Summer writing–sounds promising, doesn’t it? For many of us, summer doesn’t change anything. We keep going as if the season didn’t change. But let’s face it. Many people spend more time outside and perhaps traveling during the summer months, and we must recognize it may create a challenge to finish our current projects.
Some writers have the advantage of summers off work and use those months to work on a novel. Others hope for a week of vacation or perhaps choose a staycation to work on and finally finish that book. Sounds like a plan to me. For most writers, taking time off from a full-time job results in traveling with family or relaxing from our normal days. And especially early in the summer, we want to be outside enjoying bearable heat before triple digits chase us back inside. In reality, summer doesn’t help us write more than in any other season.
All writing requires constant recommitment to our calling as writers and self-discipline. Oh, how we detest that thought. You mean I have to make myself write? Not always. Sometimes, words simply flow, and our word count climbs beyond our hopes for that session. How do I fight the urge to slip outside for only a moment that ends up as the entire day or evening?
Plan for summer writing
Like any other busy time of the year, plan ahead for interruptions to your writing time. Some people consider scheduling specific times for writing a critical part of each day. But if you don’t always do that, take a minute at the beginning of your week and literally schedule meetings with yourself. Work around the other activities you pursue during the summer, especially if you have children to entertain.
Going on vacation? Flights or even long drives can provide focused time for writing (as long as you aren’t the pilot or driver). Use that time to your advantage. Will you have downtime while away? I don’t advocate too much work during a vacation, but at least take a spiral notebook and pen. If the mood strikes, go old-school. The best summer writing might be a morning pages exercise that fleshes out a difficult scene.
If summer simply calls you outside, why not write there? Who says you must sit at a desk or in that same ol’ cozy chair where you always write? Take it outside if you can, benefitting from the vitamin D of the sun. Most people can watch children play while writing, although if you get too entrenched in a scene, you might want to secure the area.
During July, consider participating in Camp NaNoWriMo–a more relaxed version of the national November writing event. Or instead of writing, work on plotting/outlining or character development during the summer. Then, when fall returns and you reacclimate to a more normal schedule, you have the beginnings of your next project.
Give Yourself Grace
Summer writing challenges the most self-disciplined writer who enjoys the great outdoors or getting away from life in general. Not to mention birthdays, graduations, weddings, etc. May often becomes busier than end of year holidays. Take that reality into account. Set writing goals by hours instead of words written. And if you fall short, don’t beat yourself up. When August rolls around, especially in Texas, you can make up any time missed as the brutal heat relegates you to indoor activities.
How do you keep your momentum going when nature calls you to come out and play?
Our writing groups continue meeting during the summer. Join us to help with accountability and encouragement to keep writing.