It’s good to take some downtime.
by Andy Scheer
Having arrived mid-afternoon Sunday after a 10-hour drive, I’m thankful I had no pressing Monday projects.
Whether I’ve attended a weekend writers conference or a longer one, I’ve found that if I’m to make the most of it, I need some deliberate time off my first day home.
If I’m to make the most of a writers conference,
I need some time off my first day home.
Like mowing the lawn or raking leaves, unpacking lets me think about what I’ve learned. While the classes rank high on my list, I do much of my conference learning around meal tables, in appointments, and in casual conversations. As I put away my travel gear and conference materials, I reflect on what I’ve learned and the people I met.
Every time I teach, I take the opportunity to revise my presentations. The questions people asked at my final session mean I’ll add several new slides the next time I teach that class. I jotted those notes soon afterward, and today while my memory is fresh I’ll make the updates.
I’ll also add a few items to next year’s packing list. (Extension cords with two-pronged outlets don’t work with a new computer that has a three-pronged plug.)
One by one today I’ll work through my to-do list: putting away newly purchased books, jotting thank-you notes, posting a few restaurant reviews. Tomorrow, I’ll be ready to get back to work.
