How Not Writing Can Help Your Writing

 

by Diane Laney Fitzpatrick

 

I know, it sounds like a lame excuse, doesn’t it?

“It’s not that I’m not writing. It’s just that I’m thinking about my next chapter while I play this game of Solitaire on my phone. With Law and Order reruns playing in the background.”

Those of us who have perfected the art of procrastination have memorized all of these justifications. So imagine my delight when I learned that there is quite a bit of value to the things you do as a writer that do not involve writing. Not writing can actually help you become a better writer.

In other words, give it a break.