Blogger: Rachelle Gardner
Recently one of my clients decided to take a much-needed break from writing and most writing-related activities, for a few weeks over the holidays. I encouraged it, and I think many writers can benefit from a hiatus every now and then.
The good news is, you can still be growing as a writer, even on a break. Here are a few ways:
1. Be creative any way you can. Cook new recipes. Paint a picture. Design a garden. Compose a song. Build something with Legos. Organize the garage.
2. Pay attention. Observe the mannerisms of people around you. Listen to how they speak. Marvel at the way they’re dressed. Notice their shoes and their posture and the look in their eye.
3. Be an armchair shrink. Analyze people’s behavior. Ask yourself how their actions reveal their character. Wonder about their motivations. Scrutinize the dynamics of relationships. Drive your spouse and kids crazy.
4. Live life with passion. Do the things on your bucket list. Stretch beyond your comfort zone. Climb a mountain. Jump out of a plane. Serve soup at a shelter. Dine in a restaurant alone.
5. Take trips. Fly, drive or ride your bike. Dig a well in Africa or lie on a beach in San Diego or discover just how big Texas really is when you drive across it… just go.
6. Watch TV intentionally. Only the best scripted shows and only a few hours a week. Pay attention to good writing and try to figure out why it works.
7. Be a patron of the arts. Theater, dance, museums, concerts, architecture, baseball games. Enjoy beauty, excellence and precision wherever you find it.
8. Spend time everyday in mundane tasks. Do them without any music, radio or TV in the background. Wash the dishes, mow the lawn. Even your commute can be done in silence. See what you find there.
9. Pursue your interests. Have a hobby or two. Besides writing.
10. Exercise. Preferably something like jogging, walking, hiking or bicycling where you have long stretches of a repetitive activity.
11. Stay active on Twitter. Tweet things like #amwriting or #amslackingoff or #ameatingfriedtomatoesforlunch. You may not become a better writer but at least you’ll be perfecting the art of saying nothing concisely.
Anyone want to contribute #12?
TWEETABLES
Here are some ideas for growing as a writer… without even writing! Click to Tweet.
Exercise…wash the dishes…watch TV… and other non-writing ways to grow as a writer. Click to Tweet.
#12 – Save a life.
Go to your local animal shelter and adopt a dog or cat.
You’ll see what true gratitude means, because a rescued soul never, ever forgets.
No the rescued souls NEVER forget, do they.
So glad you’re back!!!
No, Jennifer, they never do.
I only hope to God that I have lived up to what they have needed.
I love Wendy Mac’s — “My faith is not shallow, because I’ve been rescued from the deep.”
As Christ followers … we are all rescues. And when you realize the depth of the rescue … yeah, you never, ever forget.
Excellent point, Shelli. I never thought of it that way.
Which may simply prove that my brainpan really does contain a wildly racing hamster, spinning, spinning, spinning…
Andrew, I loved this. Miranda was at a “no kill” shelter, but I think we’ve given her a far better life than she would have had otherwise.
A huge “thank you” to cat-whisperer and friend, Kelli Standish for her many tips and encouragement!
Even though Miranda was in a no-kill shelter – when you took her, you opened up a spot at that shelter for another cat who had been facing death.
You did save a life, and I think you are wonderful.
I LOVE that idea! Great one, Andrew.
#3 made me laugh. I do drive my family crazy with my constant analysis of personality types.
We’ll be taking care of #5 soon. Central California coast + elephant seals + Hearst Castle=a right up my alley way to relax.
#7 will pan out when we watch The Nutcracker this weekend in my hometown.
Thank you for permission to me mundane. 🙂
#12 Remember details about people and connect authentically.
Jenni, you connect authentically with your “With this pin, I think of you” blessings on Facebook.
I LOVE seeing what you’ve found for people, and the pins are so spot on!!
I love this, too, Jenni! So thoughtful. When I see a new one … I see you. 🙂
*blush*
That’s so nice of you to say.
And Shell, I was blessed to receive a pin from you. 🙂
Jennifer, you mean the elf riding the t-rex was spot on for you? 😉
YES! The “Elf as a T-Rex jockey” work of art was perfect!
Jenni—–> {{{HUGS}}} for the bright spot you are.
Thanks, Cynthia. Your words of encouragement sooth weary souls on a regular basis.
Jenni, I’m seeing the Nutcracker this weekend also, the Phoenix Ballet and Symphony. BTW, I’m enjoying your lovely photographs on FB. Sydney
Sydney, enjoy the magic of the ballet. We’ll be watching in the Central Valley.
Yes, I think MOST writers probably drive their families crazy… for a variety of reasons. 🙂
There is a fine line between passion and obsession. What I see in your list, Rachelle, are ideas to feed one’s passion for writing by being open to other experiences–instead of feeding one’s obsession for writing by isolation from other experiences.
Yep, I need more passion.
And then, somewhere on the other side of passion and obsession, lies “what else am I supposed to DO?”
My inescapable #12, giving a home to stray dogs, comes from the feeling that there were never any good options in each individual case.
Take Bella, the little broken-backed terrier struggling in a ditch after being dumped there in the heat of a New Mexico monsoon July.
We’d just had our bank account hacked, and had $7. Total. Until my wife’s next paycheck, in two weeks.
We didn’t need Bella; and I wished that circumstances for her had been different, that she would be sitting in air-conditioned comfort, a ribbon on her forehead.
And that we still had that ’68 Camaro, and the big motorcycle, for that matter.
But what do you do? Walk away, say “not my problem”?
Deliver her to the pound, to be put down by strangers?
Hit her over the head with a rock?
The world’s a horribly cruel place, much of the time. Where do I choose to stand?
In the end, you’ve got to stand for something, something that will live past the motivational slogans and the ego-stroking platitudes.
And that’s why I write, too.
(Bella is learning to walk…or hop, anyway…her spine was broken but the spinal cord is partially intact. She can wag her tail, and does, furiously, at every opportunity. And she has a red ribbon for her hair, which she regularly pulls off and upon which she chews.)
I love this story, Andrew. And your example of passion and compassion.
Upon much thought, Bella is a living allegory of you, Andrew.
I could make all kinds of parallels, but seriously, Bella’s story is yours.
Found in the nick of time, loved by people who were once strangers, and anyone who knows either of you, KNOWS the size of the fight in the dog, and the heart of the dog in the fight, is what makes the fight one sided, and a wonder to watch.
Jeanne and Jennifer – thank you.
And jennifer, you may well be right, that Bella – who is watching me as I write – is my mirror.
Or is this her story, and am I her human doppelganger, created to help her understand?
In a Creation in which the very stones can cry out, I think the latter point is not moot.
Wow, so well said!!!
Oooh, nice distinction, Shirlee. Walking that line between passion and obsession can be tricky.
Perhaps a spin-off of #2 and #3 –
#12 Spend time with a group of people in their space: visit a daycare, attend a youth retreat, volunteer at an assisted care facility.
I ran the coffee bar for our pre-school playgroup yesterday. The number of little ones was slightly more than I could handle, but I LOVED interacting with the moms who left the gym and came and got a complimentary beverage.
It was so fun when they’d read the menu and go slightly crazy with ordering a designer coffee, and even more fun when I’d tell them it was free. Then they’d say “Well, in THAT case, I’ll have whipped cream, too!”
And I shall have a shot of the Jameson’s, please.
For what is life without Irish coffee?
I love that when they saw it was free, they wanted the whipped cream! We are all a bit that way, aren’t we?! 🙂
Maybe #12 can be to splurge a bit … and splurging doesn’t have to be expensive. 🙂
Carol, those are fantastic “get out of your own box” ideas. Thank you!
#12 Go shopping with your “As long as what I’m wearing doesn’t stink, I really don’t care” husband. And no, that is exactly his fashion sense, or “non-sense” (Ha! I’m here all week).
Yesterday was the first, THE FIRST, time WE have been clothes shopping for him…in FOURTEEN YEARS!!
(Insert pathetically psycho/desperate/shrill laughter here.)
That is the absolute truth.
He’ll buy work clothes (jeans, sweatshirts, wool socks, bug spray) on his own. But like, those don’t count.
He’ll hit the thrift store for whatever, and he’ll buy new work boots about every 2 years.
But to walk into a men’s ONLY store and pick out dress pants and ties, and shirts without any logos??
HAHAHAHA! It was the biggest rush I’ve had in ages! Seriously, the emotions going through me when the very nice sales guy, who wasn’t working on commision, asked Hubs what he wanted, and Hubs said “I don’t know, ask her”.
By that point, Nice Sales Guy knew Hubs was totally out of his league, so he and I basically just tossed stuff at Hubs and treated him like a mannequin. It was GREAT!! WOOOO!!
Sorry, fans self, you have NO idea how hard it is to see everyone else’s husband dressed to kill at some function and mine is going with the “These jeans are clean” look.
*I* know the difference between Duppioni and Shantung, Hubs knows if something is clean.
Yes, I’m memorizing these emotions, these feelings of “catching the big one” and “*Free at last, free at last, thank God Almighty, I’m free at last” and filing them away for when I a) write a scene involving elation, and b) writing a scene involving fainting.
And if you think I’m overdoing it, hubs FINALLY tossed a suit yesterday.
That his father gave him, because Grandpa didn’t want it anymore. He was about, ohhhh, 92 at the time.
Curls up in a ball and weeps for joy.
You just made me giggle. I’m trying to suppress outright laughter, lest my kids look at me and ask WHY. 🙂 Love that you’re cataloging the emotion, Jennifer. 🙂
Um, Jennifer?
For some of us, “dressed to kill” has an ENTIRELY different meaning.
BAHAHAHA!
Yes, and umm, rightly so, Mr. Bond.
Laughing OUT LOUD, Andrew! 🙂
Oh my word! The dry humour is BACK!
Back, and BAAAAD.
This is hilarious!
With the way you make it sound, he might even qualify to be on my Dapper Man Pinterest board, with you by his side, of course. 😉
There will be photo evidence of The (not a) Boy (any more)’s graduation, AND The Husband’s New Clothes.
And frankly, there will be tears.
Well that is QUITE a story, Jennifer. Thanks!
#12 – Read some of those books you’ve had on your to read list forever.
Yes! And re-read some amazing Christmas stories. I see something new every time.
Ann, that was the first thing that popped into my head. Just read! (Though it’s not nearly as noble as saving a stray or volunteering. )
Reading is what gives wings and heart to the imagination, and looks to flight above the lowlands of mere survival and avarice.
Without reading, not nearly as many strays would be rescued, and the tools of the volunteers would rust, unused.
Ann, I agree! I was just re-reading Anne Lamott’s Bird by Bird, and I was thinking we all should probably read that one on hiatus.
I’ve been wanting to read Bird by Bird. I guess I’ll need to pick it up. 🙂
#12–give yourself permission to watch a quality movie in your genre and study what makes it work. I sometimes even pop up some popcorn to munch on as I watch and take notes. 🙂
I love the challenge to live life with passion. I need to figure out more of what’s on my bucket list and take steps toward achieving them.
Great post, Rachelle!
Ach! Away wit’ ya’, Mrs O’Brady-Callaghan!
Not my genre, but so much fun to watch with this awesome friend who has this bubbly laugh.
Giggling, Jennifer. Loved that scene. 😉
Watch the commentaries on the DVDs, as well, because they can give great insight into pacing, characterization, and what’s really necessary in the story arc.
Great idea, Andrew. I love watching the commentary parts, when my DVD’s offer them. 🙂
Jeanne, that’s such a helpful idea. The “giving yourself permission” part is important.
“Spend time in mundane tasks.” Never, ever thought about it that way. See what you find in the silence. Intriguing. Going to try that today.
Could you do some of my mundane tasks today as well, please?
Yes, mundane tasks are really the best for when you’re incubating an idea, trying to muster up some creative juices… or just need to give your mind a break.
So true, when I am looking and observing people and the world around me I get so many good ideas. Especially on walks and during worship at church. Cleaning too, or when you are laying (hmmm…is that like a chicken laying…) anyway, when you are prone in bed trying to get to sleep, the ideas really seem to come. Especially if I have prayed for ideas.
Yes, ideas most often come when you’re not looking for them!
Demonstrate love with joy.
And, perhaps, validate joy with love.
And love your joy!
I love this advice. Gotta fill the well before you can draw from it.
I am trying really hard not to allow binge watching Hallmark movies or emotional eating as my #12. 🙂 Exercise really helps me take a much needed break. I also love reading outside of the genre that I am writing in, so many ideas flow from simply remembering why I love books and this writing life.
Jennifer, I’ve been enjoying binging on Hallmark movies!! 🙂
Shelli,
We might need a support group for this. 🙂
Jennifer, I think binge watching Hallmark movies is totally allowed during December. It’s in the rulebook. Just saying.
Rachelle, these were great! (I giggled at #11).
#12…Indulge in brain food. Godiva Strawberry Cheesecake Truffles definitely cause me to “grow” as a writer. 🙂
Love that, Cynthia!
Cynthia, in my experience there are far too many things that make me GROW as a person during the holidays.
#12 would be read a good book for me. When I’m working on a draft I have to discipline myself not to read. I get sucked into good books and find myself using the free time I find to find out what happens in the book instead of using the time to add words to my manuscript. If I’m on a small break the. I read as much as I can!
Reading is so important! It truly is one of the best ways to enjoy a hiatus.
Great post! I call this crucial aspect of writing, percolating in my book: Beyond the Words: The Three Untapped Sources of Creative Fulfillment for Writers.
Percolating is a great word!
I’m taking a much needed break after a crazy fall and more writing than I’ve ever done before. My #12 has come in the form of simply relaxing and noticing the little details of my life I take for granted. The pure delight of reading to my children, making a meal to nourish my family, flirting with my husband, gazing out my windows on the property we’ve worked so hard on, hot chocolate and sleigh rides with my nephews, cuddling up with popcorn to watch a Christmas movie with my family, taking the time to find meaningful gifts to put under the tree, reading books to myself for pure pleasure, and on and on. Breaks are meant to refresh and reenergize. I’m doing that right now!
That’s exactly it, Gabrielle. Savoring and enjoying life.
Many thanks for these wonderful tips! It makes life more interesting and a better person – more observant, better listener, more empathetic, more creative.
Deserves a bookmark for this page (and a retweet)
Thanks, Susan!
These ideas are great, Rachelle, and perfectly timed! I plan to take a hiatus during my youngest son’s Christmas break but still want to keep my creativity flowing.
My #12 would be spend time with people. Just hang out and talk. Get to know your friends on a deeper level. I find that time with friends really stirs my creativity.
I just thought of a #13–go through family photos and frame some favorites. I did this a few minutes ago after taking advantage of some free Shutterfly prints. It was so fun and stirred a lot of sweet memories. I also think I found the solution to one of my current writing struggles.
i took a break and took on the lead role in The Best Christmas Pagaent Ever, and had a blast. Now, to get back to finishing my third novel. 🙂
For #12, I definitely agree. Adopt a shelter animals or pick up a stray. I’m adopting two kittens tomorrow that someone dumped at a dumpster. Someone picked one kitten, I picked up the other two. To date now, I’ve rescued fourteen animals from shelters and strays.
As for the writing advice, I whole heartedly agree with taking a short break and viewing the world around you. Sometimes we need to see the forest from the trees and the only way to do that is to take a break from it all, but not for too long. Whenever, I finish a writing project, I take a week off to catch my breath and just vegetate. Writing takes a great deal of us, doesn’t it? I think its from using all those brain cells. Our minds never stop working. After the break, I begin a new project or I begin with editing the finished one.
Thanks for sharing. Thanks for the blog. It’s proven to be invaluable on more than one occasion.
Regards,
S.J. Francis
Late again to the party. Last week I had to have my German shepherd Dylan put down because he was suffering from degenerative myelopathy, which is incurable and made him lose control of his rear legs and digestive track. Cried like a child, but the pain is worth all the love and devotion he gave without complaint. As the saying goes, I wish I were half the man my dog thinks I am!
Anyhoo, I suggest studying the nine types of Enneagram personality types, which gives great insight to creating characters and how to write their dialog. Also helps humor. I’m a big fan of the old movie “Casablanca” and always chuckle in the scene where Rick (Bogart) is talking with Renault (Claude Rains):
Renault: And what in heaven’s name brought you to Casablanca?
Rick: My health. I came to Casablanca for the waters.
Renault: Waters? What waters? We’re in the desert.
Rick: I was misinformed.
My opinion is that the soul of any story is found between the quotation marks. We realize that dialog has to move the story forward, but it still has to be in character to the speaker. This is why I study and make use of enneagrams.
Rachelle,
Thanks for sharing these tips to be a better writer.
I have a younger brother and usually took a book to his ball games and never really got into sports. When my first son was born, I decided I better figure out things like football and soccer and tennis and so on. I wanted to be a good mother and able to relate to what interested him. Then came my second son so there was no reprieve. The boys are twelve years apart so I’ve spent years attending and watching sporting events.
One thing I learned is the game is about more than athletic ability. Emotions run high, and you hear stories of sacrifice by athletes and their families. I’ve come to enjoy watching athletes compete and learning more about them and their families. When I need a break I find myself turning to ESPN. You’d be amazed at the passion and emotion shown by athletes. And when they cry, you know it’s coming from deep and not scripted.
Thanks for the post! Number 12–Get a good night’s sleep! AKA…have your parents watch the baby for a night! 😉
I have found this to be very true of my writing life. In fact, the majority of the things I write about come as I am living life rather than sitting at the computer trying to come up with something to write about. Ideas and thoughts come to be as I go about my, sometimes mundane, daily tasks. We need not underestimate the value of simply living, observing, listening, and being still.
Great list.
12. Spend time outdoors surrounded by natural beauty.
13. Photograph what catches your eye–beautiful things, odd things, interesting people, and dead things.