You’ve just finished your first draft – congratulations! Completing a draft is an achievement worth celebrating, but before you dive into the revision process, it’s essential to pause. Taking a break from your work, though it may feel counterintuitive, is one of the most powerful tools in your revision toolkit. Giving yourself this breathing room allows you to come back with fresh eyes, helping you to see your story with greater clarity and objectivity.
Why taking a break matters
When we’re deep in the drafting process, we’re immersed in the world we’ve created. This level of immersion is invaluable for writing, but it can make it difficult to spot issues when it’s time to revise. Our minds tend to fill in gaps, smooth over inconsistencies, and overlook awkward phrasing simply because we know what we intended to say. Taking a break helps you shed that authorial lens, allowing you to approach your draft as a reader, making it easier to see what works—and what doesn’t.
With a little distance, you’ll be better equipped to identify:
Inconsistencies – Whether in plot, character behaviour, or setting details, these are much easier to spot with a fresh perspective.
Awkward phrasing – Sentences that once seemed brilliant might now feel clunky, giving you the chance to improve readability and flow.
Pacing issues – Breaks help you experience the story's rhythm as a reader might, revealing sections that feel too slow or rushed.
How long should your break be?
Ideally, try setting aside your draft for at least a week. This timeline provides enough time to gain some emotional distance without losing your connection to the story altogether. If your schedule allows, even longer can be beneficial—two to four weeks is often recommended for full-length projects like novels. But don’t feel discouraged if a shorter break is all you can manage. Any break, however brief, can still help reset your perspective.
Tips for making the most of your break
Engage in a different creative activity – Take time to read a new book, watch a movie, or explore a hobby that’s unrelated to your writing. Engaging your mind in a different way often sparks new ideas or gives you subconscious insights that will help when you return to your draft.
Work on a different project – Shifting your focus to a new piece of writing, even if it’s just a short story or a journal entry, can refresh your mindset. This keeps your creative energy flowing without muddling the story you’re taking a break from.
Reflect on your writing goals – Use this time to think about what you want to accomplish in the revision process. Consider the aspects of your story you’re excited to improve, or the elements you feel may need attention. Having clear goals can make the revision process feel more purposeful.
The impact of distance
When you finally return to your draft, you’ll likely find yourself spotting things you couldn’t see before. Passages that felt precious may now seem unnecessary, or scenes that felt rushed may reveal potential for deeper exploration. You might even find moments of brilliance you’d forgotten about, renewing your excitement for the project.
Taking a break isn’t just about setting your work aside; it’s about giving your mind the space to reset and refocus. Revision is a journey, and a little distance can be the first step in seeing your story with fresh eyes, renewed energy, and a reader’s perspective.
So, as tempting as it is to dive right into revision, give yourself a little time to breathe. When you return, you’ll be better prepared to approach your story with the clarity and care it deserves. Happy revising!
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