I did something I haven’t done since I started writing.

I went on a week vacation without my laptop. (insert gasp)

My husband and I took a week along the California coast to celebrate our 20th anniversary, starting in San Francisco and ending for some fun time in Disneyland. It was great, awesome, relaxing and exactly what we needed.

This might not sound like too big of a deal, but for this #writeaholic, it was a big deal. In fact, my husband was the one who asked me not to bring my laptop…which meant a lot. Apparently I’m a bit of a workaholic when it comes to writing and have a hard time taking time off.

For the two weeks leading up to our vacation, I’ll admit I was a little…worried (is that’s the right word?). The idea of not having my laptop was stressful. What if I needed it? What if I needed to book something or answer a reader email or missed out on an important email from my editor or agent? What if…

If I’m to be honest, I think the idea of not writing for a week was what stressed me more than anything. Sure, I’ve had times when I didn’t write, but I was plotting or rereading or any of the other numerous things writers do when it comes to writing. But I’ve never actually taken a break from my laptop and my plotting book at the same time.

But you know what? I survived.

Not only that, it felt good. More than good. Amazing. Intoxicating. Relaxing.

Speaking from personal experience, it’s so easy to get lost in my stories, in the life of what being a full-time writer means and I can place everything else to the side, including my family. I’m not alone in this either, sadly a lot of writers find themselves in this predicament. That doesn’t mean it has to be this way and after years of listening to my husband ask me to take time off and not bring my laptop when we go away on a trip, I’m finally listening.

I’m so glad I did!

My husband and I were able to reconnect and relearn how to have fun again without our teenagers around. Not only that, I came home refreshed and ready to pound the keyboard! (picture of me and my amazing husband while on the coast…I love this man!)