Writing while on vacation is a special challenge, whether it be a blog post or a novel. Family, destinations, travel, events...all the things you have been looking forward to doing on your vacation can intrude on the writing time. But the deadlines and writing tasks don't stop.
So, if you, like me, are on vacation, but you still have writing responsibilities, how do you balance, juggle, or otherwise schedule the work and the play?
Here are a few tips:
1. Plan ahead. Take a look at your writing schedule and determine what you need to do to stay on track while you're gone. If you have blog posts due, write them before you leave for your trip. (I'm shaking my head at myself on this one because I'm writing this post while on vacation when I knew in plenty of time that it would be due while I was gone. Do as I say, not as I do!)
2. Downsize. Be realistic about what you will be able to accomplish or even want to accomplish on vacation. If you usually write 1000 words per day, perhaps 500 on vacation...or 250. Or plan to write every other day, or every third day.
3. Ask for help. Non-writing family might not understand your need to get away for an hour or so to put some words on your WIP. Explain to them that you're not avoiding them, but that you need to get in a little bit of work time. Ask them for their patience and help, make them a part of the process.
4. Relax. Sometimes, you just need to put all the writing away while you're on vacation. Refresh your mind and heart and body, knowing that you will dive back in with diligence when you get home. Do what you are comfortable doing while on vacation, and otherwise, let it go.
Are you planning a summer vacation? Do you write while you are away from home?
Best-selling, award-winning author Erica Vetsch loves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. She’s a transplanted Kansan now living in Minnesota, and she is married to her total opposite and soul mate! When she’s not writing fiction, she’s planning her next trip to a history museum and cheering on her Kansas Jayhawks and New Zealand All Blacks.You can connect with her at her website, www.ericavetsch.com where you can read about her books and sign up for her newsletter, and you can find her online at https://www.facebook.com/EricaVetschAuthor/ where she spends way too much time!
Journey along in the Old West as four women travel to meet their husbands-to-be and discover that nothing is as it was planned. Eve’s fiancé is in jail. Amelia’s fiancé has never heard of her. Zola’s newlywed husband is dead. Maeve’s travel is misdirected. Can these brides can find a true love match?
The Galway Girl by Erica Vetsch
Kansas, 1875
A mail-order mix-up sends Irish lass Maeve O’Reilly to the Swedish community of Lindsborg, Kansas. Will Kaspar Sandberg consider it a happy accident or a disaster to be rectified as soon as possible?
Kansas, 1875
A mail-order mix-up sends Irish lass Maeve O’Reilly to the Swedish community of Lindsborg, Kansas. Will Kaspar Sandberg consider it a happy accident or a disaster to be rectified as soon as possible?
You can order your copy of Mail-Order Mishaps today by clicking HERE.
I hope you're having a wonderful vacation, Erica. I just got back from a week at the beach in Maine, so I totally understand. I did not accomplish anywhere near as much work as I'd intended, but I insisted on carving enough time to do my minimum 1k each day. If I had extra time, fine, but I'm in the habit of 1k a day, and that was a habit I didn't want to break. Happy vacation writing!
ReplyDeleteCate, where in Maine did you go? We live in southeast New Hampshire. Maine is a really cool place. Will you set a story there?
DeleteKathy Bailey
When my husband was alive, we always went to Wells/Ogunquit, but my daughters felt like we needed to do something different so we didn't spend the whole week feeling sad. We rented a house near the beach in York this time. It was so lovely to be able to walk my dog on the beach in the morning and at sunset.
DeleteMy daughter lives in Portland, so I also spent a day there.
I actually have several stories in development that are set there. I love being in Maine.
I would love to see Maine. Some of my favorite cozy mysteries are set in Eastport, ME. They're written by Sarah Graves, and I love the co-protagonists.
DeleteMary Cate, that's great that you were able to meet that goal while on a wonderful vacation!
DeleteErica, good points. I don't write a lot while I'm away from home because I'm still more comfortable working at the desktop, and I'm not going to drag THAT everywhere I go. I will print things out and do line editing with my red Pilot G@ (I am obsessive about tools). If we're staying home and doing day trips I'll write a little bit in the early morning. This is all going to change now that I'm dealing with deadlines imposed by other people. But it's no different from any other job. You plan your work and work your plan.
ReplyDeleteI had a busy start to the weekend. Did the edits for two projects for Pelican, my sequel to "Westward Hope" and a novella for their "Christmas Extravaganza." Doing edits makes it all the more real, doesn't it? I mean about being an author.
I'm working on another Christmas novella while I do the research for the third book. Part of me is afraid it will all fall apart if I don't keep working, part of it is good time management.
It's been really hot here. I go from the air-conditioned car to the air-conditioned store to the air-conditioned house, and only venture outside long enough to water the plants. But am finding plenty to do in the house including the above.
Kathy Bailey
Edits are good, but deadlines are what make it real for me. I'm absolutely hopeless without them. I'm so looking forward to your books, Kathy!
DeleteThank you, Cate. Couldn't have done it without Seekers, then and now.
DeleteYou are really in the writing groove now, Kathy! Editing and writing multiple projects! Throw in the marketing once they are out in the world, and you'll be living the dream! :)
DeleteKathy, I smiled about your pen. Mine is a Pilot Precise V5. :)
DeleteGreat tips, Erica!
ReplyDeleteWe're on an extended semi-vacation as we stay with friends between homes. We'll move into our new place in about four weeks, but meanwhile, I have a book to write! So your third tip is very appropriate. Our hosts know I have to work, and they're more than happy to give me the time and space that I need. :-)
Enjoy your time away!
Wishing you productive writing time, Jan!
DeleteI hope you find lots of little blessings tucked into those tight places while you move and wait and move...and wait for Jack to arrive! :)
DeleteYes! Jack! Only 57 days until we get to bring him home! (Not that I'm counting or anything!)
DeleteAnd for those who haven't heard - Jack is our new corgi puppy. :-)
We had no vacation planned as hubby can’t get off work, but my best friend invited me to tag along to the beach for three days with her daughter and granddaughter. So unexpectedly I am leaving on Thursday.
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice surprise! Three days at the beach! Are you taking some beach reading along?
DeleteHow fun, Lucy! Enjoy!
DeleteThank you for these tips. I usually don't get any formal writing done on a vacation, but I try to journal about experiences and descriptions of sights for later use. I like the idea of being able to get a little work done. That way it keeps the WIP fresh in my mind.
ReplyDeleteThanks again! :0)
Samantha, I think that's a great idea!
DeleteSamantha, I've been jotting and daydreaming about my story when I get the chance, too. It does keep the story fresh, and it helps when you can only jump in a few minutes at a time. :)
DeleteHi Erica:
ReplyDeleteI think it all depends on what type of vacation is planned with considertion for the location and how many people are included.
Some types of vacations and locations are perfect for writing. In fact, I get most of my best writing done each year on vacation from the balcony of a nine story condo with a full ocean view. My biggest problem is dealing with the changing angle of sunlight.
However, if I was vacationing on a European tour, seeing 18 countries in 14 days, I would bring a little tape recorder to tape comments on locations and noting all the five-sensing info I cannot get by looking at pictures.
Very little actual writing would be done but a great deal of what's needed to write a well written book would be recorded. There would also be plenty of telling photos… and not just of major landmarks but rather of the streets, local people, and things near the landmarks that photographers try to leave out of their photos.
The vacation you choose can giveth or taketh away the writing opportunities you could enjoy.
Vince
Vince, I agree that writing at the beach works well! I love working with the ocean as background noise. :)
DeletePoint well made, Vince. It does depend upon what type of vacation you're having. Sometimes you're cramming in as many sites and visits as you can, and finding time to write can be difficult. Most of the time, I've got some downtime in the evenings (like now) to do writerly stuff. :)
DeleteErica, I hope you're enjoying vacation! I love this post because it reminds me to plan ahead and to work out expectations beforehand. Some years I write while on vacation. Other years I don't. And I always use the time to rest and relax!
ReplyDeleteI am having a lovely vacation. I always enjoy time spent with my parents. :)
DeleteToday we drove toward your neck of the woods, about a half hour north of Tifton. I got to see cotton growing in the fields for the first time. And peanuts, and pecan groves. :)
Happy VACA, Erica! I was so glad to have finished my last submission just the day before we left for our Florida beach vacation. In year's past, I have worked at the beach, but it was much more fun to have a true time away from everything so I could focus on my darling grandchildren.
ReplyDeleteOf course, I always think I can get more done than I actually can in a certain period of time. Cutting back is good advice.
Enjoy! Are you by water? Hope so!
Debby, I think that's ideal to turn in something right before a vacation! :)
DeleteAlas, I couldn't turn anything in before this vacation, because I just turned something in June 1st. But I'm working on my new story in bits and bobs, and I'll be hard at it when I return home.
DeleteWe are not near the beach, but we are near lots of lakes, rivers, and swamps! :)
Good suggestions. While not taking vacations, I found myself in rehab aka nursing home. I didn't write due to pain etc. But I did jot down ideas for books I'm currently working on. As well as creating a new series of 4 books.
ReplyDeleteIAM still in pain, Therapy, and dealing with pain management. I have started writing again.
You've had a long road, Wilani. So glad to hear you're writing again!
DeleteWilani, I'm so glad you're able to start writing again. I think that will help you through this long recovery. Praying for you!
DeleteWilani, jotting story ideas is a great way to keep your hand in while you recover. You have lots of fodder to work with now that you've started writing again. Well done!
DeleteI expected to have more writing time on vacation than I did a few weeks ago, but I did have one productive afternoon of over 3500 words. I think my biggest tip would be "don't take the kids." Although then I might have had less time due to not being stuck in the house while they napped. Ha!
ReplyDelete"Don't take the kids." LOL! We're empty nesters now and I still don't get much writing done on vacation!
Delete3500 in one afternoon is AMAZING, Amy!! LOL on the kids.
Delete3500 would be a great total for an entire vacation, much less an afternoon! You rocked it! :)
DeleteWilani, I'm praying for you and am happy to know you've started writing again :))
ReplyDeleteErica, thanks for the tips. Enjoy your vacay time!
Pat, thanks for stopping by!
DeleteThanks so much, Pat! :)
DeleteErica, enjoy your vacation!
ReplyDeleteCaryl, we're glad you stopped by!
DeleteHey, Caryl! Thank you! :)
DeleteHow many of you are heading to RWA today or tomorrow?! I won't be there this year but I hope you all have a great conference!
ReplyDeleteI've never been to RWA. I think I might be overwhelmed! Though I have heard that many of the classes are quite stellar!
DeleteGreat post, Erica. We just got back from a 4 day vacation to North Dakota. We visited Theodore Roosevelt National Park, then drove through the Black Hills on the way home. I had never been to North Dakota, so that was extra fun. I don't write when I'm on vacation, but that would probably change if I ever have deadlines.
ReplyDeleteSandy, I have seen some of your photos on FB. As a girl born and bred on the prairie, North Dakota appeals to me! And I love the Black Hills. So different from all that surrounds it!
DeleteNorth Dakota is a beautiful state. I also love the prairie. I would feel claustrophobic if I was surrounded by trees.
DeleteSandy, we are alike in that! I get claustrophobic in the mountains and in the deep forest. I need to be able to see across the prairie and breathe that grass-scented wind!
Delete.
ReplyDelete"Make Writing Your Vacation
and Your Vacation
Something to Write About!"
Well said! :)
DeleteYep, been there, done that. I wrote while on a cruise with my mother. I was on deadline and was behind on my word count. I determined that I need to write at least one hour in each day. And the good news is that there was no internet, no emails, no phone calls or other distractions, so it worked out fairly well. I've also edited on vacations as well.
ReplyDeleteI've written on other family vacations, but those were self-imposed deadlines, not because I was on a contracted deadline.
Pam, the best writing sessions for me are when there is no internet. I have NO self control! :)
DeleteWhat a great post, Erica. When I know I'm going to be away, I always either write ahead and pre-schedule blog posts and social media (LOVE Hootsuite), or I announce I'm taking a break to be with family on my blog. As for writing on vacation...I love your suggestions for modifying our expectations so that they are in line with the vacation without completely stopping the writing. I do try to write when I am away from home, but not being on deadline does make it easier to not stress when family wants to do things that take most of the day.
ReplyDeleteThis is the first summer in years we haven't planned a summer vacay. Between boys' jobs, camps, and hubs' travel schedule, there just isn't time. So...my challenge this summer is making time to write in between driving teens to where they need to be.
Jeanne, I hope amidst all the busyness of your summer, you're able to snatch a few moments with your WIP. :) And maybe, when things settle down a bit, you can get away with the family for a few days. :)
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