Is Rest Really an Option for Writers?

[Bree Normandin]

I have a confession. My husband and I are celebrating our first anniversary and I know I should take the day off. Unfortunately, my daily goals are seared into the back of my mind along with each bill. I can't stop calculating or thinking about writing, but I'm going to make myself. Does anyone else here find that they can't stop driving themselves forward even when they know they shouldn't?

[funmom91]

I know exactly what you mean. Even when I find myself with a kid free weekend I still work because bills have to be paid. It is unhealthy though for us to work non stop every day. You should take the day off for your anniversary - especially since it is your first. Congrats.

[copydiva]

I completely understand feeling the need to work. Because of family stuff (i.e. sick hubby-dr appt-kid surgery follow up and last minute school checkups) I haven't been able to work since Monday. I was suppose to take a whole weekend off this weekend but now I'm going to be staying up late in order to make up for missed work.
Take the day off for the celebration. I know I'll be in the same dilemma next weekend when my 15th anniversary rolls around.

[luckystarzz]

Nope. Don't have that problem. I live to write - not write to live.

That's not to say that I haven't paid those dues. I certainly have! I'm not nearly as productive or as fast a writer as many of you in this forum. I do put in the long hours 5 days a week, but keep my weekends free or trade a weekend day for one in the middle of the week if I have to. That's the bargain I made with myself when I decided to choose this lifestyle. Writing is just like any other job. You don't want to become a slave to it. Isn't that why we do it????

Take the day off and celebrate with your husband. Backing off from your work for a day just might make it flow smoother when you do come back to it. Enjoy!

[Bree Normandin]

Thanks for the encouragement copydiva, funmom91, and luckystarzz. I had a wonderful evening with my husband. I took a break from all my writing and I feel much better. I'm so glad I did. I'm very thankful to have a husband who supports my writing goals and is willing to help me out whenever he can.

[rjweaver10]

Originally Posted by Bree Normandin

Thanks for the encouragement copydiva, funmom91, and luckystarzz. I had a wonderful evening with my husband. I took a break from all my writing and I feel much better. I'm so glad I did. I'm very thankful to have a husband who supports my writing goals and is willing to help me out whenever he can.

I am SO glad you got some rest. Funny how much better we feel <3

[Bree Normandin]

Too true, rjweaver10. Since I've rested I've really been able to make a great deal of progress on my blog. Things are just clicking for me.

[AG1976]

Originally Posted by luckystarzz

Nope. Don't have that problem. I live to write - not write to live.

That's not to say that I haven't paid those dues. I certainly have! I'm not nearly as productive or as fast a writer as many of you in this forum. I do put in the long hours 5 days a week, but keep my weekends free or trade a weekend day for one in the middle of the week if I have to. That's the bargain I made with myself when I decided to choose this lifestyle. Writing is just like any other job. You don't want to become a slave to it. Isn't that why we do it????

Take the day off and celebrate with your husband. Backing off from your work for a day just might make it flow smoother when you do come back to it. Enjoy!

I am the same way!

[luckystarzz]

Gotta love this life or it WILL make you crazy!

Glad to hear you took the time off, Bree.

[HomeOfficeBureau]

Originally Posted by funmom91

I know exactly what you mean. Even when I find myself with a kid free weekend I still work because bills have to be paid. It is unhealthy though for us to work non stop every day. You should take the day off for your anniversary - especially since it is your first. Congrats.

You seem very inspirational. I just checked your website and wow, you've been doing a lot. That actually encourages me not to give up. I get motivated at times, then I loose it because I worry if I'll be able to actually get an income from this. When I write, I put my heart and time to it. So it'll be very disappointing if I end up doing it all for nothing. I desperately need to work. If I could get any other reliable job while I have freelance writing to the site, that'll be great. Do you have any suggestions?