Treat Your Writing Project Like a Spa, Not Boot Camp

The fall season is approaching. Cooler mornings, cozy sweaters, pumpkin spice tea, settling into a routine.

As writers, it’s easy to miss the beautiful atmosphere and push ourselves on our project: I have to get this section done. I really want to knock out one more chapter. I need to push my daily word count higher.

That sounds more like boot camp than a cozy fall morning.

What if you treat your writing project like a soothing spa visit instead?

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Writing Prompt: The Place that Felt Like Summer

Seasonal writing prompts are a helpful way to practice writing and creativity. Sometimes they’re a way to get in touch with potential scenes for your book too. Not every book has seasonal material. But recalling descriptive details has a way of bringing to mind memories, lessons, wisdom, and experiences that may shape a writing project in some way. If not, it’s still great practice that helps stir creativity. 

For this month’s writing prompt, let’s think about summer. It’s all around us, so it’s a natural time to capture those descriptions and feelings.

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A Family Recipe Can Enrich Your Writing Project

As Christmas approaches, I’ve been remembering the cookies my grandma and great aunts used to make. I’ve also been cleaning out my kitchen as part of a puppy-proofing purge. In the back of a cupboard, I found a wonderful surprise: a printout of some of my grandma’s and great aunts’ recipes, including the Christmas cookies.

Now, I’m not exactly a baker, so it’s unlikely I’ll try to make the cookies. Although we never know when inspiration can strike. However, as a writer, I am very excited to include the cookie recipe on my family history blog. That prompted me to reflect on different ways we can use favorite family recipes in any kind of writing project.

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Writing Prompt: A Childhood Summer Memory

Writing a book begins with small steps. As you practice writing smaller pieces, the bigger project starts to come together. A writing prompt—where you write in response to a particular question or topic—can help you gain momentum.

Have you ever tried writing in response to a writing prompt? It’s good practice, it exercises your writing muscles, and it can often lead to insights for your book. I’m going to share one today that you can try.

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Summer Reading Helps You Grow as a Writer

Summer is a wonderful time to relax and read a book. Before I leave on my summer vacation, I load my Kindle reader with the books I hope to enjoy. I can’t wait to dig into those stories—and take a break from writing.

Writers often feel guilty when they focus on summer reading instead of writing. But reading actually fuels your writing. Summer is the perfect season to improve your writing through reading. 

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Stir Your Creativity—Without Writing a Word

Summer means warm days, a different pace of daily life, and time for refreshing. It’s a great season to boost your creativity.

Writing is more than words. Writing is creative. It’s helpful to take a break from the computer and try a different creative activity to pair with your writing. Summer is the perfect time for lighthearted, creative fun.

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