank you, Jan 🙂 We have so many options available. There is nothing like live music, a completely different experience than hearing it on the radio or CD. A true gift from the musicians.

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  22. Pingback: MINI VACATIONS FOR WRITERS | Jeanne Owens, author

    • Thanks, Craig 🙂 I think we can find a bit of nature no matter where we are, even if it just birds in the park. Yes, having more than one project offers us a place to go when that roadblock hits.

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  24. Great advice, Denise. My ideal break from writing is to be out in nature. I’ve been taking short breaks this month and they have proved to be fruitful.

    Another thing I do is write in a journal. I have books that I use to pen ideas and thoughts. There’s something about how the brain works differently when writing with a pen versus typing on a computer. Don’t know why, but it happens.

    This is a timely post for me, and I’m sure many others can benefit as well.

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    • Thanks, Joan 🙂 There is something that nature offers that can be so inspiring. I’m glad to hear how fruitful your short breaks have been!

      It is different writing with a pen over typing, I agree. I use the pen to not only journal but write poetry too. Seems to tap into a different part of our creativity. Enjoy your mini breaks.

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  28. I take the walk, always by the river. If that fails, I read.
    Nice to know I’m not the only one with the next chapter in my head but refusing to develop into tapping.

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    • Can’t help but be inspired by the river. I am always in awe when I am there. I wonder how many other writers we pass on those more used trails 🙂 Yes, reading is a good backup.

      Definitely not alone when those words refuse to answer that tapping! Enjoy your walks.

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