While I’d love to say that this was a totally productive day, it was less than stellar. Yes, taking a break from your regular writing strategy can offer benefits (see Hobgoblin Alert), but there’s a downside to interrupting your work flow. It can take you some time to build momentum again. And add to a personal pause some major external event — say a hurricane like the one we’re expecting here on the East coast — and you can really be at sixes and sevens.

That’s exactly how I’ve been feeling all day: upended and at odds with both myself and the writing revisions I’m working on. Discombobulated: that describes my state exactly. I love that word, don’t you? It says it all: disoriented, confused, bobbing up and down.

When this happens, instead of giving in to that lost feeling and just drifting, I do my best to remember what my friend and mentor Rob Gilbert says, “You can mess up, but don’t give up.”

So, if like me, you’re feeling off your game — for whatever reason — simply give yourself permission to mess up. And then just keep going! Messing up and losing your rhythm once in a while are part of the writing process. Don’t use a blip on the radar screen as an excuse to get into a downward spiral.

What’s the best way to get back on track? Just do what you’ve always done. By that, I mean pick up where you left off and go back to the writing plan that was working well for you before your rhythm was disrupted. It may take a while to get back in the groove, but you will. And when you do, it will feel just great. Write on!