Taking a break sometimes helps

So the semester is just wrapping up and I finally have time to delve back into my writing! For those of you who don’t know I am working on a PhD in education, focusing on literacy, specifically African American children’s literature and writing responses of adolescent girls. This break ‘away’ helped me refocus but also take some time to work on writing in a new way. Here are some tips that may help your writing process:

1. Take a break! I know I beat myself up at times if I don’t hit my word count for the day, but learn to forgive you and relax. It is okay to take a break every now and then. Once you break and regroup, you can approach your writing with a clear head.
2. Join a writing group! I just joined a writing Meetup.com group in the area that focuses on, what? Writing - we will write for 1 ½ hours and then chat for awhile about our writing goals and progress. It’s nice to have the opportunity to bounce your writing ideas around with people who have similar interests. You don’t have to write alone.
3. Count it all! If you journal, blog, or make endless to-do lists like I do, you can count that as writing. It all counts. Just because you aren’t working on your next NY Times bestseller right now, doesn’t mean you aren’t practicing your craft. If you’re writing __________, it counts!
4. Enjoy the journey, it’s not a race! I learned that it is easiest for me not to compete with other writers. Everyone has his/her own writing process. I set my own pace, my own word count, and let my own process take control. Writing a novel is no race, and you might as well enjoy the journey and every step along the way.

Now that I’ve gotten my writing (this entry) in for the day, I’m going to answer your emails (more writing) and then work on my annual review to turn in to my advisor (that counts, too). Happy writing…and remember, take a break!