I love being immersed in writing whether it’s a whole book or just a micro essay. The world feels full of words, beautiful words forming unexpected shapes like those flocks of starlings called murmurations. That’s when they swirl in ever-changing formations as if painting themselves into the sky.
But I also experience something similar when I’m editing someone else’s work of whatever length. I may have a different hat on, but I’m still living with words, exploring how they work, how they don’t work, and how I can help the writer improve what’s she’s doing. I feel focused, clear-headed, and free.
All the same, it’s easy for me to burn out when I write or edit, when the words become so present that it’s hard to see anything else and I start to feel fogged in. That’s when I step back from my screen and give myself a break. And it’s more than just a walk with the dogs, a Southern Comfort Old Fashioned on the deck, watching a favorite movie like Jumping Jack Flash or The Bourne Identity, sitting in my hot tub, listening again to the recording of my latest voice lesson.
It’s all about letting go when the world seems too much with me late and soon. It could take a day or a whole weekend. But I return both relaxed and energized. And if I have a deadline to meet, time off is even more important so as to counter-act the stress.
This column is short btw because I wrote it on a day off when it seemed like a fun thing to do. Before a nap. 😊
Lev Raphael taught creative writing at Michigan State University and currently edits, mentors, and coaches writers at writewithoutborders.com. You can contact him there for a free consultation.
Image by Peggy und Marco Lachmann-Anke (Vielen Dank!)
Amen. People overpost, a lot, especially when they're starting out here. I certainly did and have cut back by more than half. And may cut back again.
Very important. Some blog writers I read publish almost daily. I find that the quality is not consistent. Inspiration cannot be manufactured out of a desperate need to make money and be “productive.” It needs stillness and contemplation. Even distraction.