We're visiting family in Utah for the break, and for the first time in a long time, I haven't even attempted to write while on a trip. (This probably has something to do with the fact that Bob is still with beta readers, but let's ignore that for a second and just pretend I have amazing self-control.) I'm one of those if-I-don't-write-a-little-almost-every-day-I-start-to-go-a-little-crazy kind of writers, so vacations can be problematic. But this vacation has been so jam-packed with excitement that I've hardly had a minute to even think about my writing, much less sit down to work on something.
How do you handle vacations? Do you enjoy the break, or do you try to squeeze a little writing in here and there?
26 comments:
Uh, no writing gets done when I'm on vacation.
Hey, how are u liking it here in Utah? Too cold for spring, eh? I am patiently waiting for the tulips to bloom.
Have a fun vacation!
No writing on vaction for me. Like my family would ever let me do that!
I don't get any writing done, I may come up with an idea or two, but just jot them down and that's it. Usually we're so busy I don't even have time to enjoy myself. Husband wants to do EVERYTHING.
Oh, and I was going to send Bob back to you today. I guess I'll hold on to him a while longer. (Just kidding. I'm not actually done.)
My idea of a perfect vacation would be to go someplace beautiful where there's no yardwork, housework, or any sort of work to do and just sit in a comfy chair in the shade and write or read all day. But if I did that, it would be an anti-vacation for my wife. I may write or read a little, but I don't try too hard. Maybe when the kids are older that will change.
It depends for me. If I'm just taking a day or two off and staying at home, I try to get as much writing done as possible. If I'm going away somewhere, I try not to even think about writing.
It kinda depends on the vacation. Of course, I don't have kids, so that makes it easier to squeeze in some writing time (usually on the plane).
It depends on the vacation. If it's a more relaxing trip, then I usually get some done. If we're really busy, I'm usually too tired. For me, though, taking a break from writing can be a good thing.
Have fun on your trip!
I didn't have any time or desire to write on our last vacation. When I got home I did, but the vacation away actually felt like a vacation. Which was nice. Maybe we're starting to see our writing more as a profession and less as an obsession? :)
Amy
P.S. Your name is in the title of my blog post today. :)
Cherie, I grew up along the Wasatch Front, and this past week up here has seemed unusually chilly. It's, like, eighty-five degrees in Mesquite right now. I need some sunshine!
I know what you mean, Ruth. It's great spending time with family. (But sometimes I have to sneak away to write:) )
Darke Conteur, that makes sense. We usually just vacation at our parents' houses, though, so there's less sightseeing to do (but usually a ton of family stuff, so I guess that's kind of the same thing).
Ben, good for you for helping out with the kids. Vacations are usually harder than just hanging out at home, so they don't always feel like vacations.
Good point, Jessica. It'd be nice to take a vacation at home sometime. Now I just have to figure out where to stash the kids... :)
Sarah, kids make writing harder in just about every possible way:) (But we love them, anyway.)
Ditto, Jeni! I need life to force me to let manuscripts rest.
I don't know, Amy. I think I'm still in the obsession phase:) And I did see the title of your blog post - I liked it;)
I am the exact same way. We spent ten days at the beach last summer, and I woke up at 6:30 every single morning to get in a good two hours of writing time before everyone else started the day. Nobody could understand how that made for a relaxing vacation, but sitting out there on the balcony, looking at the ocean as I wrote ... it was my favorite part of the whole thing :)
Enjoy your vacation!!
I'm on holidays right now and whilst we haven't gone away anywhere, I realized with some shame, I've done nothing but write the entire time. We all need to pull away, take those long walks, have a nice long lunch with the family, so today the sun is shining and I'm dragging everyone out with me!
And then I'll sneak off later for a bit of writing! hehe:)
It's all about balance.
Uh...I am with you. I'm on a beach in Florida right now and I told myself I wouldn't write, but I'm sitting on a beach staring at the ocean and I'm starting to feel a little twitchy. I've been reading a lot though. That's good.
Have fun!
I usually fill my suitcase with books and read. Trying to write and not being able to tends to equal a crabby mommy. Have fun!
Shari, I'm so jealous! What an awesome place to write! I don't blame you at all for stealing those couple of hours when you had all that to inspire you.
Linda, it must be the season for holidays:) Thanks for stopping by!
Lucky you, Liesl, being on a beach in Florida. We're all wishing we were there. What have you been reading?
"Trying to write and not being able to tends to equal a crabby mommy." Truer words have never been spoken, Kelly:)
Krista, I live in Salt Lake county. But I didn't grow up here. Yes, the weather's been unusually cold and yucky. It's spring break and the kids are sad they can't go out and ride bikes. Too soon this break will be over and I bet the sun will come out as soon as they go back to school. :( Still, I hope you and your family will get to enjoy your stay, despite unfavorable weather. ;)
Yay for being in Utah! I hope you have a fabulous time! I don't really write a lot on vacation. I do tend to come up with ideas though. :)
It really depends on how much free time I have. Whenever I can, I do try to write. Every little bit counts, you know?
Also, I've left you an award over at my blog, www.katrinadelallo.blogspot.com. Come on over and collect your prize!
Thanks, cherie! We have been enjoying our stay despite the weather. In fact, we just got back from BYU's commencement exercises. (My little sister and Honey Bear's little brother both received their bachelor's degrees. At least they took it easy on us and were kind enough to graduate from the same school.)
Chantele, Shiny New Ideas are always great! And they're so sneaky - you never really know when the next one will strike:)
So true, Cat. Sometimes you just have to make use of whatever minutes you have. (And thank you for the blog award! You're so kind!)
I can't squeeze in writing, sadly. :) It's just about impossible.
Sorry about that, Esther! But if your vacations are anything like mine, then vacation time is family time, and that's time well spent, too.
Too true! I completely agree ;)
I didn't write at all this week, but I took the laptop to get some critiquing in. Ben told me at the beginning of April that I should just take the month off from writing, with this big, hopeful smile on his face. So, I thought I'd better not spend our vacation with my head in a story.
I hope your vacation was fantastic. Ours was.
Krista, I went to BYU for a short time. Congrats to the siblings. ;)
I handle vacations with mixed feelings-- I am home all week with the kids (husband does not have our off-schedule) and get no writing done. But if I plan a lot of cool activities.. and keep my temper, it can be a lot of fun.
Thanks, Esther!
Myrna, we had a great time. Lots of fun activities, but not so much that we were overly exhausted when we got home. I'm glad you had a good week, too.
I went to BYU, too, cherie! What a fun connection! And I think both siblings were ready to be done. My brother-in-law in particular has had senioritis for about the last two years:)
Perri, good for you for keeping such a positive attitude. It can be tough sometimes, but it sounds like you've got the right idea. Good luck with your writing!
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