Alex.J.Cobalt

If you are active on any kind of social media, you are likely to see photos of beautiful writing setups, cosy desks, achievements of those who have written ten thousand words in a single day. Don’t get me wrong, that version of a “writing life” is quite valid, but I’m here to talk about why as a writer, you also need to go outside.

Now for me, when I say this, I don’t mean go and stand outside or go on an intrepid three week hike. I mean that sitting in front of a computer or a pad of paper all day, every day, is not necessarily going to do you any good. In fact, it’s more than okay to have other things you fill your day with other than writing. Yes setting writing goals are important, and yes having a writing routine is also important but a routine is just that – a routine. It’s not an all consuming, identity building existence to finish a project.

I write this post both for you, the reader, and myself three years ago when I was just starting to tackle the monstrosity of a draft that was (and still is) Akrion Cycle Book 1. It’s easy to get sucked into a world of what you should be doing and fail to recognise that what is good for one person is not necessarily good for you. In fact, for me getting outside and doing something different has been one of the ways I’ve found my way back to my writing project. Getting out and doing something other than come up with creative ways to swear at the scene on my screen has mean that I’ve finally had a few more breakthroughs in the overall arc of the story. I can’t promise my writing sessions don’t involve one expletive thrown at the characters for not cooperating, but my sessions have made progress.

So if you’re looking for a reason to know it’s okay to go do something other than writing, here is your sign to go take a walk outside. You never know, you might find some inspiration out there to bring back to your waiting page.

Alex.J.Cobalt is a fantasy writer from the UK. When she’s not working away at her fantasy novel series, she posts free flash fictions on her website, along with regular blogs about writing.

Other blogs of mine you might enjoy:

• My thoughts on Ship of Magic – beginning the Liveship Traders Trilogy
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• My Thoughts on “The Rings of Power”
  Normally, I try and have my opinion pieces about books that I’ve read. However, this month, books have not been read. My lack of commuting over the summer has meant my progress with kindle reading on the … More My Thoughts on “The Rings of Power”
• Finishing the Farseer Trilogy – my thoughts on Assassin’s Quest
  The last book in the Farseer Trilogy we weave our way to the conclusion of Fitz’ quest to find Verity, who has been lost in the mountains since the end of book 1. I really enjoyed the … More Finishing the Farseer Trilogy – my thoughts on Assassin’s Quest
• Royal Assassin – Continuing my read through of the Farseer Trilogy
  Second books in trilogies sometimes struggle to find their own rhythm. They tend to be a bridging story – taking the characters from the start of their story towards were the dramatic conclusion is. The second book … More Royal Assassin – Continuing my read through of the Farseer Trilogy
• Starting the Realm of the Elderlings – Assassin’s Apprentice review
  My introduction to the Realm of the Elderlings got off to a rocky start when I realised I started with the wrong book. Namely, the book that was the trilogy at the very end. I only realised … More Starting the Realm of the Elderlings – Assassin’s Apprentice review
• The Light of all that Falls – a satifying end to the Licanius Triology
  The concluding entry to The Licanius Trilogy was as fast paced and page-turning as the previous two books, The Shadow of What was Lost and An Echo of Things to Come. If you’ve not read the previous … More The Light of all that Falls – a satifying end to the Licanius Triology