Taking a Writing Break

by Alex J. Cavanaugh, @AlexJCavanaugh

Sometimes writers take a break. Maybe it’s a short break for a vacation or a month just to focus on other things for a while. On occasion, they take a longer break when they are stuck, burn out, or unmotivated to write.

But what happens when that break turns into years?

My last novel was in 2015. In 2016, a short story was published. Since then, I have contributed to a couple magazines and books. But another novel? Yeah, that just wasn’t happening.

I’d previously completed a trilogy. The fourth book was a stand-alone and the short story a prequel to the trilogy. I couldn’t see anywhere else for that solo book to go. (Although I did write a follow up short story for a fan that I give freely to anyone who finishes the fourth book.) After living in a series, it was a lot to come up with something new, and I had no ideas for anything else. I figured I’d had a good run as an author and if it ended there, so be it.

So, I took a break. A long break.

But not from writing. I kept writing blog posts and articles. As founder of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group, I kept busy with duties running the site and the monthly blog posting. I continued to interact with other writers, through the group and through blogging. I featured other authors when they published books, excited for them even though my own writing career had ground to a halt. I never retreated from the writing community, which in turn kept me going.

I also watched a lot of movies. (A lot!) I listened to a lot of music. (It seemed every week a band I liked was putting out an album.) Both of those things tend to inspire me, visually with the movies and internally with the music. I mean, who can’t get worked up with excitement when a prog band is pounding out an incredible riff? (Well, probably not everyone—insert your own music there.)

I think the key was I never disconnected from the writing community and I continued to feed my creativity.

I’m not sure what sparked the idea for CassaDark. Probably a song. (Devin Townsend’s Stormbending maybe?) But I started an outline and let it flow. It took a while to get back into the swing of it, but after many months, I felt I had a solid enough story to begin writing.

I wish I could tell you I dove into it with gusto. Not writing creatively for several years meant I was quite rusty. That first draft took longer than any story I’ve ever written. Almost two years. But once I had it done (I hate first drafts anyway), the revisions picked up speed. Then beta readers, followed by editing and critique partners. Eventually, I had something worthy enough to submit to my publisher—and they accepted!

Do I recommend seven years in between novels? Not at all! I probably lost a lot of fans during that time and will have to tackle this next book like a first release. But I did finally write again. And for anyone struggling along the same lines, wondering if you will put out another book, if I can do it, you can as well. Just give it some time, feed your creativity, and stay connected!

Alex J. Cavanaugh works in web design and graphics, and he plays guitar in a Christian band. A fan of all things science fiction, his interests range from books and movies to music and games. Online he is known as Ninja Captain Alex and he’s the founder of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group.
http://alexjcavanaugh.com

https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/

https://twitter.com/AlexJCavanaugh

CassaDark
By Alex J. Cavanaugh

His world is unraveling…

Bassan’s father is stepping down from command. His best friend almost dies when Bassan freezes. Now, he’s being sent across the galaxy to speak at an important conference. Despite saving the eleven races years ago, he’s paralyzed by fear and doubt. Could things get any worse?

Once there, new acquaintance Zendar convinces Bassan to visit his planet for a humanitarian mission. Bassan’s special connection to ancient technology is the key to saving Zendar’s people. One problem though—it’s a prisoner planet.

On Ugar, he discovers things aren’t so straightforward. As each secret reveals itself, the situation grows more desperate. If he can’t find the right answers, he might die along with Zendar’s people. Can Bassan summon the courage to be a hero again?

Release date – April 6, 2022
Trade paperback, 226 pages, Dancing Lemur Press, LLC
Science fiction – Adventure (FIC028010) / Space Opera (FIC028030) / Space Exploration (FIC028130)
Print ISBN 9781939844842 $16.95 / eBook ISBN 9781939844859 $4.99

Links:
iTunes – https://books.apple.com/us/book/x/id1574189874
Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0982FL3SH
Barnes & Noble – https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/2940164947033
Kobo – https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/Search?Query=9781939844859
Scribed – https://www.scribd.com/search?query=9781939844859&language=0
Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58461762-cassadark

Photo credit: MLCreationsPhotography on Visualhunt