It’s the last day. This month (or maybe it’s just today) has felt really overwhelming for me, in terms of work and my own expectations, so having the August break Flickr pool to dip in to has been such a joy. I’ve loved peeking into so many Augusts around the world, and I’m loving that the Flickr group will remain online so we can keep sharing our photos and lives – it’s the August Break Continued, folks!

I have 12 days before I leave for the States, so I think i’ll stick with the minimal posting for now. I’ve been toying with the idea of getting a few guests posts on the blog while i’m sequestered in book-writing-land – what do you guys think? Would that be fun, or are you okay with tiny hellos from me? I’m really missing proper blogging, but also know I need to save my daily word allotment for the book. And it’s turning out to be quite the emotional roller coaster! No surprises there, I guess – my unconscious is throwing up all kinds of nighttime treats as i weave this story together. It’s exciting, scary, humbling, exhausting, challenging and oh-my-god-what-have-i-let-myself-in-for? And hard. And very very illuminating…

If you get stuck while creating a long piece of writing, try this:

1. Change your position. Get up out of your chair, moving furniture if you have to, so you can sit on the floor. Get as far away from your ‘desk head’ as you can by making a creative change – for me this was restructuring the book using coloured pens, a pin board and pieces of card. While sitting crossed legged on the floor. Sipping coffee. With loud music.

2. Avoid the desk from now on. It’s too constricting. Work on your bed. Work *in* bed if necessary (though not for long periods).

3. Keep a small notebook by your side at all times. On the first page write: Brain-dump notes and use it as a container for all the other thoughts that come up as you try to focus on your writing. Scribble them down and get them out of your head. Later, when you’ve finished working, you can copy the notes over into their relevant homes (most likely other notebooks & planners.) Anal but very effective.

4. Call a trusted friend or family member for support while taking a break for lunch. Skype them if you can, as the sight of their face will make you feel less alone in your writing garret.

5. Avoid drinking coffee after 5pm if you want to have any hope of switching your brain off before sleep.

5. Do not, under any circumstances, give up.