Write Lightning is a blog from writer Deb Thompson.
Everyone is welcome here.
(Some links or topics may not be completely kid-appropriate.)
Everyone is welcome here.
(Some links or topics may not be completely kid-appropriate.)
Wed, Nov 19 2014
Writing for the holidays
This is a challenging time of year for many writers. The holiday season is stuffed with party invitations, end-of-year financial crunches, baking binges and family obligations. We spend the last 6 weeks or so of the calendar year fitting a few bursts of writing into a packed day if we write at all.
It's usually good to spend some time writing early in the morning. If your sister calls and reminds you that your nephew's music recital, the one you apparently neglected to put on your calendar, is tonight, you'll know that you have that writing session done and can be more flexible with social scheduling later in the day. To make this work, it's probably important to cut back on late night partying. (Do I even have to bring that up?)
It also helps to break some things into smaller tasks. Once I know that I have some writing time logged, I turn to a task that has incremental steps, such as making a shopping list or mixing cookie dough that has to be chilled awhile before baking, gathering project items and putting them together in a container, choosing clothing for a later appointment.
Save time where you can and take on fewer new things in November and December. Record favorite TV shows to be viewed later when there is more time. Shop online. Bank online. The college-attending student who is coming home for the holidays can make his or her own dental appointment. Have the car serviced in October or wait until January. Choose a few cookies that you get compliments on during the holidays and bake only those this year. Get to know a grocery store layout and shop there exclusively, even if the receipt is a bit higher. Pick your battles. If it comes down to time or money, save time for the season and get back to being frugal first thing next year.
Will I take my own advice? Ask me on the second of January.
posted at: 09:09 | category: /Writing Life | link to this entry
This is a challenging time of year for many writers. The holiday season is stuffed with party invitations, end-of-year financial crunches, baking binges and family obligations. We spend the last 6 weeks or so of the calendar year fitting a few bursts of writing into a packed day if we write at all.
It's usually good to spend some time writing early in the morning. If your sister calls and reminds you that your nephew's music recital, the one you apparently neglected to put on your calendar, is tonight, you'll know that you have that writing session done and can be more flexible with social scheduling later in the day. To make this work, it's probably important to cut back on late night partying. (Do I even have to bring that up?)
It also helps to break some things into smaller tasks. Once I know that I have some writing time logged, I turn to a task that has incremental steps, such as making a shopping list or mixing cookie dough that has to be chilled awhile before baking, gathering project items and putting them together in a container, choosing clothing for a later appointment.
Save time where you can and take on fewer new things in November and December. Record favorite TV shows to be viewed later when there is more time. Shop online. Bank online. The college-attending student who is coming home for the holidays can make his or her own dental appointment. Have the car serviced in October or wait until January. Choose a few cookies that you get compliments on during the holidays and bake only those this year. Get to know a grocery store layout and shop there exclusively, even if the receipt is a bit higher. Pick your battles. If it comes down to time or money, save time for the season and get back to being frugal first thing next year.
Will I take my own advice? Ask me on the second of January.
posted at: 09:09 | category: /Writing Life | link to this entry
