Don’t drain the reservoir

“I don’t believe in draining the reservoir, do you see? I believe in getting up from the typewriter, away from it, while I still have things to say.” 
–Henry Miller 

Update on the process of my second book: this quote resonates with me. I had grand ambitions to put up multiple hours-long writing sessions during this time. I’m realizing I don’t quite have that in me at this season of life. I’m getting up before I drain the reservoir. 

Consistency is still important. I’m making daily progress. But I’d rather stop a little too early than go a little too long. I want to be excited to write tomorrow. This reminds me of a recent one I wrote, quoting James Clear about “not doing anything in the gym today that keeps you from going to the gym tomorrow.” 

A book isn’t written in a weekend. It isn’t even written in a month. So why make the multiple-month process more painful, and increase my chances of burnout? It’ll take many weeks anyway. What’s an extra week or two?