One Little Elephant

Last weekend I went on a retreat that really got my juices flowing again. It was the perfect combination of time to socialize with my fellow writers (amazingly intellegent, witty, and wise folks) and time to work in a visually soothing and blessedly uninterrupted environment.

I came home Sunday evening from the retreat ready to work. And work I have! But by the following Saturday I noticed that I wasn't able to concentrate anymore. Soooo... this weekend I'm taking another kind of retreat - a retreat from writing.

Perhaps I'll putter around and get some housework done, go for a walk, browse the shops, lure my husband out to dinner and a movie, soak in the tub. Maybe I'll make a much needed trip to the grocery store. But no worries. i'll be back at the keyboard Monday. Because I just can't help myself.

Do you ever find you've temporarily written yourself out? What do you do to recreate yourself while you give the muse a rest?

Something that's helping me write today: taking a day off from writing.

Here is a video of Best-seller Kevin J. Anderson sharing some of his 'Eleven Tips" for writers. Definitely worth a watch.

Want to hear the rest? Then mark your calendars because Anderson will be speaking live on 11-10-10. Below, copied and added with permission, is a blurb from Dave Farland's newsletter for those would'd like to hear Kevin J. Anderson:

"With over 100 books published, Kevin J. Anderson is well-known as a prolific writer. After talking with his fellow writers over the years, he has compiled a list of techniques to increase writing productivity. He’ll share these “Eleven Tips” on a special conference call, discuss his writing process, and also take questions on November 10th at 9:00 PM, Eastern Standard Time. Call 1-218-862-7200. When the system picks up, enter the code 245657."

Additional instructions on how to use the phone system are at Dave Farland's Writer's Groups. Joining the forum is free.

Something that's helping me write today: Hope.

I'm away at my son's College Family Weekend, but in case you dropped by here's a link to one of the places I go whenever I need a lift: 7 Things I've Learned So Far

Something that's helping me write today: This quote from writer Matt Myklusch "Writing isn’t just typing. It goes on all day...Make sure that part of your brain is always on."

I'm away taking care of a sick family member. Back soon.

In celebration of my friends Amy Carson-Strnad and Wendy Marcus First Sales, each is contracting for her own two book deal with Mills and Boon, I'd like to give them both a hand. Or actually four. So here goes...

Click to start the Applause.

Massive congrats! You go girls!

Something that's helping me write today: Joy for Amy and Wendy!