Whatever amount of time we have carved out to write in the regular work week seems to go missing with the arrival of the Bermuda Triangle of the holidays known as Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years. More cooking, cleaning, shopping, wrapping and entertaining and increased foot traffic through the house means disruption of routine and less time to write. What's a girl to do? Give up and claim your true calling as the official roaster of turkey and returner of unwanted gifts? No. There are ways to remain productive despite all the forces that thwart a writer this time of year. Keep these things in mind as you peel yams and trim trees:
These holidays happen at the same time every year. Big shocker, right? What I'm saying is you can see them coming and plan ahead. Don't set lofty goals or plan tight deadlines during this time
Stand in front of the mirror and practice saying these words a thousand times: "no, no, no thank you, I'm sorry I can't do that." All of us have obligations during the holidays, but don't take on more than is already expected of you. Learn to say "no."
Train your family and whoever else shows up for the eggnog and Christmas cookies to respect your writing time. Dipping out of a two hour party to go write would probably be a bad idea if you are the hostess. But a lot of holiday busyness can be delegated and relatives who have extended stays at your house will understand that you need some "me" time.
Be flexible and forgiving. I'm a morning person and my preference has always been to get the writing done right after I get up. Around this time of year though, I accept that I may have to sneak writing time in some other time during the day. Also, with kids home from school and all the other demands on my time, I am not going to get as much writing done. I don't beat myself up if my productivity goes down a bit.
Give yourself a present. I always take Christmas day off. It is the one day a year I don't put pressure on myself to write. Maybe you can find some time alone at a B and B or coffee shop to write or give yourself a writer related gift.
Finally, the holidays were meant to be fun. If a holiday tradition or party or whatever, isn't fun anymore, stop doing it . If cooking a big holiday meal fills you with dread, order pizza or go to some else house and offer to bring the cranberry sauce.
Enjoy the holidays and happy writing.
Sharon Dunn writes romantic suspense for Love Inspired, an imprint of Harlequin. Her book Night Prey recently won a Carol award for best romantic suspense of 2010. She is currently contemplating eating Chinese take out on Thanksgiving.
2 comments:
That last paragraph says it all, I think. Very wise words, and great post. :-)
Hubby and I decided to have ribs on Thanksgiving this year. Rebels, we are. I'm quite happy with not making a turkey.
Of course, not only does it give you more time to write...but for our readers, it gives us all more time to read! So curl up on Thanksgiving with a good book -- we will be!
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