It's good advice. I only do a fortnightly newsletter, but still find that it can be a real timesink, and worry about repeating myself a lot. I've taken July off; not by not posting, but by putting some of my Work in Progress material out as a little taster for possible future works. It means I can get a feel for how they're landing but, more importantly, take a back seat from this one medium for a few weeks to help recharge. It's an important part of any creative process.
That feels like a good balance, and I think using work in progress material is a great idea, or maybe even some archive work? Having a little rhythm and structure has really helped me out, doing Book Lovers, followed by Writer's Life and then two Slow Sunday Letters - in a way that took a lot of pressure off. The reviews I write slowly through the month and so that post comes together quite nicely, and Writer's Life usually reflects what I am thinking about/ doing in real time. Perhaps a structure like this could help you? I LOVE hearing about the practical, side of your writing/projects - it feels like a behind the scenes to writing and I will always want to hear about that! I also love your reviews and recommendations - perhaps you could split them?
Lovely letter, and something that never clicked with me before about play! I do a lot of puzzles, word search and doodles/colouring. Not once did I think of it as play. Play always seemed hard, like hobbies - guess I was really overthinking that one. Thanks Emily
Thank you so much Kat! I do think play is so important, and it isn't something I have been very intentional about in the past, so I am looking for more ways to incorporate play into my practice. I am always reminded of it when I open a colouring book, which is fast becoming one of my favourite things to do. 💛
I enjoyed reading this one Emily. So much good advice that I know I should take on board! I find that it is very easy for me to ambush my positive thinking about rest. Invariably, I’ll find something that I think is more important that takes precedent. However, I think my creative Muse, like Mother Nature does have ways of making me stop and that is by drying up all my ideas and all my enthusiasm so that I really can’t be creative in a relaxed way. So I’m hoping that our holiday that we are about to embark on will give me that rest that I so need. Thank you once again.
Oh yes, your holiday may well have arrived at the right time Julia. I am glad you enjoyed this, and hopefully it will help you challenge any negativity that lingers around the notion for you. It could be a challenge at first, but I think rest and play to some extent may well offer a solid ground and foundation on which to grow from for you. 🙏
My plan for this lovely Sunday morning is to relax and forget about work - I have already done a little work this morning but its the bare minimum I need to complete - I am not going to be "extra" and do more than I need too.
That sounds like a wonderful plan Paul - Sunday's feel like the perfect day to allow rest to unravel, and take up some space for us to restore within. I hope you enjoyed the day!
I think we constantly have to account for how we spend our time, no matter what our walk of life. It’s stressful. Thank you for highlighting how crucial taking a break is. Xxxxx
Thank you so much Maria, yes I think there is a certain amount of bravery that comes with declaring how important rest is within a modern world that feels so full of pressure and demands. I hope you manage to find some time for a little break yourself 💕
It's good advice. I only do a fortnightly newsletter, but still find that it can be a real timesink, and worry about repeating myself a lot. I've taken July off; not by not posting, but by putting some of my Work in Progress material out as a little taster for possible future works. It means I can get a feel for how they're landing but, more importantly, take a back seat from this one medium for a few weeks to help recharge. It's an important part of any creative process.
That feels like a good balance, and I think using work in progress material is a great idea, or maybe even some archive work? Having a little rhythm and structure has really helped me out, doing Book Lovers, followed by Writer's Life and then two Slow Sunday Letters - in a way that took a lot of pressure off. The reviews I write slowly through the month and so that post comes together quite nicely, and Writer's Life usually reflects what I am thinking about/ doing in real time. Perhaps a structure like this could help you? I LOVE hearing about the practical, side of your writing/projects - it feels like a behind the scenes to writing and I will always want to hear about that! I also love your reviews and recommendations - perhaps you could split them?
That's a possibility. It's good to know both aspects have their appeal.
Lovely letter, and something that never clicked with me before about play! I do a lot of puzzles, word search and doodles/colouring. Not once did I think of it as play. Play always seemed hard, like hobbies - guess I was really overthinking that one. Thanks Emily
Thank you so much Kat! I do think play is so important, and it isn't something I have been very intentional about in the past, so I am looking for more ways to incorporate play into my practice. I am always reminded of it when I open a colouring book, which is fast becoming one of my favourite things to do. 💛
I'll definitely be breaking out the colouring books and pens x
I enjoyed reading this one Emily. So much good advice that I know I should take on board! I find that it is very easy for me to ambush my positive thinking about rest. Invariably, I’ll find something that I think is more important that takes precedent. However, I think my creative Muse, like Mother Nature does have ways of making me stop and that is by drying up all my ideas and all my enthusiasm so that I really can’t be creative in a relaxed way. So I’m hoping that our holiday that we are about to embark on will give me that rest that I so need. Thank you once again.
Oh yes, your holiday may well have arrived at the right time Julia. I am glad you enjoyed this, and hopefully it will help you challenge any negativity that lingers around the notion for you. It could be a challenge at first, but I think rest and play to some extent may well offer a solid ground and foundation on which to grow from for you. 🙏
My plan for this lovely Sunday morning is to relax and forget about work - I have already done a little work this morning but its the bare minimum I need to complete - I am not going to be "extra" and do more than I need too.
That sounds like a wonderful plan Paul - Sunday's feel like the perfect day to allow rest to unravel, and take up some space for us to restore within. I hope you enjoyed the day!
I think we constantly have to account for how we spend our time, no matter what our walk of life. It’s stressful. Thank you for highlighting how crucial taking a break is. Xxxxx
Thank you so much Maria, yes I think there is a certain amount of bravery that comes with declaring how important rest is within a modern world that feels so full of pressure and demands. I hope you manage to find some time for a little break yourself 💕
Well done for taking time out Emily. I have a holiday coming up and I am looking forward to a break.
Thank you Claire. I hope you have the most wonderful holiday! 💕