When I go to the country, there is currently no Internet. So, I tell myself that I am taking time off from writing. Even so, I use a lot of data surfing social media including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Snapchat, and Twitter. I have thought of all kinds of ideas to be more efficient when typing up my books. I use my cell phone’s hotspot when needing to finish something for my day job but cannot seem to justify doing so for my own work.

The truth is I am only taking time off from typing. I begin my books by writing in shorthand. My notes are always with me in a carryall bag that contains my organizer/calendar, spiral notebooks, index cards, pens, and anything else I think I might need to write with.

On weekends when no family or friends visit, I spend it with my writing companion, Sammie. We try to take hourly walks to stretch because, as you know, sitting for too long can be a bad thing for the body. Then, she will sit to my side on the big lounge chair and nap, while I write up notes, ideas and parts of my future books, until the small movements of my handwriting are too much for her to tolerate and she moves off to the floor or sofa.

Lately, instead of time off from writing, I believe I need time off to write. Between a day job, packing to move in the coming year, self-marketing my first book, and all the usual things to do like pay bills, do chores, and keep up with relationships, it is a challenge to write anything. But from what I understand in my reading, most recently, it is important to promote my first book, even if it takes longer to get my second one published.

So, I am wondering, how and when do you take time off from writing? And what do you do with that time? Do you spend it catching up on life? Do you spend time on your favorite hobby (other than writing)? Do you spend more time in the great outdoors? Or do you just crash and sleep until you are ready, or need, to start writing again?

Leave a comment if you like. I would love to hear about your writing journey, and what works for you. Me? I’m still figuring things out. I expect for life to be less hectic by this time next year. My hopes will be to spend more time on fitness, enjoying the great outdoors, and maybe even taking up a newfound hobby of melting glass coke bottles into jewelry or art pieces. Sounds like fun, plus I enjoy learning new things.

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For inspired reading, check out my book, “HONOR ONE ANOTHER: The ABCs of Embracing Our Spirit Within.” You can find a link to on my books page or on Amazon by typing in my full name, Virginia Alice Crawford, into the search bar. Thanks for reading and have a blessed day.