On Writing

On Writing

And the importance of taking a break

Photo by Ariel Salgado on Unsplash

“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.” ― Anne Lamott (Goodreads)

Being a writer, I know how easy it is to become stressed or feel inadequate if you haven’t written something in a specified amount of time. Some of us set personal goals, according to our circumstances – maybe one item a day, or a week, or whatever.

When we fail to meet those goals, we beat ourselves up, or try to force words onto the page that just don’t work. It may be just life telling us we need a break, or time to think and reevaluate.

Sometimes the longest “writing break” is actually the longest research phase. Good writing often starts long before the first sentence. We are always writers, and don’t stop being writers, even when we aren’t writing.

If I am writing a poem or short story, I will often spend more hours, and sometimes days, thinking about it and turning the concepts and ideas over in my head than it takes me to complete the piece once I do actually start typing or putting pen to paper.

Coming up with a catchy title and a satisfactory ending are two things that tend to take a lot of thought. A story may require research regarding setting, character development, historical accuracy, etc. Then, in respect of poetry, rhyme scheme, cadence, and syllable count may need to be considered and perfected.

Many a writer has told themselves, “I’ll take a 15-minute break,” only to return hours, days, weeks, or even months later. But perhaps those quiet, seemingly unproductive times aren’t wasted at all. They’re often spent collecting experiences, emotions, and unanswered questions that will eventually find their way onto the page.

Sometimes the longest pause produces the strongest story. After all, real writers don’t stop writing – they simply gather life experience before they write about it. As Anton Chekhov said, “If you want to work on your writing, work on your life.”

Being a good writer is not only about how well we creatively use language but also the strategy or strategies we use to reenergise. We all need to take a break at some stage… to “rest.” You call it “six months” or “too long,” I call it “refreshing” or “reinventing.” You call it “writer’s block,” I call it “writers’ sabbatical.”

So, take as much time as you need.

Then, when you are ready – pick up a pen, or place your fingers on the keyboard …

Take a day off from your own self, wander through the corridors of curiosity, and let the unexpected whispers of existence unveil untold chapters within. Take a day off from your own self, rediscover the world around you, and let the symphony of life compose a new melody for your soul. Take a day off from yourself as well, letting the world unfold without your constant scrutiny. Embrace the liberation of anonymity, allowing the universe to surprise and inspire you anew when you return to your own narrative.” ― Monika Ajay Kaul (Goodreads)

2026 © John Hansen: All rights reserved. Australian writer

Check out this relatable poem ‘Writer’s Block’ by Denise Long.

And another little-read poem about writing by me:

[embed]Radical Words ~ The Importance of Words ~thehubpublication.com

[embed]Write for Everyday Being You are welcome here!medium.com