Beta Reading is a Must

Beta reading is important for all writers.  You need a fresh pair of eyes to catch errors, both big and small.  But beta reading is more than just quid pro quo Clarice...




...it's also about learning more about your own writing.  The little nits you catch in the writing of others (like character soup, unending description with no plot movement, or a hairy tendency to change the color of your main character's locks halfway through the novel) will suddenly become apparent in your own.

So get with a crit group and read some manuscripts during those days or weeks you are letting your fingers take a break from the keyboard.  It'll be good for everyone.