Valentine for Writers

I’m sure you’ve read enough posts, articles and books to make you feel insignificant and insecure as writer. While most advice is given with good intention and can provide necessary tutelage for the beginning writer, over a period of time they can make you feel like you’re doing everything wrong and incapable of doing anything right.

Just for one day, why not let loose ends lay? Instead of worrying, defending, cowering in the shadow of another un-dotted i and crossed t, give yourself a break. For Valentine’s Day, instead of roses, balloons and a box of mystery chocolates, give yourself the greatest gift a writer could ask for: self-love.

Valentine’s Coupons for Writers

1. A pass from analyzing your last query rejection or an editor’s email.
2. An hour a week reading/writing purely for pleasure.
3. Permission to do absolutely nothing.
4. Freedom to unsubscribe from anything that makes you feel bad about yourself as a writer.
5. One writing gift such as a cool new pen, notebook or anything that inspires your inner child and writer muse.
6. Shut off your phone, your computer, close the door and enjoy the peace, quite and solitude of not having anyone need anything from you for this moment.
7. Indulge in your past writing, positive comments, or anything else that makes you feel proud of your writing accomplishments.
8. Plan a writing retreat (whether it’s a weekend getaway or an hour at your favorite coffee shop).
9. Schedule time into take a nap. You know you need one.
10. Promise yourself that for every hour you write, you will give yourself 5-minutes of meditating, walking, drawing, journaling, etc. for fun.

How will you be treating yourself today?