Interesting article! I agree wholeheartedly that while rules can be good guidelines, the most important thing is to stick with what works.

I need downtime too, and I do feel sort of bad about it. But when I push it, and start a project too early, I often end up having to toss it.

I just have to try to be good about recognizing what is real necessary downtime and what is just me looking for an excuse to procrastinate...

I can see why as a writer gets more and more busy the writing time would cut into the reading time, but I do believe it is really important for writers to keep reading a wide variety of stuff. If anything, getting published is making me read even MORE.

Also, I am envious of your baked goods.