Beat the Summer Writing Slump

I recently had an absolutely delightful weekend in St. Augustine, floating in a hot tub, engrossed in the captivating world of The Lonely Polygamist, while blissfully ignoring any nagging thoughts of what my worry brain told me I should be doing.

Ah, the joys of summer!

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As a writer, I understand the importance of nurturing both reading and writing, as they intertwine to form the twisted vine that grows a writer’s life. Still, summer can be a challenging time to maintain momentum.

We don’t want to look back in the fall and think, “Bleh, I have to start all over again!” Inertia is a b-word.

The fear of facing a neglected writing life can be paralyzing. But fear not, for I have some tips to help you keep up your writing life over the summer:

1. Summer-ize Your Goals

Some companies have Summer Fridays, where employees enjoy afternoons off — what does summer mean to you? Whether you see it as “Me Time” to focus on yourself and pursue your dreams or as a challenging period with kids at home, define what this season means for your life and align your goals accordingly. They might be more ambitious or less, depending on your situation.

2. Audiobooks for Travel

Remember the old days of cassette tapes? Well, audiobooks have made traveling much more enjoyable. Embrace the joy of listening to captivating stories while on the go. If you have company, share the experience with family or friends. If not, pop in your AirPods and immerse yourself in the world of literature.

Give your reading time a special name and transform it into a ritual. My sister, for instance, calls it “Family Read Time” with her son. Extend an invitation to your loved ones to join you in this delightful activity. Add some tea, a cozy couch, and maybe even some cuddling, and voila! You’ve created a lovely evening routine that everyone will cherish.