HOW PAUSES IMPROVE YOUR WRITING POWER

By Korina Moss

One of the best pieces of advice I ever read was to treat writing like a muscle – if you use that muscle on a regular basis, it’ll work better and more efficiently. I’ve found this to be true. It at least gets you into a habit of writing, and now the days I don’t write feel odd. There was a time (before contracts and deadlines) when I’d wait to feel my muse before I’d sit down at my laptop, which could translate to weeks of not writing. My muse no longer dictates when I write—I drag her with me to the chair if need be. (If only I could drag myself to the gym since my other muscles have atrophied, thanks to my writing habit.) 

It's great to get into a writing routine, but after a while of overusing any muscle, it can get strained. Since my Cheese Shop Mystery series has come to an end with my recently released sixth book, Bait and Swiss, I was able to take a trip with my son for the first time in six years without a deadline or a book launch looming. Even without my series, my daily calendar is still packed with writing, editing, and book marketing commitments. Which is why I’d decided I was going to take a hiatus from being an author for our nine-day trip. 

During our time in Quebec City, instead of sitting down at my computer every morning, I sat down at a café for a coffee and croissant. 

Instead of using my writing muscle, I used my leg muscles to climb the hills of the city for a great view.

Instead of getting my word count in, I got my steps in exploring every quaint street with antique shops, art galleries, cathedrals, and a grand hotel. 

Instead of doing Google research, I learned firsthand about the Canadian government with a tour through the home of Canada’s Governor General. 

Instead of staring at my computer, I stared out at the St. Lawrence River. 

But you know what I discovered? You can take a break from writing, but you can’t take a hiatus from being an author. I soaked in every quaint street I walked and interesting person I met and delicious meal I ate and piece of art I pondered and street music I listened to and facts I learned; every laugh and conversation my son and I shared, and every new memory we made—all of it was absorbed. Without intent, to later be used for new ideas, new stories, new words on a blank page. As it turned out, when I left my author cap at home, my imagination flourished, and my writing muscle was revitalized. 

Readers: What does a vacation do for you? 

KORINA MOSS is the author of the Cheese Shop Mystery series set in the Sonoma Valley, which includes the winner of the Agatha Award for Best First Novel, Cheddar Off Dead, and two novels short-listed for Best Contemporary Novel. Listed as one of USA Today’s “Best Cozy Mystery Series,” her books have also been featured in PARADE Magazine, Woman’s World, and Writer’s Digest. Korina is also a freelance developmental editor specializing in cozy and traditional mysteries. To learn more or subscribe to her free monthly newsletter, visit her website korinamossauthor.com.