by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig
During my blog break, I went on a family vacation to France. Both of my children have graduated in the last couple of months: one from college, one from high school. The trip was a celebration of their accomplishments. And, well, we all wanted to go to France. :)
I was actually looking forward to doing some writing during this particular vacation. My kids were able to go off by themselves some and I could sit at a cafe and do some work. In Paris, isn’t that some of the point, if you’re a writer?
I felt like I kept a good balance between family time and writing time.
Here are a few tips for writing during vacation:
First off, before you leave, plan how much you want to write. Do you have time to just take that vacation completely off? Or, do you have a deadline (either a personal deadline or an editor’s deadline) that means taking time completely off impossible? Is the vacation short enough that you won’t be rusty or have a hard time jumping back into your story when you get home?
Be flexible. I’ve long said that being flexible with my writing (writing times and locations) has really helped me be more productive. Can you write before everyone you’re traveling with gets up? Can you slip out of a hotel room and write in the lobby (I’ve done this plenty of times)? Can you write after everyone has already turned in? Can you write while waiting for the rest of your party to show up at a restaurant?
Expand your definition of ‘working on your book.’ Sometimes when I’m traveling, all sorts of story ideas are sparked. These may either be ideas for the current WiP, or ideas for future books. I make sure that I either have a small notebook with me, or that I can jot ideas onto an app like Google Keep. Emailing ideas to myself has worked well in the past, too. I think the main thing is just to be open to having ideas and at unusual times.
Be cognizant that you’re ‘refilling the well’ as well as spending time with people who are important to you. This is just a small reminder that the purpose of the vacation probably has little to do with your writing. Are you there to spend time with family? To celebrate a wedding? To relax? All of those things are important, too. Plus…speaking from experience, I’ve found that when I don’t take time to refill the creative well, I’ve been burned out. And coping with burnout (bad writing, slow writing) can take longer than either taking time off or dialing back writing goals.
Do you often write on vacation? What tips do you have?
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You went to France – wow! How long were you there? Unless it was months, you probably didn’t have time for everything.
Sometimes I just need a recharge, like the vacation we’re taking soon. But I plan on writing before and after.
Just 10 days…you’re so right that you could spend months there! Just enough time for a nice overview.
Glad you’re taking a vacation! Recharging is important, too.
I’m so glad you had the chance for a wonderful trip like that! How exciting! And I like your ideas for getting things done while you’re away. I think you’re right about how important it is to be flexible. That way, you can be open to the great experiences of the trip – and with family – but at the same time, let yourself be inspired, so you can write.
It’s nice to be able to accomplish both things, when it’s possible. Otherwise, we still have a fun trip to enjoy!
Oh how fun! Now that’s a time zone change. Your youngest is out of high school now? I remember when they were both just kids.
During the trip itself, car or plane, is usually when I have time to write.
It’s hard to believe for me, too!
Plane rides are good for writing, for sure.
Great ideas! I don’t have deadlines since I self-publish, so I typically don’t write on vacation, but these are some things to keep in mind if I do.
Sometimes self-inflicted deadlines can be tough, too! Before I left home, I had a book that I put up on pre-order. I had a few tasks while I was away to make sure the book would be ready to go to my editor and betas as soon as I got home. I think it’s just me being ridiculously type-A.
Thanks so much for coming by! :)
What a wonderful family trip!!! France is definitely on the bucket list. I think it’s a MUST to sit at an outdoor cafe and write for a bit :)
It was a lot of fun (super-hot while we were there, but we’re used to that where we’re from. :) )
Are we going to be seeing Myrtle in Paris? Maybe she can reconnect with an old flame.
I’ll have to figure out a way for Myrtle to afford it! Maybe she can stay with the French exchange student’s family from book one. :)
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Hi Elizabeth – well Myrtle staying with the French exchange student’s family will be an interesting read! Murder there or at home in Myrtle land …?! I admire your ability to write wherever and whenever … and obviously helps when you’re travelling.
Wonderful you had those ten days over this side of the pond and were able to travel around a bit seeing gay Paris … wonderful city. Happy memories and congratulations to the two kids for now being ‘old’?! Good for them and for you both – cheers Hilary
Murder tends to follow Myrtle wherever she goes!
Thanks on behalf of the kids! Yes, they’re not little ones anymore. I’ve been too busy to really process that fact, but when the nest is empty by the end of next month, I’m guessing that I will feel it. :)