Summer is just around the corner! It feels like I’m emerging from hibernation. The sun increases my energy level, and time just seems to stretch out in front of me in an endless ribbon. There are so many fun, exciting events. (Free concerts in the park! Street festivals!) But the first thing to go is my regular writing practice. After all, I reason, these events only come around once per year, and I need to take advantage of them while I can. Problem is, it’s often well into September before I get back into my story. If this has happened to you, here are five ways that you can keep your writing practice going strong this summer.
1. Create a new routine
One difficulty for many of us is that summer shakes up our daily schedule. Take a few moments to think about what your days will look like once the kids are out of school or you start meeting up with your friends for an early morning walk in the park. When can you realistically fit in writing time? Write it in your calendar, and if it helps, schedule writing for the entire summer. Do this now, so you can slide into your new routine with as little disruption to your writing practice as possible.
2. Be flexible
Summer can get so jam-packed with activities that you might find you’re busier than ever. You may have to squeeze writing into odd pockets of time. Last summer, my Wednesday schedule changed dramatically. Instead of writing for a solid hour, I needed to break that down into three 20-minute sessions throughout the day. It may not be ideal, but it’s only for a few months.
3. Plan for vacations
Do you use vacation time to amp up your writing? Or do you prefer to break from everything while you’re away? A friend of mine luxuriates in her trips to the beach, using the freedom from her regular schedule to write in her notebook while watching the waves roll in. Another friend knows that she won’t write one word while on her family trip to Disney World. Either way, when you return home, get right back into your writing routine to re-establish momentum.
4. Don’t use summer as an excuse
It’s wonderful to relax by the pool because you deserve a break, but don’t let that short break become the reason you’ve abandoned your story for months. Allowing summer treats to derail your writing practice turns them into stumbling blocks. I’ve gotten into the habit of asking myself how I’ll feel at the end of the day/week/month if I abandon my writing, no matter how fun the time at the pool is.
5. Be realistic
Work out your summer schedule with a clear, reasonable take on what you can do. If something unexpected pops up, give yourself permission to take time away from writing if that’s what you need. Be kind to yourself. Most importantly, if you miss some time, all is not lost. Don’t chuck your project because you “got behind, so now what’s the point?” Forgive yourself and get back to work on your story.
How do you handle temporary disruptions in your schedule? I’m always looking for tips. Share in the comments and let’s add to the list!
I offer detailed critiques on published works and offer page-one feedback to paid subscribers in our community. I also host occasional Ask Me Anything posts and write-ins.
I have some terrific classes coming up in June, including a writing group for romance writers, a seminar on query letters, and more! I’d like to highlight a three-hour seminar Elevate Your Supporting Characters on June 3 at GrubStreet. We talk a lot about our protagonist and antagonists, but we supporting characters are often relegated to the background, populating the story solely to shore up the main character. But your supporting characters have their own lives to live. Learn more about how to create complex supporting characters.
FYI, my June writing workshop is now full, but I’ll be opening a new group starting July 10. More information to come soon! Learn more at the link below.
This is great! Sharing with my writing groups!