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Rest, but only for a bit

Time off is nice and relaxing, but make sure it doesn’t get in the way of your dreams.

David Gane
David Gane
— 1 min read

At the end of a long project, let yourself rest and savour its completion.

If you have bigger plans, though, don’t take time for too long.

Sometimes it’s easy to let the downtime take over. We’re no longer fuelled by the adrenalin that’s kept us moving forward, so we crash.

But the downtime can get us stuck.

Taking time off can make it hard to return the page. Either the spark of craft and inspiration has passed, or the desire not to face the challenge of the work takes over.

Either way, if you want to continue growing as a writer, you must be vigilant. Assign a set number of days to rest and recharge your creative muscle, but have a plan of when you intend to return.

We need our rest and time to recharge, but when dreams and responsibilities are on the line, give yourself the opportunity to return the work.

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David Gane

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Co-writer of the Shepherd and Wolfe young adult mysteries, the internationally award-winning series, and teacher of storytelling and screenwriting.

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