NaNoWriMo 2021 Day 12: When You Need a Break But Can’t Take One
Image by Aleksandar Cvetanovic on Unsplash
So, today is November 12. You’ve been writing furiously thus far this month, but now that we’re approaching that halfway mark, you might be slowing down. The momentum has lagged, you’ve gotten busier because, you know, life. Or you may just be struggling otherwise because, well, it’s a lot. You need a writing break.
If you’re finding yourself in this position, today’s tip is absolutely for you!
So, every single day of my life is spent writing for about eight to twelve hours. I write for work. I write for school. I write for the MockingOwl Roost. I also have some novels I’m working on (not just during November!). It’s a lot – a lot.
I’ve found that when I find myself overwhelmed and unmotivated to write, despite my goals and desires, I need a writing break. Of course, during NaNo, taking a break isn’t necessarily an option if you still want to get those badges and earn that win.
So, instead of pushing through long chunks of time staring at the screen, willing myself to create, I break up my writing sessions throughout the day. Here’s how I do it to help make it a little less tedious.
- I wake up about 20 minutes earlier than usual, then I set a timer and force myself to write for 10 minutes. Knowing it’s only going to be 10 minutes helps.
- On my lunch break, I set a timer (notice the pattern here). I force myself to write for 5 minutes.
- During other work breaks, I do the same thing. Timers for 5 to 10 minutes at a time. If I do this twice, I’ve already put in 35 minutes before I’m done with work for the day.
- After work? I create a plan for myself for the evening. Chores, cooking, meals, workouts, and writing. Then I cycle through, also only forcing myself to do short spurts of writing. 5 or 10 minutes at a time. And by the time I turn off the lights and hit the sack, I’ve put in up to 3 hours of writing in a day.
I apply the same principles for my writing break on the weekends when I’m struggling. Sometimes, writing is a chore and it has to be treated as such. That’s okay. Give yourself a break, even if you can’t actually take one completely.
Looking for more writing inspiration? Check out these other offerings from the MockingOwls.
- Will I Emerge Victorious or Face the Agony of the Blank Page?
- What’s in A Name?
- Here There Be Hurricanes
- What I Love About the Genre I Write
- NaNoWriMo Tips for Success
Editor-in-Chief of The MockingOwl Roost, Rita Mock-Pike is the granddaughter of aviatrix, Jerrie Mock, first woman to pilot an airplane solo around the world. Rita has found inspiration from her grandmother’s life and flight and pursued many of her own dreams in theatre, podcasting, novel writing, and cooking up delicious food from around the world. She now writes on food, travel, pets, faith, and the arts. She’s happily married to Matt, and faithfully serves the very fluffy kitten queen, Lady Stardust.
