I've implemented a new regime for myself. Once a month I am trying to have a day devoted to writing, but there's a twist. Although the day's activities are in the service of writing, I don't actually do any writing.

I am reminded of a notice my parents had in their shop:

This is a non-profit organisation

It wasn't meant to be but that's how it's worked out

IN much the same way, my writing-stimulus days were not intended to be days when I did no writing, but that's how it's worked out. My original idea was to do something interesting that would stimulate my creative juices, and then come back home and give the Muse free rein. But more often than not, I'd come back a bit too tired to write anything worth reading. Not because I'm a weakling, but because I always try to fit in loads of extra stuff, so that by the time I arrive home I've done the equivalent of a full day's work.

Also, something sort of snapped inside me last week. Someone at the writers group I attended (more of which in another post) said that writers should write every day. This is true of course, but not always feasible in my opinion, and I am sick of beating myself up with guilt over it.

In fact, I do write every day (but not always my own stuff, such as working on a book). Until now, that fact hasn't placated the demon sitting on my shoulder castigating me about all the writing I haven't done.

Having a special writing day without the pressure of having to write has had a remarkably releasing effect. Suddenly I have had ideas for three blog posts and two newsletters.

So far, I've enjoyed two of my special days. I'll write about what I did in separate articles.