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Taking a Summer Writing Break Can Nurture Creativity
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When you get into the writing groove and words seem to be flowing effortlessly, the last
thing you want to do is think about taking a break. With summer officially here, you can’t
spend the next few months holed up in your favorite writing spots. Taking breaks,
especially as a reward for yourself when you meet specific writing goals, is an important
step in the writing process and can improve your overall productivity. The next time you
finish a poem, short story, or chapter, reward yourself with a fresh perspective and
replenish your enthusiasm by taking a break from the writing process.
Be smart about when and how you take your breaks. Before stepping away from your
computer, write out any and all of the ideas you may be considering as you finish up your
writing. When you do sit down again, whether it is tomorrow or next week, re-reading
your ideas will allow you to pick up right where you left off. To keep your project
moving forward, don’t forget to nurture your creativity when taking a break. Consider
these ideas to give you a break away from your manuscript while keeping the creative
juices flowing:
Join a writers’ group
Writers’ groups provide an opportunity to be creative and focus on topics outside the
scope of your project. In many cases, a new perspective can open a floodgate of ideas for
your project
Read magazines that interest you
Magazines give you the opportunity to access new ideas and topics while you relax.
Reading will give you time away from your work and expose you to techniques that other
writers employ.
Join a reading group
Reading groups provide a comfortable atmosphere to exchange ideas with other creative
individuals. Socialize with others while discussing themes that are woven into a
particular book. These groups provide an excellent opportunity to take notes about what
readers look for in a story, whether it’s character development or a specific narrative
flow.
Take a class to get your mind off your project
While piquing your interest in other areas, you’ll also be allotting yourself time away
from your manuscript. And who knows, you may even find a more creative approach that
could be included in your book from the knowledge you gain.
Ask your friends and family to read your work
When reading your own work over and over again, you begin to mentally plug holes in
your narrative, whereas a fresh reader will immediately recognize places where more

explanation is needed. Encourage others to give you their honest opinion. They may even
suggest ideas you haven’t previously thought of.
Get out and have fun
Whether it’s a night out dancing with your spouse or sitting in a coffee shop people-
watching, make it a point to get out of your work area and get yourself out of the writing
state of mind. Watching the way people naturally interact can also give you great ideas
for writing dialogue in your story.
Try to keep your breaks short; the longer your break, the more difficult it may be to get
back into the swing of writing. Bigger projects may require longer breaks, but never feel
guilty about taking the time you need to refresh your thoughts and find new inspiration.
Allowing your body and mind a chance to rest and renew your creative spirit will enable
you to return to your project rejuvenated and ready to write.
It can take months or even years to finish a manuscript, and breaks serve as a relaxation
period—a time when you don’t need to think about your book. Set aside some time to
take a break to unwind before the writing blues become a hindrance. You’ll feel that
much more accomplished when you complete your masterpiece.
To learn more about how AuthorHouse can put your masterpiece in print, visit
www.authorhouse.com.