Listening to your Inner Writer

​When I began writing the manuscript for my third novel in January my first decision was to give myself an entire year just to write the first draft.  Last year I attended so many author events that by November my stamina was gone and my creativity depleted.  I gave myself the entire month of December off to focus again on family and my volunteer activities and to re-charge.
It was the first time since I began writing full time in 2010 that I gave myself time off.  I tire of those writers that insist a person must write every day and you must write every day.  If the only thing you have an interest in is writing, that’s fine.  However, that’s not me.  My hunch is that because I didn’t begin full time writing until 59 my perspective is different.  I view writing as my encore career, what I do to fulfill myself and reach my creative potential.  I don’t write for commercial success.  In addition, I have a number of other interests.  First, I have four grandchildren ages 1-5.  Enough said.  Second, I am a volunteer by nature having had excellent examples from both my parents and I’ve recently found my niche.  I am a member of the South Central Library Board of Trustees; the Sun Prairie Library Board of Trustees; and, the Chair of the Sun Prairie Library Strategic Planning Committee.  I am also completing a yearlong project to acquire public art for the Sun Prairie Public Library to create an outdoor programming space.
I gave myself a weekly word goal in writing my manuscript and as usual I find that the perfect motivator for me.  I’ve been humming along and am a good month ahead of my goal.  I’ve allowed myself to take off a week from writing, once in April and once in June.  In April I needed a break to consider the plot and arc of the story.  In June I needed a break because the next chapter to be written I knew would be emotionally draining for me.  I completed that chapter this week and I was a wet wash cloth afterward.
I feel that I’ve matured as a writer since 2010.  I know my purpose in writing and how writing fits into my life.  This year I have learned how to listen to my inner writer.
I’m thinking about taking a break from writing this blog for the entire month of July.  It could be interesting to see what happens to my readership.