Guest Blogger on Blogging Authors Today

I love writing blog posts for other blogs!  There are so many great blogs out there, it's amazing. 

Today I stopped by Blogging Authors.  Here's my post:

I become thoroughly exhausted, both physically and mentally, after finishing a novel project.  In some instances, I felt like I WAS fighting serial killers, solving crimes, and executing daring escapes. 

It’s more important than ever to keep your body and spirit in balance no matter what your daily work or activity. 

Your body:

• Nutrition

It’s so important to give your body the proper nutrition it needs to keep going and to handle all the stresses that come your way – especially when you’re writing a novel.  I find that my body craves proteins and plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables in order for me to stay on schedule and focused.  I’m fortunate to live in California where there are always plenty of healthy foods available year round.  Keep your diet in a healthy balance of all these important nutrients and you’ll find that your writing will benefit from it as well. 

• Sleep

Ah, sleep wonderful sleep… It has been difficult for me to write during the day and to stay on a regular schedule so that I can sleep at night.  I have a tendency to be a night owl and love it, but I found that I wasn’t sleeping enough with that type of schedule.  Make sure that you get the proper amount of sleep where you don’t feel like you’re running out of steam halfway through your writing day. 

•  Breaks

I can’t emphasize enough that you need to take regular breaks.  This has been one of those absolute necessities for me.  Get up from your computer and take a walk, even a short one around the block, play with your kids, throw a ball for your dog, anything that will give your body a short break to refocus.

• Exercise

Writing is one those professions where you are sitting for long periods of time.  Exercise has been one of the great things that has helped to give me more energy and I get some of my best ideas when I’m doing it.  I begin my day with Yoga.  It doesn’t get any better than that – relaxation and stretching is a must for me.  Two to three times a week I go on a nature walk (with or without my dogs), lift free weights, and when I’m feeling really energetic I work out on boxing bag.  I seem to beat up my fictional serial killers and bad guys that way! 

Your Spirit:

• Feeding your muse

I never realized how important this is for a writer.  I find that my photography seems to fulfill this requirement.  You need to take time to actually feed your muse, whether it’s with music, journaling, photography or any other creative outlet.  Don’t forget to feed your muse!

• Just Say No

Many of us writers work from home and that poses many opportunities for others to make requests of you.  Don’t feel guilty when you just say no. 

• Rewards

Celebrate your accomplishments!  Don’t just wait until you’ve completely finished a project.  Take some time for yourself after a certain number of chapters or when you’ve finished research or a round of editing.  Take these steps in stride and don’t forget to reward yourself.

• Socialization

Writers are solitary – plain and simple.  That’s why it’s extremely important to take the opportunity to have social activities and make a conscious effort to do so on a regular basis. 

Don’t forget to take a moment to support your body and spirit every day.  Your writing will reward you ten fold. 

Jennifer Chase holds a bachelor degree in police forensics and a master's degree in criminology.  In addition, she holds certifications in serial crime and criminal profiling.  She is also a member of the International Association of Forensic Criminologists.  She has authored three thriller novels with her newest thriller release, Silent Partner.  In addition, she currently assists clients in publishing, ghostwriting, book reviews, blogs, articles, screenwriting, copywriting, editing, and research.  http://authorjenniferchase.com/