Welcome to my day at the pool.

Not my pool, sadly, but my neighbor’s. While he’s away I’m taking care of his sweet dogs so today we’re spending some time in their world instead of mine.

Plus, they have this cool retreat.

Most of the time when you read about a writer’s life you hear the stories of deadline stress, of creative blocks, of self doubt and fear their last book will be their last book.

You might read about the disappointment of low sales or a bad review. Maybe how the gig never seems to pay enough money.

Rarely do we speak of moments like these. When a writer can kick back, take a mental health day and just “be.”

Usually if we’re taking time away from our work we’re procrastinating. We can’t face the blank page or the mountain of edits. Or the grind of turning a “fun, awesome idea” into an actual story.

You know that’s why most people who claim they have a book in them never write it. The grind of actually turning the idea into something worth reading is brutal.

As I sit by the pool, listening to the waterfall, I am relaxed and at peace. This is the perfect bed of creativity to dream about my next book.

So in a sense I guess I am working but away from my desk.

I have a book or two to read… just for pleasure. I think I feel a nap coming on too.

We all need moments like these. When there’s nothing to do but rest. God intended for us to rest. I think some of the best creativity and ideas come from unplugging and opening our hearts.

I like to call it “white space.” Time to imagine. Dream. Stare out the window at the trees. 🙂

Like most authors I could write a list of trials we face. Especially us “working” authors where no product means no money. Few of us can live on the revenue of our last book or contract for very long.

But I feel so blessed to find these moments to escape and, well, do what I want.

I love my job. A day like today reminds me how God has blessed me and to be thankful instead of stressed or full of complaint. (Besides, I hate stress!)

Find your escape sometimes soon. Go for a walk in the woods. Or on the beach. Visit a friend or take a long reading lunch.

Rest.

I’m sharing this video to inspire you. Close your eyes, breathe and listen.