Do novelists ever take time off?

Even a trip abroad or a relaxing cruise is an opportunity to gather impressions and images, cultural and historical information, a feel for the local accent, and a taste of exotic cuisine—all of which is likely to end up in a story sooner or later.

While recharging without technology or schedules and without the sort of personal distractions we all contend with is important, so too is the chance for novel (pardon the pun) experiences. Creativity requires tools to create with, and for a writer those tools include new sensory inputs. If potential to dig into archives of a foreign country or to learn new skills presents, all the better.

Do you take time off from your usual activities? Do you travel?

[Photos courtesy of Dominic Wunderlich/dmncwndrlch and Michal/pixelRaw of pixabay.com]