When to take a day off

Posted on | July 17, 2009 | No Comments

I try to write at least 400 words a day, even if the world is ending, but sometimes even that doesn’t happen. I’ve been sick for the last couple of days and I have written exactly three words on my manuscript.

Three words.

Somehow, that’s even worse than writing none at all.

So for the second day, I did nothing. I lay on the couch with a duvet and I caught up on some reading. I felt guilty for not writing, especially considering I’m trying to get the first draft finished this month, but sometimes a day off is something necessary for both physical and mental health.

So when should you take a day of writing?

When writing is going to make you worse, not better. Writing is taxing, surprisingly so and sometimes if you don’t take the time to heal, you’re just going to end up costing yourself more words in the long run. If you just have a mild cold or something equally minor, then press on but if you find yourself swaying in front of your screen, praying for death, then it’s time to hit the couch.

Take the minimum of time off though. Writing is all about momentum, and any time you take away from your manuscript is going to take away some of your momentum. You can get it back again, but it’s harder to restart something than it is to keep it up.

Take time off if you’re ill, but the moment you feel better you owe it to yourself, your characters and hopefully, your readers to jump back into the game as soon as you’re able.

On a slightly different note, Mur Lafferty, of I Should Be Writing, is releasing some of her excellent advice via PDF on her site. You should go and check it out. It’s awesome and it’s free. What more can you ask for?