5 Benefits to Taking a Break from Writing

We all know it’s important to take a break now and then no matter what line of work we do. But it’s even more important to refresh and re-energize ourselves when we’ve completed a big project.

I recently completed the final draft of a manuscript and sent it off to writers and readers for feedback. In the meantime, I needed some rest, both physically and mentally. Two weeks vacationing with my kids is my ideal, but that’s just not in the budget right now. So I started looking for alternatives — a day trip or some place to visit for the weekend.

When I saw that author Elaine Marie Cooper was speaking in northern Missouri, I quickly mapped the event to find out how close it was to me. I read her newest book Fields of the Fatherless and was excited at a chance to meet her.The event was only 85 miles away in Eagleville. That was very doable, especially since my car gets over 40 mpg on the highway. I’d see a part of Missouri I’d never seen, be refreshed by the drive and being out in the country, and would get to meet Elaine, whom I only knew online.

The day of the event dawned with thunderstorms, but I was undaunted. By 8 a.m. the rain had stopped and I set off.

Aside from the obvious benefits of the fresh air (I drive with the windows down) and a change of scenery, there are several benefits to getting up from your desk and away from the keyboard.

Benefit #1: Gives your brain a break from the task at hand.

When you’re working on a project for a long time, you can get lost in the minutiae. It’s easy to get stuck on a plot point or find yourself in writer’s block. Setting aside the manuscript/article for awhile allows your subconscious to work on any problems you might have. An answer may come in the middle of the night or while you’re in the shower.

Maybe you’re not looking for an answer of any kind. You should still set aside that article for at least a day or so and a manuscript for 30 days or longer.

Putting our attention elsewhere for a period of time gives us a fresh perspective on that manuscript when we go back to edit it.

Benefit #2: New scenery means new fodder for the next novel.

I enjoyed the scenery so much that several times I had to tell myself “Pay attention to the highway signs or you’ll miss your turn.” (I’m notorious for making at least one wrong turn whenever I go somewhere new.)

On the way north, I crossed the bridge over Pole Cat Creek, and on the way home drove by Buzzard Gulch Mfg. I’d never come up with names like that on my own! Because I like historical fiction and western settings, both names will probably end up in a story.

Benefit #3: Learning about other people/places.

This particular getaway allowed me to learn more about a fellow author. Elaine gave a wonderful presentation about her journey to authordom. Then she spent at least an hour answering questions. I got to know things about her life and her writing process that I would never learn in the brief interchanges we have on Facebook.

Benefit #4: Meeting new people and making new friends (my personal favorite).

Writing is a solitary task. As a freelancer I can go a whole week and never see or talk to anyone except my son who lives with me. It isn’t until I’m off to an event that I realize just how isolated and solitary my life can be at times.

I met several ladies from the church hosting the event, as well as ladies who came for the event. Everyone was so friendly. Nowadays one can begin to feel there is no good left in the world, but these ladies proved otherwise.

The church women also provided a “light lunch” as they called it — sandwiches, salads, and desserts. They filled the counter with a wide variety of tasty items (I went back for seconds). During lunch, I had a chance to get better acquainted with some of the hosts, attendees, and with Elaine.

In my solitary world, I left filled up with the friendship and kindness of others.

As writers, we must learn to be keen observers of life, otherwise how do we portray life in our stories?

Benefit #5: New sights and experiences mean fresh ideas.

Whether you write magazine articles or books, visiting new places opens the door to new ideas. If I brainstormed about this day, I could easily come up with more than 10 ideas for magazine articles, and several themes for books.

Ideas are everywhere; we just have to be observant.

I had been feeling worn out and burned out prior to this trip. The day paid dividends and I feel refreshed and more focused on the tasks I need to complete while my manuscript is being reviewed. I should probably do something like this at least once a quarter if not once a month. I’ll be more productive and healthy overall.

How do you refresh and re-energize? Leave your comment below. Be sure to scroll down for more pictures of my trip to Elaine Marie Cooper’s June 21 event in Eagleville, Missouri.

Debra L. Butterfield © 2014. Photos copyrighted by Debra L. Butterfield, 2014.

Books by Elaine Marie Cooper:
The Road to Deer Run
The Promise of Deer Run
The Legacy of Deer Run
Fields of the Fatherless
Bethany’s Calendar (releasing soon)