Paradise with the Muse

I recently returned from a week's vacation in paradise. Punta Cana, of the Dominican Republic to be exact. It's the sort of place with white sand and turquoise waters that I prefer to believe ceases to exist once I leave it. Somehow that makes it easier to go home.

Of course I had a looming deadline to finish before I could go. And given the spotty attendance of my muse recently, it was touch and go whether I'd finish in time. I actually completed most of the ending of the book on my laptop on the way to the hotel the night before the plane left. And then polished off the last two pages at eleven o'clock that night.

That's me. Always skidding in to 'THE END' just under the wire :)

I edited on the plane. Stayed up all night Monday night and didn't hit the beach until after noon on Tuesday to finish editing before emailing it in. But after that...it was a much needed vacation. One my muse really didn't deserve to come on, given her fickle comings and goings during this book.

After being under deadline for eighteen straight months, completing four books while I worked full time, I was in dire need of a break. It feels like the weight of the world has been lifted off my shoulders.

You'd think it would be difficult to unwind with the carry over editing and such but...not so much. On Wednesday and Thursday while there it was like I existed in a bubble. I thought of nothing but ocean and beach. Didn't think about the book. I'm ashamed to say the kids never entered my mind. Didn't consider school or my dad's medical issues...it was surreal. On Thursday evening I looked at my husband and said, "Do I have to go to work on Monday?" I really couldn't remember. That's how far away reality seemed.

That's a good vacation!

I'd actually thought I could get started thinking about my next proposal. But my irresponsible muse just lie there on a lawn chair, shades over her eyes, soaking up the sun and giving me nothing in return. Hopefully the break will stoke her creative energy because she's been worthless lately!

On the plane ride home I had galleys to finish for the July book. And now I'm working on revisions for the October book due in a couple days. But that's no biggie. The week's vacation was sheer heaven. And those two days of not thinking about One. Blessed. Thing. were enough to completely revive me.

Let's hope they do the same for the feckless Ms. Muse.

What about you? What do you do with you need to recharge or when your faithless muse takes a holiday without you in the middle of a project? What gives you the creative energy to forge ahead again?