What’s up, guys and gals?
This week I’m going to be summarizing my Camp NaNoWriMo progress (the usual deal), but we’re also going to be talking about taking breaks! Is it okay to take a day off during these sorts of challenges?
If you’re not interested in my little day-to-day capsules of progress, just scroll right down to the part about taking breaks. I won’t mind 🙂
READ ABOUT MY CAMP NANO JOURNEY:
Day 11
I had a nice long flight on this date, so I got in about 2K on the plane. It was immensely satisfying, and I don’t know whether it was because it’s hard to get distracted on an airplane, but the writing was so smooth. I felt like it was one of the fastest and easiest Camp NaNo sessions I’ve had so far.
Day 12
Due to time differences and such, I felt like I lost time in between the start and end of the flight. So I only got in about 500 words. It’s not a lot, but at least I wrote something.
Days 13-15
Aha, this is the part where it gets interesting. Or… not. I decided to take three whole days off to recharge and get myself motivated again. I have a basic idea of where my story is going, but I’m trying to make it seem realistic and I think that’s where the problem lies. I’m already trying to perfect it even though it’s only a first draft. And… that’s why I haven’t been writing. *facedesks*
Day 16
I decided to get back to work like a sensible writer. Although I didn’t get in as many words as I would have liked, I did manage to write a scene that I had not had in my outline. I love the little surprises writing can spring on a solid outline.
Day 17
Maybe it was the fact that I stayed up late the night before, but when I woke up this morning I was still exhausted. Plus, on this side of the world, it’s kind of warm *le shrug*
Anyway, I got down enough words to almost make it to 20, 000. Not too terrible, I suppose.
Taking breaks
This brings me to the topic of taking breaks during writing challenges like this. Is it okay to take a day off to recharge, even if you’re behind on your goal? Well, to that, my friend, the answer is yes.
Yes, it’s okay to have to stop working. Yes, it’s okay to have to rest. You’re only human, after all, so as humans, we all have limits. Camp NaNoWriMo is just a challenge. Don’t beat yourself up for having to miss out on one day and falling even more behind. You could catch up later, you could write more another day, you could feel more motivated later.
Rest is a good thing. Don’t keep yourself from it if you truly need it.
That’s it, that’s all!
To all my Camp NaNo-ers, tell me how you’re going? Still strong, or are you beginning to fall behind? Either way, you’ll only truly know the final result on the last day.
Hope you’re taking enough breaks and resting well!
All the best,
