My husband and I just spent a few days in the city for his birthday. There was food and drink and revelry. Unfortunately, I contracted some sort of bacteria that had me writhing on the floor in agony.

I’m facing several deadlines and rarely allow myself any fun lately because of them. Not only that, I’m working very hard to develop the Writers’ Mastermind Group and push the final month of our Short Story Contest.

I had planned to work on my drafts in the hotel and during the long car ride home, but all I could do was lie very still and hope nothing would erupt from my innards.

Sometimes we just can’t do it.

Then we feel guilty.

We think:

Maybe I can’t handle the pressure.

It might be better to just drop it all.

Oh, gods. Why have you forsaken me! *gnashes teeth*

In this case I tell myself:

Dear Writer,

Stop being such a drama queen. The world is not going to end if you take a few days off. You are not superhuman. This is your body telling you to take a rest.

Sit back, enjoy the scenery, and day dream. Your drafts will be waiting for you tomorrow, and you will be that much happier to see each other after a break.

Yes, we need to commit to our writing, but we also need to remember that not every day is going to be productive, and that’s okay.

Happy Writing!

Christa