Put the Pen Down: When to Get Away
A professor in college once told my Soviet studies class, “Sometimes you have to go away to get close.” I can’t remember the reference, but the meaning behind the quote stuck to me permanently.
As an editor and ghostwriter, I write all the time. Even when I’m not doing so professionally, I find myself writing—letters to advocate for my family’s health, social media posts to share positive news and pose questions about concerning topics, and poetry (which I mostly keep in my closet, but I’d like to change that).
But for the past two weeks, I didn’t write much at all. Not even this blog. That’s because Scott and I were on vacation in Puerto Rico, one of our favorite places on Earth. We spent our days more concerned about whether the tide would allow for snorkeling before or after our long hike on the beach—or if we would need to nap before heading onto the reef. Tough choices, I know. (And I’m well aware of the privilege involved in this vacation, and we don’t take them often.)
Like climbing a mountain to gaze at a broader landscape, sometimes going away can give us a broader perspective that allows us to “get close.” Most days, Scott and I don’t “get away” in a grand fashion. But we do take midday walks to forest bathe on a neighborhood dirt road. We catch up on work and life while scanning the woods for wild mushrooms and avoiding darting dogs. At times, we change our scenery even more by going to visit family in the mountains. Sometimes we work from there; sometimes we play.
Writing can provide great therapy. It’s often an effective negotiation tool. It’s a means of making a living for many. For others, it’s a way to build a legacy or document a story. But there are times when putting the pen down for a while is the healthiest—and even most productive—choice. Here are a few of those times:
1. When you don’t know what to say next.
This might be considered writer’s block, when your mind is spinning, but your fingers are still. This temporary paralysis can be a cue to do something else so your mind gets a break. Stepping into a fresh environment that activates a different part of you—such as your body—can allow your brain to relax enough to redirect you to more creative or logical thoughts. It may even give you ideas of metaphors to weave into your writing, which can be an effective tool. Then come back and try again. As Scott states, “When I step away from writing, I create various story approaches in my head. Then, as I sit down to write again, I’ve already chosen the best option.”
2. When you’re too angry.
I actually think writing while angry can be very productive, but the words you write in rage are rarely those you’ll want to share publicly. Have you ever hit the delete button to rewrite an initially snarky reaction on social media when you’re triggered? (Please tell me that’s not just me.) If you’re not writing for therapy or to divulge a painful story—but rather to influence others or inspire them to greatness—consider using bursts of rage as reminders to step back and engage in self-care until your amygdala cools down. As another professional once advised me, “You can’t unsay what you’ve said.” This is especially true of writing, which carries a longer shelf-life (and potentially more impact) than words spoken in a room with no recording device.
3. When you’ve taken your writing as far as you can.
I often hear from authors, “I can’t look at this anymore. I need to send it to you now!” That’s when you know your manuscript is ready for someone else’s eyes and feedback. Step back and hand it over so your editor can move your story forward. A community of professionals can help you shape your writing—and your book—into its best form.
Back from vacation, I still have the same issues to deal with—laundry, taxes, medical appointments, and concerns about what’s next. But my mind has more room to move. It’s easier to determine what to say when I write—and what not to say. I’ve gone away, and now I can get close again.
How do you get away?
Happy writing!
