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How to Get Back into Writing after Your Vacation

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Fishing-Wharf

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The Stale Writer
Guest post by Patricia PacJac Carroll
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You have taken an extended break from writing, a long vacation, or summer with the kids. It’s time to get back to the keyboard. You glance at the monitor. Nagging questions rip away your confidence. Do you still have it? Did your creativity expire?
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It’s been a while since I have had any kind of disciplined writing schedule, but I have a plan:
  • TV is not your writing friend.
  • Social Networking is not your writing friend.
  • Games are not your writing friend.
  • Eating is not your writing friend – not even ice cream.
  • Naps are not your writing friend.
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So, what is a stale writer to do?
How can you breathe life into that smoldering ember of imagination and finish that book you have been working on for over a year? There must be a better and faster way of writing.
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Prepare
Is your work location neat? Clean up the clutter. Add an inspirational photo or an item that sparks your creativity. Set a date to start writing.
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Anticipate  
Do not let yourself write on the novel until the set date. Think about what you’re going to write. Taste it. Smell it. Feel it. But do not begin writing on that book.
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Set Boundaries 
Look at your day and pick out the times that you’re least likely to be interrupted. Determine if you’re an early morning writer or a late nighter and make plans accordingly. Have a timer handy. Most phones have one.
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Be Wise 
Before you go back to your writing, plan on turning off the Internet unless you need it for research. Keep FB, Twitter, games and whatever else you waste time with turned off. (Pinterest, ebay, Amazon, Stock Market, etc) Place your smart phone out of reach. Trust me; the free world is not dependent on your Tweet. If you are in Word and hit the space bar twice thinking a period will appear, you have become a fb and text message addict. Before you start your writing, set your rules.
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Food and Exercise  
You don’t need food to write while exercise will feed your brain with fresh blood and oxygen. Set your timer to ring every hour or two, get up, and move. If you must, walk into the kitchen and reward yourself with a quick treat – like a carrot, piece of celery, or apple.  Yeah, I know those are not exactly in the treat category. Just don’t eat anything loaded with sugar or fats so your eyes will stay open. Good things to do – walk the dog, jump on a rebounder, use weights, stretch. Then go back into your work area, set the alarm for another break, and continue writing.
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Free Writing
Pump your creative well. Before working on your book, write for five minutes, ten, or fifteen without your editor. Write nonstop about anything until the time is up. You might be surprised at what comes out. One of my friends draws a picture before she starts her day. Just do it. Feed the creative side of your brain.
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Speed Up
If you type with the speed of an arthritic ninety year old, work on your skills. Free writing on the computer will help. Keep track of how many words you write in a day. Set a goal. If you write a thousand words a day, you will have a 90,000 word novel in three months. You can do this! Get back on the keyboard and be productive!
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Author Bio:
Patricia PacJac Carroll is blessed beyond her imagination. She lives in the DFW area of Texas with her awesome husband, amazing grown son, and her wonder dog, Jacs. Currently she has one book available on Amazon, Liberty Belle Her second book is soon to come out as she is furiously working on her plan. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers as well as North Texas Independent Christian Authors. Patricia Carroll’s blog:  http://patriciapacjaccarroll.blogspot.com. More about her:  http://about.me/patriciapacjaccarroll
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Tagged: Get back on the keyboard!, http://patriciapacjaccarroll.blogspot.com/, Liberty Belle, Patricia PacJac Carroll, Set up time for writing, The Stale Writer