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KloKandall

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3 weeks ago, I finished my first draft and take a break from writing. Unfortunately, I always feel the itch to start writing again and guilty for taking time off. And sometimes, I wondering is it beneficial for taking a break because if you back to writing, you will lose track of writing. How do I suppose to do?
 
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And also, yeah, I finally came back to this website. It's been a long time to not see this helpful writing community
 
I tend to rely on my own inner judgment. If the plot simply is not coming to me or I have a desire to do something else, I have no problem with taking days or weeks off from writing. I do not really buy into the approach of, sit down and force yourself to write every day. If, on the other hand, I feel the juices flowing and want to write something, then I certainly would not force myself to take a break. Enjoy while you can and do not force yourself to do something not pleasurable simply to show some sort of commitment.
 
I would say, taking a break after you've finished a project is perfectly fine. But, if you still feel like writing even when you're taking a break, don't stop yourself from writing.
 
But also, taking a break after finishing a draft is usually pretty beneficial, so you can return later and read the draft with fresh eyes. If you still feel like writing during your break, maybe you can work on something else? Or not. As @Wayne Mack says, follow your gut.
 
I tend to rely on my inner judgment. If the plot simply is not coming to me or I have a desire to do something else, I have no problem with taking days or weeks off from writing. I do not buy into the approach of, sit down and force yourself to write every day. If, on the other hand, I feel the juices flowing and want to write something, then I certainly would not force myself to take a break. Enjoy while you can and do not force yourself to do something not pleasurable simply to show some sort of commitment.
Hmm, you are right. I shouldn't force myself to edit it if I'm not ready. Thanks for the advice.
 
But also, taking a break after finishing a draft is usually pretty beneficial, so you can return later and read the draft with fresh eyes. If you still feel like writing during your break, maybe you can work on something else? Or not. As @Wayne Mack says, follow your gut.
Well, my first draft was the only project I was working on. But yeah, I need to find some relaxation and guts
 
I'm in a similar situation. Recently finished my latest novel, and ready to start subbing it, with no other big projects started. I'd say that's a perfect opportunity for a rest and recharge. I have an idea for my next novel but don't want to force it so I'll probably spend the next few weeks/months working on the odd short story and post some entries in the Challenges here, which I've neglected for a couple of years.

A rest is always good, and merited after you've reached a significant milestone. Don't feel guilty about it.
 
I always go straight into editing when I finish a novel, while it's all still fresh in my mind, but lots of writer friends like to take a break. Like most things in writing, it's a case of personal preference.
 
When I finish a draft, I usually take a break from that project. I won't go right into editing, because I need to let the project settle for a bit before I can look at it with objectivity in order to make the appropriate edits. However, I will sometimes refine and finalize my world-building and characters for that particular story once the draft is complete.

I'm kind of always working on multiple projects, so I never lack anything to work on, but I am also a writer for my job. Sometimes I find I need to take a step back and have other things going on in my life. Even though I love writing and want to do it every day, I don't always have the mental capability to sit at my screen and make something happen that feels good. Other times, I will want to write so much and might be between projects (as rare as it is), so I will do creative short story dumps of whatever is on my mind just so I can do some writing!

If you're wondering if you should take a break between projects, that is entirely up to you. If you feel burnt out on writing, I would say give yourself a little time to relax. If you are planning to edit your draft next, I would also say give it a couple of days (or longer) to separate yourself from the writing before you go back as a reader/editor. The answer to your question might well vary based on what it was the prompted you to think you needed a break in the first place.
 

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