For many writers, setting aside dedicated creative time can be difficult. Most of us work full-time jobs, even when that job is writing. Many of us have families that need our attention. And everyone has responsibility at home: cooking, cleaning, laundry, and paying the bills.

Still, it’s important that we have that time to ourselves. It often comes in dribs and drabs, a half hour here and there, a lunch hour, or in the evenings after the rest of the household is settled.

Today, consider treating yourself to a creative vacation. Imagine that money and time are available. Where would you go and what would you do? Would you rent a hotel room? A cabin in the mountains or the beach? Do you need a week to read and recharge or time to dedicate to crafting an outline or editing a first draft? You pick!

If you can, put a plan in place to make this happen. However, don’t worry if you don’t have the time or resources for a long creative retreat. It’s ok to start small! Plan a shorter activity that lasts two to four hours. When and if you can, expand on your baseline “vacation” and add time, pick a new location, or change up how you use the time.

  • You get to pick the destination
  • You choose how to spend your time
  • Your time must be spent only on what you want or what will make you feel good and fulfilled