Goodreads Authors/Readers discussion

I was wondering if any writers out there take occasional breaks from writing? My last round of edits on my work-in-progress turned into a major rewrite that burned me and I needed a break. Of course, I'm still working on promotion for my published works, but I've put my works-in-progress "on break" for a few weeks to tend to my busy life and enjoy the holidays. This isn't uncommon for me, especially this time of year.

Does this happen to anybody else? Do you shelve the writing for a little while to do other things? I just wondered if this was normal or a strange "me" thing. I'd be interested to hear your comments.

The editing side of things can be incredibly tedious and painful, so it's hardly a surprise if you feel burnt out afterwards.

Pretty much everyone takes a break from things every now and again. It's good for the mental health!

I would like to share with you what my friend, the basketball coach taught me about writing. It is why I'm taking a break now until Jan. 2nd. http://authorpeggyholloway.webs.com/a...

Oh yes, I take breaks. Sometimes I stay away from writing for several weeks or even months (I'm marketing during this time) and then something pushes me to get back at it. For me it works well as I come back to the project with new vigor and a fresh look. www.emandyves.com

The only book I currently have published took me fifteen years as I took breaks of several years at a time.

I'm currently working on two more, knocking out one thousand words on each per day. I'm working from existing diaries, which makes the task somewhat easier.

I have a deadline. There is no break for me yet. BUT when I'm done, I suspect I'll go at least a couple of weeks without writing.

Writing is definitely a second or third job for me, so yes, I take breaks. Sometimes other things just use up all my time and energy, sometimes I can't bear to look the edits in the face for a while (and usually some time off from that helps me do it better).

I self published two books this year about 6 months apart. Tried to dive right back in and start work on the next one and ended up having to stave off a nervous breakdown for the past 3+ weeks. Figured my body was trying to tell me something so for once I listened! Usually I never take breaks but this time around I'm seeing it might be a better idea to enjoy a little rest after such a long and hard year than to keep pushing and end up forcing inspiration just to keep up with the market.

Taylor, it sounds like you're doing all the smart moves. My first novel saw thirteen rewrites before it even went to the editor! One thing to keep in mind, is that this is your story, and no one else, no matter how accomplished or savvy, can tell you how to write your story. When suggestions are made, use the ones that ring true to your own ideas and don;t agonize over what-ifs too much. What works the best for me, when it's time for separation is to begin something else. Good luck in your ongoing work!

I think taking breaks is important. It's no different than taking a vacation from a normal 9-5 job. If you work all day everyday writing it isn't fun anymore, and the well of creativity runs dry. You have to go out and live life. Have fun and come back later.

Richard wrote: "Taylor, it sounds like you're doing all the smart moves. My first novel saw thirteen rewrites before it even went to the editor! One thing to keep in mind, is that this is your story, and no one el..."

Sage advice. But when my editors' comments suggest that they don't see something the way I do, I take a good hard look, and even if I want to keep it my way, I ask how I can be sure it's not open to misinterpretation.

Exactly, Rebecca. As a writer, you consider how to clarify your point, but you don't just toss a component without some serious introspection. Editors have the benefit of a more objective view of stories as "things that function in certain ways" from experience in the marketplace. On the other hand, they can't be expected to wave a magic wand and create a shiny silk purse from the proverbial sow's ear. An intriguing idea, but probably too costly to entertain.

Sherri wrote: "I was wondering if any writers out there take occasional breaks from writing? My last round of edits on my work-in-progress turned into a major rewrite that burned me and I needed a break. Of cours..."

I suspect every writer has a different process and method. I find my 'breaks' tend to occur when I get 'stuck' at a point in my story and am not happy with the way it is unfolding. It takes me a while to work through that and want to sit back down. Edits don't bother me as much...I actually like the challenging of improving the prose. I struggle more with plotting, so that's where I have to push myself more.

May I share with you what I learned from my friend, the basketball coach about taking a break from writing? http://authorpeggyholloway.webs.com/a...

Thanks, Peggy. Really helpful.