We’re now in the second week of April’s Rough Draft Challenge and so far things are going well with the new Kingsmill Courtships novella I’m working on. But today’s post isn’t about word count, plotting notebooks, or character names. This post is about our mental health while we scratch out our rough drafts while trying to live our daily lives.
Today I want to talk about something I often don’t do while on any deadline, whether it be my editor’s, my agent’s, or my own. That thing is having fun. When I’m deeply immersed in a story, I find it hard to let go and enjoy myself. But this winter has been a difficult one with the death of a loved one. So I’m really feeling the need to spend time on the garden and enjoy Spring-time meals with my family. But I also don’t want to spend a lot of money. So here are a few ideas to get us away from our keyboard and out in the world.
Movie night!
Either alone or with a friend. Put on a Hallmark Christmas movie (yes, that’s a thing in April!), or a horror flick. Something that will get your mind off of your WIP and make you laugh, cry, or hide beneath the blankets. Throw in a huge bowl of buttered popcorn and your favorite drink and pretend you’re twelve.
Spend time in the garden
Whether you’re actually gardening or visiting a garden, it’s time to throw off the winter blues and spend time outside. Even if you don’t have the time or space to garden, you could easily build a small DIY Herb garden that will last for the rest of the year. You could also just grab a blanket and some snacks and have an impromptu picnic. Regardless, it’s time to spend time outside, moving your body, and breathing in fresh air.
Hike the woods!
If you live in a state where there are woods, hike the local trails before the summer crowds show up. If you have no woods, I’m sure you have something just as lovely. A park or a desert setting. Anything that gets your heart pumping while taking in the beauty of a Spring afternoon.
Dinner with friends!
Host a pot-luck dinner with friends. Have your friends bring over their favorite foods, open some wine or beer or your favorite beverage, and hang out like when you were in high school. If you have a fire pit or a patio, sit outside while the weather is still nice.
Field trips!
Pick strawberries, have a picnic, and drink iced tea near a babbling brook. Now that Winter is over, the farm stands, outdoor museums, and open-air cafes are beginning to open and would love some visitors. (I just wish Cherry Blossom season here in Virginia lasted longer than a few days.)
Bake a pie!
If you like to cook or bake, do so. Pull out your favorite recipes and start your dough rising and get that crockpot going. The best part of having cooking or baking as one of your hobbies is that you always have something awesome to eat when you’re done. Here is a recipe for my favorite Spring dessert: Strawberry Rhubarb Pie.
I know it sounds counterintuitive, but having separate hobbies and projects to work on helps keep your mind and soul balanced. It can also be motivation to finish your words so you can get back to your hobby. Whatever you choose to do, do it with a happy heart and no guilt. Your book will get written, regardless if you hit the magic 50K number. But ending April with a hunched back and crooked fingers serves no one–not you, not your family, and not your characters. So do yourself a favor by stepping away from your WIP and having some fun!
