A Writer’s Necessary Diversion

<img decoding="async" class="alignleft wp-image-883 lazyload" src="http://www.markwaynemcginnis.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/cute_sammi.jpg" alt="cute_sammi" width="297" height="332" />

We all need to get away from our computers—take a break from hours of writing—clear our heads. I’m usually home alone during the day so I can get a lot done. But it’s uncanny how one of our three dogs, the 1-year old Golden Retriever, knows when it’s time for Dad to get up and do something else for while … like play! Sammi will lay on my feet or jump up on me until I give her some attention. She doesn’t take no for an answer. She knows what buttons to push, how to put on that certain cute face that makes me melt.

So I load up the the SUV with the three girls, Sammi, Zoey, and Rika and we head off to Dry Creek, which is an open-space park where dogs can go off leash—run, play, even swim.

<img decoding="async" class="alignright wp-image-891 size-medium lazyload" src="http://www.markwaynemcginnis.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/carpark-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" srcset="https://markwaynemcginnis.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/carpark-300x225.jpg 300w, https://markwaynemcginnis.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/carpark-150x113.jpg 150w, https://markwaynemcginnis.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/carpark.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />

It’s these times that I can recharge and let my imagination run free. Often ideas come to me for books I’m not even working on yet, concepts still in their embryonic stages.

<img decoding="async" class="alignleft wp-image-890 size-medium lazyload" src="http://www.markwaynemcginnis.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/sammi-in-water-300x291.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="291" />As a full time writer, I need my alone time. But time spent with the dogs provides just enough diversion to let me get somewhat out of my head, but not totally switch gears to the point I’m no longer in creative mode.

I’ve talked to other writers about this … what diversions they have that actually boosts their creative juices, even if it means getting up away from their actual writing.

I’d be interested in hearing what your own diversions are!