Have you ever wondered what happens when a writer doesn't write? This weekend was a non-writing weekend for me.

When my husband told me he had to work all weekend, I was bummed. He missed Easter last year because he was working, and to be honest, I didn't want to sit at home feeling sorry for myself. One of my sisters and her family were planning a road trip to visit family in Tennessee. So at the last minute Friday morning, I decided to pack up my kids and hit the road with them.

As always, the first thing I thought about when I decided to travel was that I should pack a couple of notebooks and a manuscript I'm working on. However, being the only driver in my vehicle, that leaves very little time for writing. My next thought was that I should bring along my mini tape recorder. I thought surely I could record some notes or thoughts on my trip that could be transcribed and used for something later.

And then I remembered an essay I'd just read in Cup of Comfort for Writers. The writer related a story of going on a road trip with her children. During the first leg of the ride, she wrote when possible. When it was her turn to drive, she called one of her sons to the front to transcribe. It was during this transcription when she realized that she was wasting the beauty of the trip on making her son take notes and "write" for her while she was driving. Instead of just enjoying the trip with her family, she was focused on squeezing in every ounce of writing possible.

As I recalled this powerful lesson, I immediately decided to forget about packing anything writing-related. No books, no pens, no computer. No clothes and kids. I can honestly say that I didn't miss writing while I was gone. I enjoyed the quick trip and visit with my grandparents and family. I spent lots of hours in the car with my children. I had a good time and didn't worry or think about writing for once.

It's okay when a writer doesn't write. Just because you're a writer that doesn't mean you have to allow writing to control you to the point that you can't just let go, relax, and have fun. When this writer doesn't write, she feels rejuvenated and ready for another round.

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