"Writer is Out - Be Back Tomorrow... "Maybe"

Every writer will agree that taking time off is essential in our line of work; we spend our days writing, reading, selling, promoting, speaking, blogging, teaching, and writing some more. The need to write creatively is a personal drive for us, but allowing time off is necessary to recharge.

My book project took ten months to write, but editing and revising is taking six more months. Add another three to four months to get it published, and the book will take approximately 20 months to see print. In the meantime, I am writing my usual newspaper column, reporting on local events, and updating two blogs... not to mention running a household.

A trip away from home re-energizes your writing element and is good for mental health. We still bring our net-books along to use when a quiet moment presents itself -we cannot help it, we are writers!

My last vacation was a road trip to eleven California Missions that lasted five days (there are 21 missions in total). The sights stimulated my brain and curiosity. After my return, I started writing as if there was no tomorrow and felt refreshed. The moments spent walking these historic sites allowed for meditation and gave me solitude, not to mention inspiration. I got acquainted -again- with living life.

Plan trips to keep your writing ideas going, you never know if your next book idea strikes while you are out.

ElenaMartina 01.31.11