Guilty

It occured to me this morning that this weird feeling in the pit of my stomach is guilt.
I've worked really hard the past three months on the idea and then polishing and editing the best chapter i possibly could write for the Harlequin competition and what have i done since hitting the send button?
Nothing.
Nadda.
Vilch.
No writing at all.
I've read a few books. Totally immersed myself preparations for my son's birthday party this weekend and gearing myself up for christmas and myriad crafts and projects i want to finish before December 31st.
But no writing.
And i feel guilty.
If i want to be a writer, a real writer, i should be writing every day.
But i think i owe it to myself, my health and my family to give the rest of the year to them and other things. I will start the new year with writing. Most probably going back to my baby anf first novel Secrets and Lies and doing the major re-work it needs.
Obviously if things come out of the competition then i will work on that.
Really i shouldn't feel guilty. I have other things to do, that must be done.
Do other writers feel this way, or do they just keep writing. Do they ever take a little sabbatical, a mini break to re-charge?

Take a Break

I fully recommend after you have written a story, poem whatever you do, to take some time away from it. I took a month away. Basically because it was December and i had Christmas shopping and then Christmas and went on holiday. But coming back to look at my manuscript and my eyes are fresh to the words on the screen. I am able to see all the mistakes and make a better edit than i did when i edited immediately after i had finished the first draft.
So give yourself some time away from your manuscript to let your mind and eyes have a rest. When you come back you will be amazed at what you see and what needs to be fixed!