I was reminded yesterday and today how important it is to schedule downtime after a big writing push.
As you know, Lori and I are putting on a webinar tomorrow (June 22, 2011 – these posts last forever, and yes, there’s till time to register). Because we also are offering a booklet, that had to be written and the PowerPoint presentation that goes along with the actual presentation also had to be created. Lori and I shared the writing and I did the PowerPoint.
PowerPoint isn’t my favorite thing, but I am getting better at it. For example, I realized we could use Microsoft’s clip art rather than spending time searching out free photos. The photos require editing and setting up credits; the clip art is pretty easy, although I found PowerPoint doesn’t always let me put a clip inline with text. (sigh)
As it happened, Lori had gotten her writing done before I got mine finished. That meant, because today is a short day for me, I had to scramble a bit. Between the PowerPoint and the other writing it was a fairly concentrated push. By the time I send it off to Lori for her opinion and delightful editing I was a bit bleary eyed.
Wednesdays for me are mostly about doing something other than writing.
I spend a couple of hours plotching in clay at Studio 6 in Balboa Park’s Spanish Village. Playing in the mud, hand building figures and pots is a wonderful change from writing for me.
This summer I’ve also volunteered a couple of hours each week, on Wednesday afternoons, as a Craft Lady for the public library in my neighborhood. It’s a hoot and those kids wear me to a nubbin by the time we finish.
By the time I get home I’m in a whole different state than I am when I spend a day focused on a single writing project. Which is darn good for me and for my writing.
I love the word, recreation. I find that by doing something different from writing goes a long way to re-create me. I’m fresher and my writing is better and easier.
What do you do after a big push of writing?
Write well and often,
Image from http://www.sxc.hu
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Anne:
Been a busy week here. I’m taking the day off tomorrow and visiting the Jersey shore with my wife and daughter. If it rains, we’re still taking a day trip.
My normal time off during the week is Wednesday afternoon, where I’ll visit the library or the bookstore.
Steve
Good for you Steve.
Anne, if I’d known I’d have taken over. I don’t dislike PowerPoint – we get along okay. I could have putzed with it.
I had the same crash you sound like you had. So much going on that day and then BOOM! I ran out of steam. The garden swing helps, as does walking, which lets my mind slow down as I expend the energy physicially.
Lori recently posted..Simplifying
Lori, we’ve both done our share… and I get along with powerpoint… just don’t’ like it much. no biggie
That should be I love PowerPoint-it didn’t like my heart symbol
Cathy Miller recently posted..When Brilliant Posts Fall in the Forest of Unread
I take a walk. Of course, I do that a lot anyway, but, it clears out the cobwebs. If my marathon needs more recreation, I take a day off and read the books I wanted to read (fiction escape-typically murder mysteries-good way to work off those fried brain cells).
BTW, Anne, I ? PowerPoint, so holler if you ever need help. Easy for me to say now, huh? LOL!
Cathy Miller recently posted..When Brilliant Posts Fall in the Forest of Unread