Yesterday I was lazy. About my writing, at least. I spent the day on the water, enjoying the sun and the ocean breeze and the spray off the bow of a boat. I saw several pods of dolphins playing in Shem Creek, and a flock of pelicans crowded up against a fishing boat. I hear there’s a family of manatees underneath a dock there, too, but they weren’t out. Now that I know where to watch for them, though, I’ll keep looking.
I felt guilty for about 3 minutes yesterday as I pulled on my bathing suit and made a conscious decision not to write. But there are times when we need to refuel, and it was one of those days for me. I’d been hard at work on the novel, and also finishing up applications for scholarships and residencies, and it was time for a break. I needed to clear my head to make room for new stuff.
So I spent the day on the water, and the evening reading. My idea of the perfect day. Today I felt rejuvenated, ready to get back to my fictional world. And while I was working on my tan yesterday, apparently I did get some other work done. Subconsciously I must have been unraveling a tangled plot point I’ve been having trouble with, because this morning it had worked itself out in my sunburned head.
That’s the thing about being a writer. I’m always working, either thinking about a story or picking up sights, sounds and smells for new ones. At least that’s what I like to tell myself as I rub in the sunscreen.
Christy Strick 
Oh yes! From your description of a “perfect day” to the “always working” aspect . . . I feel like sometimes I get my best writing done in my head, working out the details of character and plot, then it flows better when I sit down to tap it out.
Dolphins, manatees, pelicans . . . writing. Go, Christy!
So funny, NIca. When I was out there on the water I thought of you on your boat, I swear.
Saw this great old rickety houseboat and decided that’s where I want to live.