Writers are told to write all the time. Through illness, day jobs, raising
children, and all the assorted you've-got-to-be-kidding-me moments that make up
life. But here’s my honest belief - you can’t and you shouldn't.
I’ve tried to write during the tiny gaps of space found between lunches, waiting
in lines, family activities, and more, but that’s not the best way for me to
produce work. I need to take a me moment now and then. Surprisingly, those
bits of bliss energize and excite me to get back to writing. Here are a few I
enjoy.
Reading, Duh!
I don't know a better way to free myself from stress than reading. I have too
many books to jump into, but all of those worlds are magical. I often push
through a daily word count goal simply because I'm dying to read a few more
chapters in a favorite novel.
Casual Games
My favorite reward for completing a few chapters is to grab my iPad and play one
of several casual games. I love Farm Story because it satisfies my
control-freak demon, giving me a specific amount of time to escape. Once I've fed
my farm animals, crafted some food, set items in my shop, replenished my barn,
and send off deliveries, I'm relaxed and ready to tackle more of my manuscript.
Streaming Services
I couldn’t tell you who won on Dancing With The Stars, or what shows are on
Friday night. I no longer have time to watch television, but it’s important to
keep abreast of pop culture happenings. That’s why I’ve turned to Netflix and
Amazon Prime Video.
During the dreaded writer’s block, no amount of pleading will force my muse to
give up the goods. Instead of staring at a blank screen, I go to Netflix or
Amazon video services, click one of the forty shows and movies I've been meaning
to watch, and just chill out. Since I write urban fantasy/paranormal romance, I
gravitate to similarly themed shows first. An idea may spark while I’m watching
Doctor Who or Supernatural.
Be A Kid Again
My favorite non-writing activities involve my five-year-old son. I can work
through any manuscript issues by squishing Play-Doh through my fingers, kicking a
soccer ball in the backyard, or tracing his hands on a chalkboard.
I’ve listened to him read me stories, and I'm again caught by the magic of books.
Yes, Dr. Seuss often helps The Avengers save the day, but that’s fine. I have a
master storyteller entertaining me, but he does much more. He reminds me why I do
this writing thing in the first place.
Tricia Skinner is an author of passionate dark fantasy. She began her writing
career as a business reporter and wrote for The Detroit News, Investor’s Business
Daily, MSN, and The Houston Chronicle.
Raised in Detroit, Tricia graduated with a BA degree from the nationally
acclaimed Journalism Institute for Media Diversity at Wayne State University. She
also earned a Masters of Liberal Studies — Creative Writing degree from Southern
Methodist University. Diversity in genre fiction is dear to Tricia’s heart. She
is represented by Laurie McLean, co-founder of Fuse Literary Agency.
When not writing, Tricia can be found reading, lifting weights, or geeking out
over games, movies, and music. She has a Tom Hiddleston obsession, and she is
Team Vader. Her family includes three Great Danes (so far).
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The Nephilim are bound. Their powers cursed. But half-angel Kasdeja will do
anything to free them from Heaven’s tyranny. When Kas is approached by a
striking, mysterious woman, she tells him his greatest enemies hold the key to
his freedom.
Mariel keeps herself shrouded in secrets, using them to hide her true self. For
she is not just employed by the Renegades–enemy fallen angels—she is a double
agent, working on the sly for Heaven. Her directive is to seduce the gorgeous
Nephilim—despite her insecurity about such sensual acts.
For Mariel is playing a dangerous game, and falling for Kas could only cause
trouble; her assignment isn’t just seduction. It’s destruction.
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