Each month at our workshop, Draft Busters Online, we tackle a different aspect of writing craft and learn how to apply it to our current writing projects. The workshops happen on Zoom twice a week. On Motivation Mondays (10-11.30am AEST) we set goals, have craft instruction/discussion and do some writing exercises. This sets us up nicely for our writing week. Then on Feedback Fridays (3.30-5.30 pm AEST) we read an excerpt of our work and get feedback. It’s a fantastic way to stay motivated on our writing projects and writers who attend say how supportive and helpful it is. Some even go off and get published! This year Andra Putnis and Tamara Jacka, last year Biff Ward and Fabia Claridge.
Last month instead of planning exercises on character or setting, voice or plot, I decided to put self care on the agenda. Not just because it’s been at the top of my mind since my brush with cancer earlier in the year, but because when you are on a deadline (self imposed or otherwise) it’s easy to let self care slide. And if we are serious about remaining committed to a solid writing practice, we really have to think like an athlete — after all the body is the writer’s instrument too. Not just the fingers, hand and wrist that tap the keyboard or ink the page. The arm, shoulders, back and abdomen also require strength and suppleness as they send messages back and forth to the brain. The flow of fresh thought, ideas and inspiration requires suppleness and clarity of mind. If the body is tired, the mind is tired too!
Most writers I know either walk regularly, do pilates, yoga or gym. Everybody knows if you get the body moving the mind will move too.
But while spending long days at the desk do you do as the experts advise — take breaks every 30 mins, do eye exercises, stretches and star jumps? Do you set a time limit, take longer breaks, prepare nutritious meals?
Or do you hunker down with a cup of caffeine at your side, go like the clappers until exhausted, grab a quick snack then fall in a heap in front of a Netflix show?
While I am not going give you a long list of things you can be doing for self care (find a great one here) I am going to ask you this.
What are you doing for self care these days?
Are there things you used to do that you don’t do any more?
Which area of your writing life needs some self care right now?
Drop me an email, I’d love to know!
Treat yourself to a writer’s retreat in Ischia in May 3-10, 2025
or join our Haiku Walk in Japan early Dec 2025.
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