Fuel Your Writing: The Importance of Taking Breaks

Writers, here’s a gentle reminder that you need your lunch break. We have books to write. That means we need our lunch breaks to preserve fuel for the writing process. I think it’s cool when people write through their lunch break, but that’s not even what I’m saying here. I’m saying take your break, however that looks. If you’re too tired to write, your book will never be written.

I was reminded last night (all night) that I need to be more intentional about my focused writing time. That means planning in the energy needed to write throughout my day. Say no to anything beyond necessity that saps your energy and takes you away from your creative calling.

You have full permission to be a creative in this world. It’s yours for the grabbing!

Title and image generated by AI. Content created by Saschia Johnson

Always Changing

“My writing process is very organic. I start with an idea. I have the general story arc and the cast. But then I sit down to write, and things change.” -Sarah Addison Allen

Things are always changing during the writing process. That’s good, though. Characters are supposed to change, the environments, the moods, and the tones in the dialogue. It’s all always shifting and always reliant on and connected to a dozen other aspects of the story. What’s most important here isn’t the changing; it’s the part where you sit down to write.

Sunday Vibes

“To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance.” -Oscar Wilde

I have a soothing mask on, and I just finished a mug of sleepy tea. I enjoyed my writing this evening because it’s beginning to unfold nicely. I have about 10k words to play with, so I decided to have some fun with the screenplay. Yay for fun writing! This Sunday has been refreshing and a decent force to propel me forward.

Have you been doing your self care?

Unlocking Creativity: The Power of Ah-Ha Moments

“For your born writer, nothing is so healing as the realization that he has come upon the right word.”
—Catherine Drinker Bowen

I’ve never thought of myself as a “born writer,” but I can tell you it is so liberating to find the words you’ve been searching for. For me, that word doesn’t always end up as part of the final product; it acts more as a key that opens up a million new possibilities. As a creative writer, being able to dig myself out of limited thinking feels like magic. Some people have labeled these moments as Ah-ha moments.

How’s your writing project going?

The Breakthrough

Wowzer, what a week it has been. I was really struggling with a few details in the last part of my novel, but today, I finally had a breakthrough. One thing I can share from my breakthrough is that if we choose to go on an adventure, it’s ours to enjoy regardless of how other people feel. Yes, it is ours to enjoy, understand, and learn from. And with that, it’s also our responsibility to take care of ourselves while on our journey. Learning to find ways to enjoy your journey while prioritizing your health and well-being can feel a bit rebellious in today’s world. Do it anyway.

Writing in the Spaces

Writing is worth pursuing. Did you write today? There are a million good reasons to write, but one great reason is to come up with new ideas on how you’ll fill in the gaps. Something missing? That’s your opportunity to figure out how to fill that space, then fill it. I’m sure most of us are beginning to see the huge gaps we have in today’s world. Writing is exactly the place where you get to find those answers.

Half Way

We are coming to the end of the year and halfway through the week. I saw a quote today from Aime McNee, one of my favorite writers on IG, that said, “Your pace is holy.” That is so beautiful because everyone has their own idea of timing. Pace is internal. Pace is connection and understanding the feelings that flow through you without letting them rule you. When writers master pace in their story, it feels like magic when you read their work. At the same time, for writers, when the story slowly comes to life during the creation and editing process, it can feel divine.

Thursss no, Tuesday

I thought today was Thursday for a good chunk of the day…. Thankfully it’s Tuesday because I have work to do! lol

Today was a self-care day for me. I had my annual physical and finally found a primary care doctor that I actually like. I met with a business mentor and felt really good about that too! Both were women, and both inspired me to keep on keeping on.

Today I was reminded that slow and steady really does get you places. I have freedom, I have healthy desires that I’m worthy of, and I’m still growing and learning as I go. On top of that, I’m not killing myself to get there!

How’s your Tuesday? Are you making healthy choices? How’s the self care coming?

Value of Life

“The ultimate value of life depends upon awareness and the power of contemplation rather than upon mere survival.” -Aristotle

Wow, I needed this reminder in all aspects of my life. But when it comes to writing, I haven’t been interested in deep contemplation lately. I have just wanted to get everything done. Even tonight, I just want to finish my writing by 12. Do you ever struggle with just wanting to get your writing done and over with?

Sunday Solitude

“The most powerful relationship you will ever have is the relationship with yourself.” – Diane Von Furstenberg

Today, my Sunday solitude was definitely peaceful. Maybe too peaceful? I’m not complaining. My Sundays are for taking care of myself. While I do have routine tasks that I do every Sunday, I always allow myself an activity where I get to feel things out. It may be searching for a new book or coffee shop, or it may be going somewhere I feel drawn to. Today was looking at some historical texts and drinking Dr. Pepper. I rarely drink dark soda, so that was out of the ordinary for me. It was nice.

Have you taken some time to yourself lately?