Averting the Summer Slump
As summer beckons, writers often find their discipline dwindling and their procrastination proliferating. If you're one of these writers, the time to prepare for the Summer Slump is now, not when sunny days and swimming pools try to drag you from your writing desk.
There's a saying that if you can't beat them, join them. Here are a few tips to meet the Summer Slump head-on and conquer its allure once and for all:
1) Take your laptop out to the swimming pool and write there. The change of environment will do you and your writing good, and you won't feel deprived of having fun.
2) Get up extra early to write. Then, when the sun is shining in all its brilliance, go outside and do some gardening or take a walk. You won't feel guilty because you've already done your day's writing.
3) Take a day off from your writing. Yes, you read me right. :) Sometimes all you need to feel recharged is a day off. That's one reason God created the Sabbath. :)
Speaking of taking a day off, my daughter and I will be taking a week off next week to attend a retreat with fellow muser Rose McCauley at an abbey in the beautiful mountains of Kentucky. So there will be no blog entries again until May 26. I would appreciate your prayers for us that God will grant us traveling mercies and that He will speak a special word to our hearts as we focus entirely on seeking His face.
Thanks and Blessings,
MaryAnn
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Copyright 2008 by MaryAnn Diorio, Ph.D. All rights reserved. This blog entry may NOT be reproduced, reprinted, or published in any form whatsoever without the written permission of Dr. MaryAnn Diorio. You may, however, forward it to others, but please do so IN ITS ENTIRETY. Thank you for your cooperation.
Comments
Lia, I'm coming to live with you. :D
Good summer advice, Mary Ann. The Phila. conference is in August and that spurs me on to get things written and ready to show.
Have a blessed, joyful retreat! It sounds wonderful.
Lia--I'm with you on the word count and Dunkin Donuts coffee! We don't have a DD where I live now, but you have me thinking about a skinny sugar-free caramel latte...
Hmmm, better get to writing!(And praying that a DD will open out here in the boonies!)
Sparkles to you!
Vie
Thanks MaryAnn for ANOTHER inspiring post! I don't get to personally reply much, but please know that I always gain so much from reading your posts. ~ Your retreat sounds wonderful, and I'm praying for traveling mercies for you all. ~ Ladies, the DunkinDonuts coffee is the BEST!! Personally I'll take it anyday over those "big name" coffees!! :) Blessings,
Patti
Hi MaryAnn...
I pray that you,your daughter, and Rose have a rewarding time of renewal at your retreat. It sounds like something I would defiitely enjoy. Drink it in and be blessed.
Thanks for your great suggestions. Hope we all follow through. Thanks to Lia, too.
Thanks for the tips to overcome the summertime blues, Maryann! And I appreciate all the prayers for our journeys for our upcoming retreat, both physical and spiritual. I look forward to spending time again with Maryann and getting to meet Lia, too.
I hope you and your daughter have a blessed time at the abbey in Kentucky. I cannot think of anything more lovely and spiritual.
Praying travel mercies for you, and a blessed time of renewal!
Wonderful to hear you're taking a much deserved break, Mary Ann! I applaud your wisdom and truly wish God's abundant blessings in your life and the lives of all writers who seek to give Him glory. Miss you!
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Hmmmm...it's summer all year where I live, lol. :)
Ok, I'd like to add a #4 - set a word count goal and then when you meet it, treat yourself to a yummy coffee from Dunkin Donuts!