IT’S OKAY TO TAKE TIME OFF

Writers, I’m giving you permission to take a few days off and concentrate on family and this wonderful season filled with hope, joy, love and generosity of spirit. Now that I’ve said that, I’ll bet you’re wondering just who I think I am. Well, if you read this blog every week, you know I give writing tips, so it’s probably okay for me to let you off the hook for a few days. I’m always dictating what you as writers need to do.

Seriously, we sometimes get so wound up in our work that we forget to stop and share ourselves with family and friends. Writing can be a tough taskmaster. I should know, for 28 years I’ve spent four to five hours, six days a week at the task. Since it’s difficult for me to let it go for a few days, it must be for others too. We get so involved with our characters and our stories that we’re afraid to leave them. No telling what they’ll be up to when we’re not around to exert control.

Since publishers and agents take time off, we should too. There won’t be much going on in the publishing world until mid-January, so don’t submit anything now. Don’t expect that agent you queried to get back to you this week or next. Don’t even email her and ask what’s up. Wait till everyone is back on the job and has cleared their desk. Then we can all start afresh in 2011.

Our critique group is taking time off. And yeah, some of them object to missing even one week. We had our Christmas party and when we told everyone there wouldn’t be a meeting until Jan 6, the groans went round the room. Can’t say as I blame them. Some of our members are hot on the publishing trail, others tracking agents. Two have recently signed contracts, one with an agent, the other with a publisher. A good critique group can bring about that kind of results.

But, let’s everyone kick back, wrap those gifts, cook those goodies and have a great and Merry Christmas. For some good recipes for the holidays, see my blog