Surviving the Summer Slump

We've all been there. School is out. Kids are underfoot, need a ride to ten different places at once, want to be entertained. Then there are the summer BBQs, family reunions and camp-outs. Your time is NOT your own and you feel pulled in every direction.

When are you supposed to write? What about all those creative ideas that pop into your head at random intervals during the day? When is it YOUR turn to have a little ME time and be pampered . . . obeyed . . . left alone?

But then it happens. One moment of peace and silence when the house is empty or the kids are entertained. You sneak out the laptop, boot it up, pray this moment will last much longer than the last and . . . NOTHING!

You sit there for what seems like an eternity, staring at the blank page or the frail attempt at being creative you made weeks ago, and . . .

Your muse is in the Bahamas sipping a sweet umbrella drink while having suntan lotion smothered all over her back by a cabana boy (or swimsuit model if you're a guy).

Now what?

First of all, BREATHE.  It's okay to enjoy your summer. It's totally normal to take a break from writing and enjoy this time with your family. Don't beat yourself up. Give yourself permission to have fun and not produce a single word.

But if you find you MUST write to get through the day, then find a way to be mobile. If you can't pack your lappy along with you, then never leave home without a notebook and pen. Write while you're waiting for kids at swim lessons, write while you're in the waiting room at the doctors office, write while you're preparing dinner and waiting for the spaghetti sauce to simmer on the stove. Write anywhere and everywhere you can.

Then when you get some time to yourself, transfer your notes to the computer and feel good about what you've accomplished, no matter how small or rough the writing seems.

And if you have a little more time than others and you're looking for a little competition or encouragement from your fellow writers, there's a couple things you can do.

Ali Cross is hosting a Ninja Novel Writing Month in July. You set the goal and work each day to achieve it. GO HERE to find out more info.

Tristi Pinkston is also hosting her annual July writing challenge, where you can set your own goals.  Check it out HERE!


How do you plan to get through the Summer Slump? What goals have you set for yourself?

Christine (C.K.) Bryant is  the Executive Director of Authors Incognito. She's the author of BOUND and BROKEN, the first two books in The Crystor Series. To learn more about Christine and her books, visit her website at ckbryant.com