Recharging the Writer

 

by Mindy Obenhaus

I can’t help chuckling when I watch a movie in which the hero or heroine is a writer. Oh sure, they might show them battling writer’s block, but most of the time the writer is embarking on/in the midst of a book tour or being hounded by his/her agent/publisher for their next project. What they rarely show is the reality of being an author. The hours of research, laboring over a scene, trying to juggle writing time, promotion and marketing, family, work and other commitments. If a writer isn’t careful, it’s easy to get burned out.

That’s why it’s important for writers to take time to recharge so they can be at optimum performance. How do they do that?

Read Writing Books – When I first started writing, I bought loads of craft books. Some I read cover to cover, while others had me feeling overwhelmed. Now, having published several books, I find that revisiting those craft books sparks my creativity and reinvigorates me. It awakens that passion that can fade, making writing feel more like a have-to than a want-to.

Get Creative – Writers are creative by nature. Otherwise, they wouldn’t be writing. But sometimes our creative side needs to be fed with other things. Do you like to cook/bake? Take some time to have fun in the kitchen. Maybe you’re a crafter. Start a new project. Explore your creativity beyond writing, nurture it and it will carry over into your writing.

Retreat – Writing can be a lonely endeavor. And nobody understands that better than other writers. So why not escape with one or more of your writing buddies? Maybe you want the time to just write. Perhaps you need help with your plot. There’s just something about being with like-minded people that fills your creative well and leaves you with a renewed passion.

Now it’s your turn. Writers, what are some of your favorite ways to recharge? Even if you’re not a writer, you can get burned out. How do you refresh yourself so you can tackle whatever lies ahead? Leave a comment to be entered to win a copy of Easter on the Ranch, a 2-in-1 with the first book in my Rocky Mountain Heroes series, Their Ranch Reunion and Jessica Keller’s The Rancher’s Legacy that releases later this month.

Spring and second chances

The Rancher's Legacy by Jessica Keller

Returning home isn’t part of Rhett Jarrett’s plan—until he inherits the family ranch from his father. Running it won’t be easy with his ranch assistant and childhood friend, Macy Howell, challenging all his decisions. But a long-buried family secret might help Rhett begin to see things Macy’s way…and allow them to find love—and a home—together at last.

Their Ranch Reunion by Mindy Obenhaus

Single mom Carly Wagner is surprised to learn she’ll have to share ownership of the home she’s inherited with her first love, Andrew Stephens. Now a successful businessman, he’s standing in the way of her dreams to expand her B and B. Andrew has eight weeks to buy Carly out. But Carly’s too stubborn to persuade—and too beautiful to ignore. Should he leave and chase another deal…or stay and chase Carly’s heart?

Award-winning author Mindy Obenhaus is passionate about touching readers with Biblical truths in an entertaining, and sometimes adventurous, manner. She lives on a ranch in Texas with her husband, two sassy pups, countless cattle, deer and the occasional coyote, mountain lion or snake. When she's not writing, she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, cooking and watching copious amounts of the Hallmark Channel. Learn more at www.MindyObenhaus.com