Tomorrow I am taking the day off from writing. So what, I hear you ask. Who the hell wants to know about that? Don't worry, I'm with you on that one. I remember when I first ventured onto Facebook many years ago, wondering what all the fuss was about. When I began seeing postings like, "I've just popped round to mum's" and "I've just eaten a Mars Bar" I was still left wondering what all the fuss was about. Who wants to know about that crap?
As the years have passed and I've defriended people who write comments like that, I've come to enjoy Facebook.

Anyway, back to the day off. I only reference that because I've been looking forward to it all week. I've mentioned before that, while I'm fortunate enough to write full time, I try and treat it like my previous office job and work a five day week. Even though I absolutely love writing, just like everyone else in their chosen profession; it's nice to have a day off once in a while to recharge the batteries.

That reminds me of a conversation I had a number of years ago (in the pub, where all problems are solved and every topic discussed). A guy asked how I could say I was tired after a long day in the office when I was sat down all day! I resisted the temptation to say, 'If you think office jobs are relaxing and easy why isn't everyone doing it' and tried to explain that, even if you're sitting down at a desk working, you're still using up energy, but instead of it being physical, it's emotional. I don't think I convinced him but it's true. Having to concentrate on the tasks you're doing, dealing with other people, meeting deadlines, all these things use up your emotional energy and a particularly stressful day can leave you drained.

I use the same energy in writing (which is why I often didn't get much done while working my other jobs at the same time). Sometimes, when I'm writing a scene or editing a chapter and I'm concentrating solidly on that for half an hour or an hour; once it's completed and I sit back; I do feel tired.

I've just read that last sentence back and it sounds wimpy, I know, but it is right. Using up your physical or your emotional energy leaves you drained. And that's why I'm looking forward to my day off tomorrow.