13 November 2024
Keep Writing During the Holidays OR NOT
There are obviously other holidays throughout the year, but the compact onslaught of so many over the course of three months at the end of the calendar can wreak havoc on your writing. The schedule goes out the window. Goals and plans get shoved aside. The emotional and physical (butt-in-chair) dedication are threatened by other “requirements” such as shopping and parties. The relatives and friends who “endured” your need for writing time earlier blatantly say things now such as “Lighten up, hon. It’s the holidays.”
Many other writers have offered stellar tips for overcoming all of this hoopla and staying on task as you want and need to keep writing. And while I agree with several of the suggestions such as journaling and setting a schedule, I take a slightly different approach: I DON’T FORCE THINGS. But I do look at the holidays through the lens of taking care of writer me while partaking in the events LIKE A WRITER.
WRITE LETTERS AND SEND CARDS THE OLD-FASHIONED WAY: PAPER AND A POSTAGE STAMP
Jane Friedman’s bi-weekly newsletter “Electric Speed” is always a pleasure to read because she talks about cutting-edge topics that impact writers, and she engages her readership by asking for suggestions from them. Tons of writers usually respond to her requests for recommendations. Her most recent question was “Do you send holiday cards?” Reader response to Jane was positive for sending actual cards.
I not only send physical, paper cards, but I also include a yearly, two-page recap letter that informs my list of friends, family, and business associates what happened in our “neck of the woods.” I WRITE, edit, revise, and print the letter just like the work I do for my books and clients. And I can’t wait to get their cards and kid photos every year in return. One of my favorite JOURNALING in January projects is to reflect on the holiday cards we receive. I glue every single one of them into my journal and write brief notes around them about who the card is from.
ACCEPT THE FACT THAT HOLIDAY SHIT HAPPENS, AND IT WILL INTERFERE WITH YOUR WRITING. WORK WITH IT INSTEAD OF RESIST IT.
That we resists persists, and stubbornly insisting on maintaining the regular writing schedule is a recipe for disaster for some writers. Journal and/or make a mental promise to your writer persona that you will not beat yourself up over not writing as much over the raucous season of frivolity. In fact, prepare your writer self to take advantage of the unique energy of the parties, advertising, gift giving, and pageants by keeping a list of everything holiday you do from now until January 1.
My list then becomes another January journal entry where I reflect on all the people, inspiration, and pleasure I found during the season. From shopping to televised parades, everything a writer experiences is fodder, but not if you do the man-in-green-tights thing (and I don’t mean the Hulk) and snub your nose at the amazing things people pull out of their idea closets during this time. You are ignoring a resource. Think of the season as a time to collect stuff for your idea savings account to draw upon next year when you need a blog/newsletter topic or something snarky for a character to say in your next story.
DON’T BE SELFISH ABOUT IT, BUT SCHEDULE SELF-CARE DURING THE HOLIDAYS.
Self-awareness IS self-care. If you know what it takes for you to function, then you are always able to find those things regardless of what is going on around you.
Sit down on a bench at the mall and journal/make notes about the sensory explosion happening near you.
Go to the library and/or a bookstore and take six or more holiday centric titles off the shelves. Glance through them then leave them on the table to catch someone else’s curious eye.
Indulge in one little thing that you’ve been denying yourself all year. Massage? A new belt? New technology? Only you know what’s on this list. Do or buy it and don’t feel guilty about it. It’s the guilt of taking care of ourselves that translates to insecurities and writer imposter syndrome. You’re worth it and you’ve worked your ass off all year for it. It’s okay.
C’mon, hon. Lighten up. Write, accept, and take care of yourself. Of course, if you absolutely must schedule writing time or give writing as gifts, please go right ahead.
As for me, I’m not going to force it but go with the flow and make use of all the hype in my stories, journals, newsletters, and blogs. Keep your eyes peeled.
What tricks do you play to keep writing during the holidays?
I hope your WriteDay is fantastic!
~Joy
CEO and founder My WriteDay Subscription Box
There are a bunch of awesome holiday gift boxes at My WriteDay!
My WRITEDAY is a subscription box program that delivers curated products from authors, creators, and small businesses to writers and readers in the continental U.S. It’s unique in that many products are sourced from writers who are also crafters and artisans. Each box delivers a writing craft book and 3-7 items associated with the key concepts (journaling, fitness, relaxation, nutrition, and creative play) of Writer Wellness, my flagship program and book (Headline Books, Inc. 2020.)
Each box is inspired by literary themes, genres, and holidays. Every box includes access to My WRITEDAY Digital Magazine filled with writing and publishing tips, writer wellness ideas, fiction excerpts, poetry, special offers, social media options such as live virtual meetings, and more.
The idea behind My WRITEDAY is to help writers spend more time creating stories, engaging with like-minded book friends, and enjoying the juicy, creative life they deserve. From craft books to office supplies to fun, writing/reading inspired décor, subscribers ages 14 and up will discover an experience designed to offer a healthy plan for living their best writing life. The cost per box is $59.00 and includes free shipping (in the continental U.S.). There are discounts available on the website. Please visit us!
Question for YOU. I haven’t made any decisions yet, but if I produced a regular podcast, would you listen to it? What would you like to hear about?
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One of the BEST columns you've ever written, Joy! I'll remember this one. Really hits home. Keep up the good work.
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