It's the end of a strange half term, isn't it? We are a few weeks into lockdown, children have been learning online, parents have been home schooling, we've had snow, wind and freezing temperatures. And in all this, we've all been trying to keep some really difficult rules. I don't know about you, but I'm tired!
My favourite place to go when I need a rest is the sea. I am lucky to live near beautiful Morecambe Bay, and it's very relaxing to walk along and listen to the gentle sound of the waves and the seabirds. It makes me feel refreshed and happy. Rest is important - it recharges our bodies, minds and even our souls.
The same thing is important in writing a book. Sometimes when I've been working hard I come to a bit where I just don't know what comes next. Or maybe the plot is all twisted into a knot and I can't work out how to unpick it (this applies to life, not just to writing books!). So I leave it, go for a walk, have a bath, watch a film, talk to a friend. And all the while, my mind is beavering away at the problem, scanning the world for ideas and solutions, doing the hard work while I think about other things. It's called the subconscious, and it's surprisingly good at figuring things out.
So if you're feeling worn out, take a proper rest. Get some exercise, which will make you sleep better, which will make you feel more positive when you wake up. Go outside and see the snowdrops, crocuses and even daffodils starting to come up. They've been under the ground all winter, but lots has been happening while they've been hidden in the dark. They've had a rest, and now they're ready to burst out with life and colour. So can you!
