A Writer’s Vacation: What I Did and Didn’t Do

Cedar Rock Inn, Tulsa, Oklahoma | See http://www.cedarrockinn.com/

A house built in 1890, a three-course breakfast, and a hiking trail at my back door—pure bliss! I spent my vacation at Cedar Rock Inn in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and came back as relaxed as a sloth at a massage appointment.

But I’m also a writer, and writers gotta write. Every single day, I used this time to accomplish certain goals. With all the peace and quiet I could ask for, I crossed off everything on my vacation to-do list. (I’m a Type A, okay? We have to-do lists for vacations. Sue me.)

Here’s what I did and why you should do these things on your vacation too (especially if you’re a writer):

1. Read my Bible.
   Spending time in the Bible hasn’t been a big issue for me for quite a while, but I made sure to start my day off with devotions. Usually, I read my Bible in the evening. It was a nice change of pace to read in Genesis in the morning and get my heart right.
   Why you should do it: Just because you’re on vacation doesn’t mean you need a vacation from God. In fact, I found that I felt closer to God at the end of my vacation than I have in a long time.
2. Read novels (no nonfiction).
   When I was stacking up the books I wanted to read for vacation, I initially reached for a few self-help books. I pulled my hand back and said, “No. No nonfiction. Novels only.” I wanted to use my reading time to dive into a different world. (Although, I did accidentally bring Almost Everything with me, but it was by Anne Lamott, so what can ya do?)
   Why you should do it: If you’re anything like me, then you’re always trying to better yourself, always trying to learn. That’s good! I even did that with some online courses (see #7), but sometimes it’s good to let a book whisk you away and take you on an adventure.
3. Ate a nutritious breakfast (instead of my typical protein shake).
   Every morning is the same in my house: grab a Premier Protein shake and chug it down. But this B&B stay included a bountiful feast every single morning. I loved having a hot and delicious meal before my hike.
   Why you should do it: We rush in the mornings. Vacation is a good time to slow down and enjoy your breakfast. Be sure to chew, folks.
4. Hiked a trail and got a little muddy.
   Not one day went by that I didn’t hike that trail. I used to hate nature, but after losing 90 pounds, I actually enjoy it again. Sure, I sprayed on enough bug spray to kill an army of mosquitoes, but I tied my laces tight and grabbed a bottle of water before every trek. I saw turtles, skinks, and a little snake. It rained Wednesday and Thursday, so my shoes and legs were covered in mud. And I didn’t care.
   Why you should do it: Get up in the morning to enjoy your breakfast and then head off for some peaceful time with nature. Depending on where you take your vacation, this time to walk or hike can differ. For example, you might be on vacation at the beach. Great! Walk the beach and enjoy the sand between toes. Who knows—maybe a book idea will come to you.
5. Talked to God.
   I pray every day, but this was different. I didn’t feel rushed, and it was more personal because I prayed while on the hiking trail. It was tranquil, and I spent more time talking to God than usual because I had more time.
   Why you should do it: While on your walk or if you find a nice hiding spot with no one to bother you, you should take that time to talk to God and thank Him for all He’s given you. You’ll feel refreshed.
6. Finished writing my book, The Ten Commandments of Author Branding.
   I wrote the first draft in November 2018, sent off the first few chapters to beta readers in April 2019, and then finished sending the final chapters during vacation. With no projects that needed my attention, I was able to devote more time to my own book.
   Why you should do it: Sure, it’s vacation, but do writers really take vacations from writing? You might find that you have more inspiration to write while on vacation. I know I did!
7. Watched writing and marketing courses.
   I love to learn. In the afternoons, I’d get my cup of coffee and the innkeeper’s homemade chocolate chip cookies and watch a MasterClass with Margaret Atwood (which I finished!) or an Instagram class from Mark Dawson’s Ads for Authors course (which I also finished).
   Why you should do it: We put off things like courses because we think, Oh, I can do that any time. But we don’t. Why not use this time to finally do that course you’ve been putting off?
8. Shared bookish photos to Instagram.
   IG is my favorite platform, but sometimes I get behind on posting because life is life. I had so many gorgeous canvases with all that greenery and flowers that I couldn’t not post to IG. I’d set books in front of flowers or plants and snap a pretty shot.
   Why you should do it: Instagram is a visual platform, so why not show off your vacation to your followers? Also, sneak your book into some vacation shots. Thank me later.
9. Soak in a luxurious clawfoot bathtub.
   I realize not everyone will have this option when on vacation, but I did and let me tell you, it was delightful. I’d stay in there until I pruned just so I could finish the next chapter in whatever book I was reading. No clawfoot tub at your hotel? Try a Jacuzzi!
   Why you should do it: Water is relaxing. Bubbles are neat.
10. Watched The Handmaid’s Tale on Hulu.
    I don’t have a lot of time to watch TV. I just don’t. I wanted to watch this show so badly, so my reward at the end of the day (usually around 8:30 or 9 p.m.) was to curl up in my bed, turn on Hulu, and binge-watch an addictive show.
    Why you should do it: It’s okay to watch TV on vacation; just don’t make it your only priority. Make it a reward.
11. Spent time with friends.
    Being in Tulsa meant I was right by a couple of my author friends. We ate the Nashville-style fried chicken at Mother Road, gawked at art in the Philbrook Museum, and acted all touristy at the house where The Outsiders was filmed.
    Why you should do it: If you take a vacation where friends live, then carve out some time to see them. It did my heart good!
12. Visited bookstores.
    What’s a writerly vacation without bookstores? I went to Peace of Mind Books and Magic City Books in Tulsa. I loved getting to take my blessed time looking through the shelves and talking to the bookstore peeps.
    Why you should do it: Um. Books.

Here’s what I didn’t do during vacation:

1. Check my email.
   I set up an automated email so when anyone emailed me, they’d know I was on vacation and wouldn’t be responding.
2. Work on any projects.
   All of my clients knew ahead of time that I’d be getting away for a week. I did not work at all!
3. Go to bed ridiculously late.
   Since March, my bedtime has been 1:30 a.m. I don’t know why, but such is life. I finally was able to go to sleep by 11:30 p.m.
4. Check my phone every other minute.
   On the first day, I just turned it off entirely. It also didn’t go with me everywhere. It didn’t come down with me for breakfast (the photos you’ve seen were when I took a fast shot and ran the phone back upstairs).
5. Wear makeup.
   I think I finally put some on Thursday night. Who needs makeup on vacation? Not me!

What are some things writers should do while on vacation? What are some things they should avoid?

An expert editor, seasoned writer, and author-centric marketer, Shayla Raquel works one-on-one with authors and business owners every day. A lifelong lover of books, she has edited over 300 books and has launched several Amazon bestsellers for her clients. Her award-winning blog teaches new and established authors how to write, publish, and market their books. She is the author of the Pre-Publishing Checklist, The Rotting (in Shivers in the Night), and The Suicide Tree. In her not-so-free time, she acts as organizer for the Yukon Writers’ Society, volunteers at the Oklahoma County Jail, and obsesses over squirrels. She lives in Oklahoma with her dogs, Chanel, Wednesday, and Baker.

Learn more about Shayla Raquel and her services at ShaylaRaquel.com.