Last month, I participated in the 30 Day Challenge, where I published a new work every day for 30 days. (Well, in my case, it was 28 . . . some of the submissions weren't accepted on time.) This week, because I had a very time-consuming show opening, I took a step back. I took an unexpected break. Here's what happened.
I learned, first and foremost, that breaks are allowable. Not every day has to produce new content.
Second, I found that with rest comes rejuvenation. I can only speculate what articles I might have written, but I do know I was becoming increasingly slow and burdened with each piece I was writing.
Third, I realized that I missed writing on days I didn't write at all. I also write plays, and most of the days I wasn't writing on Medium, I was making progress on a play or two, but the times where I wasn't moving ahead at all felt yucky.
Fourth, I jumped at the chance for more sleep. I didn't always get a good night's rest, but I was more likely to than on previous days when I stayed up writing. Good to know.
The three big takeaways
1. Nobody's policing me. No one will take offence or breathe down my neck if I decide to pack it in for a while. This is both freeing, and sobering. I haven't yet made it to the point where folx are looking for more articles from me. Hi ho.
2. I do better with the slow but steady approach. I read with awe how my fellow Medium writers will write four stories a day, or seven — even in shortform, this is incredible — or else, they haven't missed a day in months and months. Kudos! I'm better off aiming for one article a day max, and possibly skipping now and then. It keeps me fresher and more focused.
3. This is my life. It is what I make of it. The days I don't write, something is slipping away from me. An opportunity, gone to waste. Everyone may not agree, but I trust the universe to enforce when I need a break. Otherwise, I keep on keeping on.
What is the answer to the question of "to break, or not to break, from writing?" Honestly, I'm not a big fan of absolutes. I don't think there's a one-size-fits-all answer. For me, breaks are to be encouraged, although not the norm.
What is your answer to the question, writers?
Or is there another daily habit which you keep track of, which means more to you? I'd like to hear about it in the comments.
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