by Shannon Hilson

Created on: November 03, 2008   Last Updated: November 08, 2008

Producing quality writing is not something that can be forced. It's a complex process that needs time and consideration to come to fruition and be everything you want it to be. While there is, of course, something to be said for persistence and dedication, there's also a lot to be said for knowing when it's time for a break. Otherwise, you run the risk of getting to the point where you actually HATE writing, and no writer wants that. So how do YOU know if you're in need of a break? Here are some good indicators to begin with.

WHEN WRITING IS LIKE PULLING TEETH

Whether you're working on a novel, maintaining a blog, or writing informative articles for sites like Helium, sooner or later you'll wind up with a whopping case of writer's block. You'll slow down, the ideas won't be coming as easily, and you can't seem to keep your word count up to save your life. Sometimes, a little time and distance is just the thing to cure writer's block. Focus on one of your other passions for a while or just spend some time taking it easy. Often you'll find that a couple of days off restores your vigor, and the ideas and enthusiasm start to come to you again. Even if you're facing a professional project with a deadline, taking even an hour or two away from the computer and going to the market, or out for a quick bite to eat and a walk, can help immensely.

ON YOUR OFF DAYS

Even if you only write for your own pleasure, it's important to take days off now and again. It gives your mind a chance to recoop, as well as provides new ideas with room to percolate. It's a time to sleep on your existing ideas and mentally plan out your next writing session so it's as productive as possible. Then you can return to your writing with a fresh eye and fresh insight, which can often mean the difference between producing a good piece and producing a GREAT piece. If you write professionally, it's even more important to make sure you schedule yourself plenty of time off to make sure you remain at the top of your game and continue to love what you do.

IF YOU ACTUALLY ARE BURNT OUT

If you find yourself thinking about working on your writing with absolute dread in your heart, then it's definitely in order to take some time off from it for a while. This is especially so if you're supposedly writing for fun. It should be just that - an enjoyable experience that you look forward to. When it becomes a chore instead, you know you're burnt out... at least for the moment. Focus on some other aspect of life, perhaps one you've been neglecting in favor of writing, and come back to your writing when you feel ready. Sooner or later, you WILL start to miss it and will return to it with more enthusiasm than ever.

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