For a time when my mother was ill, I couldn't write. And then when our family went through some tough times. Getting back in the groove? Happens slowly, but writing calls to me.

Pain makes it even worse, and I haven't had breaks from that (and some PT that might help isn't available to me until MAY!).

I find it exhausting to come back each time and figure out where I was, but have adapted my writing process over 30 years to let me write when I can, and still have it work together in the end, mainly because I'm an extreme plotter, and know exactly where I'm going with my mainstream trilogy, Pride's Children.

Without that rigid process I would have given up years ago, decades ago, but I want to finish the trilogy, and will, if I possibly can, so I write every day it's possible, and that's what has kept me sane all these years of ME/CFS plus other fun stuff.

If I write, I'm me. It's that simple.

A friend shared an anthology opportunity, and I managed to write for the first time since we went through that year.

Hi Ellen,
As my long-time Wednesday night writing group friend, I've seen the horrible drama that can cause. You've been through a lot! (And a move too!) It's cool that you are revisiting the children's book series and are working on your other projects as well.

The one I can't wait for is The Hobo Code. Historical fiction and YA? Yes, please!

Hello Meredith,
I have to say that I did feel different. It may be related to me carrying that stress and that the body keeps score, ya know? So, for me I felt physically lighter and mentally more ready to tackle the multiple aspects of being a writer.

To continue this balance, my plan is to set aside time for a more in-depth quarterly check-in on my writing process/business as a whole. I'll be taking a critical look at what serves my writing process and see what I can cut. This should help me maintain a less stressful attitude towards my writing and to help me enjoy it more longterm. This is a regular pattern for me, but I believe it will be more focused on streamlining the efforts on the creative process more.

Perhaps it is time to shake up your focus a little and try some different ways to bring joy and creativity back into your writing process. 🙂 Even if that means allowing yourself breaks more often!

Kris

For now, I'm tip-toeing into the book business by getting that 4th Charlie Chameleon book ready to begin pre-launch.

In the meantime my other projects pace in the background of my mind.

Vacay sounds like an awesome idea!

Hi Debbie,
It sounds like you have established some very healthy boundaries for your work/life balance. Rereading the last pages of your work is a very practical way to junpstart one's writing after a break.

Taking a vacation when the hubby does is also a great suggestion.

Kris

I freelance as well as working on my own projects. So assignments are breaks, but I'm sitting at my desk for the same hours, so the habit doesn't change.

Then there are those moments when life really does interfere. I go back to work exactly like hubby goes back to work. This is my day job, even if I'm minimally published for my own stuff. Treating it that way helps the mindset. Rereading the last sections I worked on or even four or five chapters gets me back to where I was (and always I find something else that needs to be edited as I've returned with fresh eyes).