I’ve been on vacation at the beach this week.
We have a timeshare that we’ve used every year since out girls were young. It’s the perfect place to read, kick back and relax. Our deck overlooks the sound and my favorite time is morning, when it’s quiet and I can sit on the deck with a gentle breeze blowing, sipping coffee and reading in the early morning quiet.
Over the years we’ve developed traditional things we do every year—as soon as we get down here we eat at a restaurant called Henry’s (we had a cat named Henry, so it’s special to us), we always go to a movie, always play Putt-Putt golf, always go out for my husband’s birthday to Bob’s Grill (Eat and Get the Hell Out. Plus pool and beach time of course. And shopping at our favorite little shopping center. The main thing is that we do all this as a family.
This year has been a bit different. First, our older daughter is not with us—she’s attending a pre-college program with classes every day. Our younger daughter, therefore, got to bring two friends so the three sixteen year olds have been a lot on their own. But it’s still strange not to have just us at the beach. Just as strange was the fact that we didn’t all go to the same movie this year. We wanted to see Men in Black 3, but it wasn’t playing. So my husband went to see Spiderman and I took the girls to see Magic Mike. I was a bit leery at first, but they were very quiet during the movie, though to hear them talk afterwards they really enjoyed it. LOL
But the biggest difference this year was my attitude. This was the first year I’d come here when I was more interested in writing than in vacation. Last year I was at a seminar in DC and didn’t come. The year before I wasn’t published, nor on writer’s loops. But this year I felt the strain of wanting to work while everyone else was on vacation. I actually only got out on the deck one morning—it used to be all seven days. I don’t read as much as I used to (one summer I read 6 Harry Potters and three Twilights during our week). I don’t go to the beach, when I used to put up a Shelta Hut and camp out all day, reading and playing in the water. Some of it is age, I’m sure. But a lot of it isn’t.
I feel guilty now if I’m not writing or promoting my work. Is that wrong? Do writers actually take voluntary vacations from writing? Am I the anomaly or the rule?
After I post this I’m going to grab a cold drink, go out on the deck, open my Kindle and try to recapture the spirit of vacation I’ve sort of lost. Wish me luck!
Cait
Cathie Dunn
Cera duBois
ChristineWarner
D'Ann
Jenna Jaxon
Jennifer Lowery
jerridrennen
kristinaknightauthor
ktbryan
lalacorriere
Neecy Kelly
Sara Walter Ellwood
Margery Scott
Sharon Cullen
Sheri Fredricks
Valle Bower
Jenna Jaxon
/ July 13, 2012Reblogged this on jennajaxon – jenna's journal and commented:
Here’s my current blog for Inkslingers. I’m finishing up my week at the beach and will be back with regular posts next week.
Liz Flaherty
/ July 13, 2012I love the beach. Even though we don’t go every year, we make it as often as we can. I’ve tried working there a few times, but I don’t usually get much done. It’s almost as though I’m too relaxed. I’m sorry you didn’t get your deck mornings, though–those are my favorite part!
Sheri Fredricks
/ July 13, 2012I had to teach myself to BE THERE, where ever “there” was. If I’m playing a game with the kids, I’m THERE. Not thinking of how to write a scene or the blog that isn’t written. It’s a mental practice, and for me it’s constant work. Same with working with the livestock. Nothing like standing next to a 1200 lb. horse and not have your mind on what you’re doing. But we ALL deserve a vacation and a mental break. I’m glad you’re enjoying the beach.
Patricia Green
/ July 13, 2012Wow, can I relate to your post. We stay-cation, for the most part, though this year might be different. But being here at home means that I don’t really stop working. There’s always a blog post to write or a scene that pops into my head. My husband is the same way, so we’re quite the lousy vacation team.
I’m sorry that your beach time is changing, Jenna. Writers rarely stop writing, at least in the back of their minds. Frankly, I haven’t found a way to stop it…not sure it’s possible since we’re talking about imagination and inspiration here, and not something rote and predictable.
I hope you got your quiet time without working today. Great post!
Brenda
/ July 13, 2012Jenna, I so can relate. All I have been doing lately is thinking of writing–who said what, how they said it, the setting–oh, and what if this happened…AHHHHH that would be so cool–my readers wouldn’t see that coming. Then I look up and I have to slam on my brakes for a red light.
And I’m thinking of writing when I’m sleeping, grocery shopping, having a conversation with my husband.
But these are all good things–things that happen when we are excited to write. But I have taken a self imposed break from promoting and socializing, but all I can think about is what are all my writer friends up to? I hope they aren’t mad because I haven’t been as active around the community and haven’t commented on all their blog posts.
lyndakayefrazier
/ July 13, 2012I love the beach and envy your time there right now but I can also relate. When I finished my first book I thought I’d take a break and all I did was think about the second one. Now when I’m away I write. I take a lot of car trips and I have a program when i speak it types. I set my laptop on the passenger seat and talk away. I ahve written chapters on trips to my kids house this way.
But enjoy the sun, sand and a little reading time. We all need it.
Enjoyed your post.
Lynda
Daryl Devore
/ July 13, 2012Our children are what settle us into traditions – always eat here – always play mini putt there and then they have the audacity to grow up and move on – when we’ve settled into this comfortable pattern. Our muses/inspiration/ creativity don’t let us decide when we can take a break. Mine always comes up with a great idea at the stupidest of times. MAybe your new tradition is to sit on that deck and write another book
ellaquinnauthor
/ July 13, 2012I know what you mean. It’s hard to take time off from writing. I’m just finally learning how to do it.
MarthaJRamirez
/ July 13, 2012How beautiful! It really is hard to take a break from writing. Must be a writer weakness.
Melissa Limoges
/ July 13, 2012I think everyone deserves a break every now and again. It’s what keeps you sane. Everyone needs down time. Nice post, Jenna.
lalacorriere
/ July 13, 2012Everyone takes leave of their very lives every once in a while. Writers tend to have a hard time relaxing, I think. Our family mantra which we all forget ALL the time is… Just Be! Great post, Jenna! I need a beach fix!
Sharon Cullen
/ July 13, 2012This blog post comes at the perfect time for me. We’re on our way to the beach as I type this and I just finished a round of edits that made me want to weep in frustration and lack of sleep. I’m READY for a break. I CAN’T WAIT for a break. I’ve been looking forward to this for weeks. I’m not writing. I’m not THINKING about writing. (Okay, I’ll probably think about writing).
I’m at the point right now where I need a break. I could see a burn out was coming right around the corner.
When I get back I’ll be refreshed enough to tackle the last few scenes of my work in progress. But until then my characters have been put on notice. In no way are they to start talking to me this week. LOL.
Toni Kelly
/ July 13, 2012You’re not alone but I believe it’s because you have found a passion. I’ve always heard it said that it won’t be a job when you find your dream job because you’ll love doing it so much. Now I know that is completely true.
D'Ann Lindun
/ July 13, 2012We don’t go on vacation. Can’t afford them. But I do have a hard time turning off the writer in me. At work, sometimes, I’ll be daydreaming of the next scene and have to shake it off. Relax, enjoy yourself. It’ll all be here when you come back.
Kay
/ July 16, 2012Its not wrong to take a vacation from writing
I consider it a way to feed your muse and your soul. Have a wonderful vacation!