Anne Louise Bannon is the author of the Old Los Angeles series, the Operation Quickline series, and the Freddie and Kathy 1920s series. You can find out more about her at her website, or by clicking here, see her last post here, and find her books here.
Given that most writers work a day job as well as write their novels, it might seem a little odd that writers need a day off from writing here and there. I know I do. But part of that may be that I mostly write and do research full-time. Also, I work on making my writing as much a business as it is my vocation, which means that I’m spending the better part of my time working on promotions, such as getting ready for the launch of my latest novel, Death of an Heiress, creating content for my two blogs, oh, and actually doing the writing that turns into my various novels.
Which means that on weekends, I try to do things that are not immediately related to my writing business. Such as socializing, which sometimes happens. Or cleaning house, because no matter how much I want to believe that cleaning can wait, when my feet start sticking to the floor and my husband doesn’t have clean underwear, I do have to do something about it.
So… This past weekend. It started with bread baking. Why? Two reasons – I like the bread that I produce more than the commercial stuff, plus it doesn’t get wrapped in plastic that will poison our landfills and/or oceans. Then there is sewing to be done. It’s a different kind of creativity, which helps eventually fuel my writing. Oh, and there are the other chores that are annoying, but do need to be done if I want to… I don’t know. Keep my data safe, like backing up our household computers. We won’t talk about what happens when I don’t get the bathroom clean.
Please note that I am not alone in this process of keeping the house liveable. My husband does a lot of housework, too. It’s just that like most folks who do the nine to five thing, neither of us likes housework, but we recognize that if we don’t, it gets nasty. So, on our respective days off, we do it and also find time to squeeze in other activities that fulfill us as people.
And that’s what this writer does on her days off. Now, back to writing.
Hi Anne, I agree. Balance is important! For me, I also need to play to recharge those writing batteries
Right, Avanti. Play is essential for recharging.
When I binge watch a show or the Johnny Depp trial, I rationalize it by telling myself it’s good to take some time away from the keyboard. Besides, even when I sit here from morning til night, it’s not like I’m always working on a book. I have an entire list of ways to procrastinate.
I want some of that bread!
Let’s not go into my procrastination list. As for the bread, well, when are you coming for dinner?
Anne, I couldn’t agree more with you. Every profession needs a reset day or week or more. I do love it that things like baking and sewing fan the writing flame for you. Baking does that for me, too, as does walking and yardwork.
Sometimes baking does it for me, and I *love* walking. But one of the best stories I ever wrote came out when I was on vacation in Las Vegas last winter.
I’ve always wanted to bake bread and sew. I’ve promised myself that when I retire, I’m going to take those projects on. Maybe you can advise me!
I’ll be happy to, Saralyn! Re the bread, start reading anything on the subject by Peter Reinhart that you can get your hands on. He’s great. Re the sewing, try googling Seamworks magazine.
Great post, Anne! I sometimes use housework as “rewards” for hitting a writing goal. Like, “finish this chapter and you can put the clothes in the dryer,” which as I see it in writing looks a tad draconian. But for a full reset I love baking! Breads, muffins, scones, tea cakes – chemistry at its finest.
Love the chemistry allusion. I have to concede that I’m having a hard time seeing housework as a reward, though.
Love that you’ve been baking bread, Anne. It looks delicious! As to housework, it seems like it is always there, waiting to be done. I put it off until necessary, and my husband lends a hand with it too.
My husband does a lot, as well. But I hate it, so I put it off as long as I can.
Brava to you, Anne, for knowing how important respites from work are. I take frequent breaks from writing, focusing on walking and exercising. These are essential for me to maintain good health and boost creativity.
I agree with you one-hundred percent on the exercising.
So true! I really need to take more time off from my writing to make the clutter livable.
There’s also creative chaos. Until you can’t find that absolutely imperative note re your next scene.
So true. Working, writing, promoting can take over author’s lives. I know that breaks recharge me to “get back to writing’. Accomplishing a task separate from words on a page is the mental success that I need to see writing as a joy, not another daunting task.
Yep. We all need our breaks. And cleaning house helps. Sort of.
The bread looks amazing. Also, I can’t write if the house is filth – cleaning helps clear the creative juices!
Well, if you like cleaning that badly, you can come to my place. The bread was good.
Anne — I hear you, siSTAR! I’m a neatnik, so having a place for everything and everything in its place is essential to me. Your loaves of bread look scrumptious!
Laurie, I am so the opposite re housekeeping. I wish I were better, but right now we can’t tell the cats and the dust bunnies apart. Oy.
Anne, baking bread is on my bucket list. Lately, my days off are spent outside gardening. Nothing wrong with fresh air and a little dirt–the kind you plant in. The dirt inside. . . that’s another story. (haha!)
Those breaks are so important. Thanks Anne!