Writing on a Holiday Deadline: A Hilarious “Twelve Days of an Author’s Christmas” for Writers Everywhere

From Edie: Laugh your way through the chaos of holiday deadlines with this humorous “Twelve Days of an Author’s Christmas.” A relatable, festive take on the writing life, this post offers encouragement, camaraderie, and comic relief for every writer racing to finish a manuscript in December.

Writing on a Holiday Deadline: A Hilarious “Twelve Days of an Author’s Christmas” for Writers Everywhere

by Lynn H. Blackburn @LynnHBlackburn

In a perfect world, my looming deadline wouldn't be looming it at all. It would be sitting out there on February 1st and not bothering me because I would be confident that my book will be complete by then.

Friends, this may come as a shock, but we don't live in a perfect world.

While all around me people are making things merry and bright, I'm over here in my pajama pants, trying to get through the season with unwashed hair and a coffee-induced hand tremor harmonizing with my twitching eyelids.

It is in this state of obvious mental, physical, and emotional disarray that I bring to you the Twelve Days of an Author’s Christmas—Deadline Edition.

On the twelfth day of Christmas, my deadline gave to me:

Twelve hours of panic when I realize it's December and I'm nowhere near done with this manuscript. It's not due until February 1st, but if I don't write during the holidays, I'll never make it. So here I am, laptop open, while everyone else is watching "Christmas Vacation."

(Narrator: The math was overly optimistic.)

Eleven brilliant plot ideas that came to me in the shower, which I was absolutely, definitely, 100% going to remember without writing down. Sadly, I remembered none of them. Not a single one.

(Narrator: One of them was brilliant. She'll never know which one.)

Ten minutes of actual writing accomplished between homeschooling, answering emails, quickly checking Instagram, getting more coffee, letting the dog out, staring blankly at the screen, Googling "how long does it take to bleed out" (I'm on a list somewhere), and remembering I never answered that text from yesterday.

(Narrator: Ten minutes was generous. It was closer to four.)

Nine text messages from my writer friends complaining about their deadlines while I complain about mine, because we've convinced ourselves that commiserating counts as being productive.

(Narrator: It does not count as being productive.)

Eight times I've rewritten the same scene because it doesn't make sense. My broody-billionaire hero has had four different motivations, three personality transplants, and I'm starting to think he's just difficult. (He's lovely, y'all. It's me. Not him.)

(Narrator: It was definitely him.)

Seven different spots in my house where I've tried to write—the desk, the couch, the dining room table, the kitchen counter, the library, the firepit, then back to the desk—because surely a change of location will make the words flow better. Sadly, this hasn't worked at all.

(Narrator: The desk was fine all along, but the firepit was a solid contender.)

Six cups of coffee, which explains why I'm writing a kiss scene that I'll have to completely delete tomorrow because apparently my hero is also somehow holding a gun, opening a door, AND caressing her face simultaneously. He's very talented.

(Narrator: If she’d stopped at three it would have been okay. Maybe.)

FIVE THOUSAND WORDS TO GO! (This is a lie. It's actually a lot more than 5K, but I'm in denial and denial is a powerful motivator in December.)

(Narrator: It was more than a lot more. It was soooo many more words. Her denial game is strong.)

Four Pinterest tabs open for "easy Christmas crafts" and "simple holiday meals" because of course I suddenly feel compelled to make everything. From scratch. Well, everything except this story. Apparently, I don't feel like making that at all.

(Narrator: Those tabs will still be open in March.)

Three hours spent arguing with my heroine because she refuses to do what I need her to do in this scene. She's supposed to trust the hero. She doesn't want to. We're at an impasse. She's fictional. I'm losing. But I think I can get her to see reason.

(Narrator: She 100% lost.)

Two completely different versions of chapter twelve because I can't decide which direction to go, so I'm keeping both and pretending I'll "figure it out later." (I will not figure it out later. February 1st me is going to be SO mad at December me.)

(Narrator: February 1st Lynn is going to be mad about a lot of things.)

And a plot hole so big Santa could drive his sleigh through it. My timeline is off (surprise, surprise) and nothing makes sense anymore. This is a Dumpster fire bright enough to be picked up on satellites, y'all.

(Narrator: NASA called. They have questions.)

Odds are good that the tree will still be up as I type "The End" at 11:57 PM on January 31st. 

But I have hope that both a festive and meaningful Christmas AND a completed book will happen!

Merry Christmas to each of you, but especially those on deadline. 

May your word counts be high and your plot holes be fixable. 

We'll plan better next year.

(Narrator: She says this every year. She will not plan better next year.)

Grace and peace,

Lynn

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Writing on a Holiday Deadline: A Hilarious “Twelve Days of an Author’s Christmas” for Writers Everywhere from @LynnHBlackburn on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Lynn H. Blackburn is the award-winning author of Unknown Threat, Malicious Intent, and Under Fire, as well as the Dive Team Investigations series. She loves writing swoon-worthy southern suspense because her childhood fantasy was to become a spy, but her grown-up reality is that she's a huge chicken and would have been caught on her first mission. She prefers to live vicariously through her characters by putting them into terrifying situations while she's sitting at home in her pajamas! She lives in Simpsonville, South Carolina, with her true love, Brian, and their three children. Learn more at www.lynnhblackburn.com.

4 Anchors Every Writer Needs: How to Slow Down, Find Your Voice, and Reclaim the Joy of Writing

From Edie: Discover four essential anchors that help writers slow down, find their authentic voice, and rediscover the joy of creating. Learn how gentle writing practices, personal rituals, and intentional presence can transform your writing life and strengthen your confidence on the page.

4 Anchors Every Writer Needs: How to Slow Down, Find Your Voice, and Reclaim the Joy of Writing

by Sarah Sally Hamer @SarahSallyHamer

Writers often think that writing is a race. We’re told that we need to produce pages or we won’t have a career. Helpful friends and family ask us, “Did you finish that book? Did you sell it?” And, worst of all, we stare at an empty page and pray for the Muse to give us an idea. Any idea! 

But that’s not really what being a writer means. Instead, it’s a reclamation. A slow unfolding. Setting anchors to hold us to what’s important. A return to the voice you forgot you were allowed to have.

Publishing Paths for Writers: Understanding Your Options With Hybrid Publishing (Part 2)

From Edie: Learn how hybrid publishing works and whether it’s the right path for your book. This guide explains the hybrid model, its costs, benefits, and limitations, and how it compares to traditional and independent publishing so writers can make informed decisions about their publishing journey.

Publishing Paths for Writers: Understanding Your Options With Hybrid Publishing (Part 2)

by PeggySue Wells @PeggySueWells

Authors have several viable options to make their work available. 

Essentially, the three most common tracks are traditional publishing, hybrid publishing, or independent publishing.

What is Hybrid Publishing? 

A hybrid publisher is a publishing house that operates with a shared-cost model. The author pays the cost, and the publisher invests labor, brand, and distribution.

Similar to traditional publishers, the hybrid chooses quality titles that they will publish. Not everyone is accepted as the publisher curates their catalog. 

• Editorial: Manuscripts receive editing and design attention similar to traditional publishing
• Publisher of Record: The publisher’s name, logo, and ISBN appear on the book
• Distribution: The publisher works through established relationships with distribution networks like Ingram Spark, and sometimes with bookstores through sales reps
• Higher royalties: Because the author subsidized production, royalties are commonly 40 to 60 percent of net
• Marketing: Titles typically receive light-to-moderate launch marketing 

Services, processes, and fees can vary widely from one hybrid publisher to the next, particularly in the marketing department. Additional marketing support is often offered as an add-on. 

Contracts outline what authors can expect and what is expected from the author.

Usually not included are

• Unlimited revisions 
• Custom consulting
• Full-service marketing 
• Public relations campaigns
• Social media management
• Guaranteed bookstore placement
• Guaranteed media coverage

Timelines

The hybrid publishing model has grown with the rise in independent publishing. Business and entrepreneur authors appreciate the faster speed to market. Like their traditional counterparts, hybrid publishers typically specialize in defined niches such as thought leadership, health and wellness, memoir and personal growth, and Christian or faith-based works. 

Pros to hybrid publishing include

• Attention from a professional team
• Faster time to market
• Higher royalties
• Prestigious imprint, depending on the hybrid the author publishes with
• More control than traditional

Cons include

• Upfront cost can be high, depending on the house
• Quality varies greatly

When considering a hybrid publisher, study the quality of their products. Contact a few of their authors and ask about their experience with the publisher.

Summary

In summary, hybrid publishing is a business model that blends traditional publishing and self-publishing. The hybrid publisher is seeking quality, well-written work that aligns with their mission, editorial standards, and the audience they are committed to reaching.

Hybrid publishing is a partnership between author and publisher. 

Hybrid is designed for

• Entrepreneurs and speakers
• Memoir or niche authors
• Authors seeking professional quality without DIY
• Writers who have a platform and want publishing help

Hybrid may not be ideal for

• Authors seeking a fully curated traditional experience
• Authors unable to invest financially
• Authors who want to maintain full control of publishing accounts

Is hybrid publishing the route for you? The answer is determined by what is best for the author and what is ideal for the project. Choose the publishing path that fits your budget, goals, project, and timeline.

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Publishing Paths for Writers: Understanding Your Options With Hybrid Publishing (Part 2) from @PeggySueWells on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Don't miss the rest of the posts in this series!

Part 1: Understanding Your Options with Traditional Publishing

Part 2: Understanding Your Options with Hybrid Publishing

PeggySue Wells is the award-winning USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of 45 books including the mystery suspense title of the year, Unnatural Cause. 

Action and adventure, romantic suspense, military romance, and cozy mystery are the page-turning novels by P.S. Wells including Chasing Sunrise, Homeless for the Holidays, and The Patent. How to live better, easier, and simpler is the focus of her nonfiction including The Ten Best Decisions A Single Mom Can Make.

PeggySue is a frequent guest with media including Focus On The Family, Family Life Today, and Christian Product Expo. She regularly teaches at conferences including Write To Publish, Taylor University Writers Conference, Kentucky Christian Writers Conference, and the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association. Collaborator on multiple titles including books with Dr. Benjamin Hardy, Shemane Nugent, Pat Palau, and Pam Farrel, PeggySue is a writing coach. When not writing, she parasails, skydives, snorkels, scuba dives, rides horses, and has taken (but not passed) pilot training. Founder of SingleMomCircle.com, connect with PS Wells at WWW.PEGGYSUEWELLS.COM, on Facebook at PeggySue Wells, and LinkedIn at LINKEDIN.COM/IN/PEGGYSUEWELLS

How Writers Can Turn Their Dream Into a Finished Manuscript: The Power of Measurable Writing Goals

From Edie: Learn how to turn your writing dream into a completed manuscript by setting clear, measurable goals. This practical guide shows writers how to break big projects into achievable daily word counts, stay accountable, and build the momentum needed to finish their book with confidence.

How Writers Can Turn Their Dream Into a Finished Manuscript: The Power of Measurable Writing Goals

by Ginny Cruz, MPA, PT

You carry a dream of writing. Maybe it's a memoir, a devotional, or a novel. No matter the size of your manuscript, if you're going to move from a dream to a completed writing project, you need goals.

10 Time Thieves That Steal a Writer’s Productivity—and How to Take Your Writing Time Back

From Edie: Discover the most common time thieves that steal a writer’s productivity—and practical steps to reclaim your writing time. Learn how to overcome hidden distractions, build better habits, and stay focused so you can write with clarity, purpose, and consistency.

10 Time Thieves That Steal a Writer’s Productivity—and How to Take Your Writing Time Back

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

As writers, one of our most valuable resources is time—especially time to write. We dream about it, plan for it, even run away to find it. Yet it’s often ourselves who stand in the way of having the time we need to write.

Today I’d like to share some hidden—and some not so hidden—time thieves.

A Social Media Advent Calendar for Writers: 25 Creative Christmas Posts to Bless and Engage Your Readers

From Edie: Make December easier and more meaningful with this ready-to-use Social Media Advent Calendar for writers. Discover 25 creative Christmas post ideas designed to bless your readers, spark engagement, and help you connect with your audience throughout the holiday season.

A Social Media Advent Calendar for Writers: 25 Creative Christmas Posts to Bless and Engage Your Readers

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

Social media isn’t a favorite thing for a lot writers and speakers. And for many it brings a great deal of stress. But it IS a great way to connect with those we serve. This year, I’d like to offer you a gift—a way to connect with your readers that’s already organized and ready to go. 

I spent a lot of time trying to figure out something that would help you, WITHOUT adding additional stress. And this is what I’ve come up with—a social media advent calendar for writers to use to bless their audience.

How to Use the Writer's Social Media Advent Calendar

• 1. The list below is organized by day. Each day is explained, if needed. You have two choices every day, you can create an image for each post, or you can use the image I provide for each day for all my newsletter subscribers.

• 2. At the end of this post is the link to download the e-booklet You are welcome to download each image and use it as you please. Each image is copyright free and free to use. (All images were created in Canva) 

Social Media Advent Calendar for Writers to Bless Their Readers

December 1

Create an Acrostic with the word PEACE. You can use each letter as the beginning of a word, or a phrase, or you can use the letter somewhere inside the word. The idea is to stretch your creativity and encourage your audience to do the same! (The image to the left is what I created for day one. I'm including and the one for December 2 so you can see what you'll get when you subscribe)

I came up with this one: 

Perfectly

Encouraged

After 

Christ

Empowers.

December 2

This is a Challenge. Ask your followers to Create a Christmas Bucket List. I’ve found in years past that when the holiday season was finished I had regrets—things I’d wished I’d taken time to do. To combat this, I began creating a Christmas Bucket List to help me stay on track. The things I include are

• Ask God to give me the eyes to see a miracle this holiday season
• Take time to go Christmas caroling
• Give me the opportunity to bless a stranger
• Go ice skatingContemplate a starry night and how it must have been in Bethlehem

December 3

This or That: Real or Artificial Greenery? This is the chanced to get your audience to participate. People have strong feelings about certain parts of the holidays, for some it’s whether the tree and greenery is real or artificial!

December 4

What day do you decorate and what day do you take the décor down? This is another question that people are very opinionated about! 

December 5

Gift Exchange Ideas. I always have several gift exchange parties during the holidays. Many of them have limits on how much can be spent. So asking my followers for good ideas is a great way to get something unusual.

December 6

Share a Funny/Happy Christmas Pet Story. Most people either have pets, used to have a pet or know someone who has a pet. And our furry friends usually give us some great stories—some funny and some precious—to share during the holiday. 

December 7

Favorite Christmas Movie. We all have them—a movie or TV special that we must see during the holidays. Ask your followers to chime on with theirs and maybe we’ll all discover some new viewing favorites!

December 8

Favorite Place to Visit During the Holidays. There is a certain street in a neighborhood nearby that we always make sure to visit because the Christmas lights are always so beautiful. I have a friend who visits a certain town, and another who absolutely loves the beach at Christmas. 

December 9

This or That: White Lights or Colored Lights? Here’s another opportunity to let your audience chime in with their preferences. Here in our family, we’re a house divided—Kirk loves colored lights and I’m partial to white lights. So we have TWO Christmas trees—and now we’re both happy!

December 10

Favorite Christmas Craft. You knew I’d have to squeeze this one in. I love knitting, crocheting and crafting in general. Every year I try to come up with a Christmas craft that allows me to share my creativity. One year I took light bulb ornaments, used a paint pen to add the year and a Bible verse and tied the ornament with a ribbon. I kept these in a box by the front door and everyone who came to the house got to choose one to take home.

December 11

Share an old picture from a Christmas Past. We all have them. Photos from Christmas past. Some are cute and some include 80s hair and ugly sweaters (back when we thought the sweaters were pretty). Now’s the time to share!

December 12

Favorite Gift Given/Received. We all remember those special gifts that made a lasting impression. Share yours and ask your audience to share theirs.

December 13

Favorite Christmas Carol. Music is an integral part of the holidays for most of us. Kirk and I got married on December 19 and I had a flutist play What Child is This during the ceremony. So every time we hear that carol, we’re transported to that precious day!

December 14

Share your tradition(s). What absolutely has to happen every year? Is it a food, a gathering, a certain ornament or all of the above? Share your traditions, ask your audience to do the same and we might all begin making new traditions!

December 15

Challenge: Give Back at Christmas. I have friend who purchases several $5 gift cards and takes one day to hand them out to strangers. Others fill shoeboxes or serve food at a soup kitchen. This is a great time to show the love of God so let’s spur each other on with new ideas.

December 16

This or That: Gift Card or Gift. Here’s another hot button topic. Some people are offended by gift cards, others adore them. (I fall in the adore-receiving-them-camp.) This will be another way to get the conversation humming on your social media feed.

December 17

Favorite Dessert. What’s yours? Gingerbread, chocolate chip cookies, pie or something more adventurous. This year our local critique group discovered we all have a different recipe for something called Christmas Crack. So we’ve planned a party around that theme. We’re all bring our version ready-made and a copy of the recipe to share. I’m putting together an ebook of all our recipes and we’ll have a fun keepsake to remember our precious friendships.

December 18

Conversation Ideas for Family Gatherings. We all have them and sometimes they can be awkward. Here’s an opportunity to get some ideas for conversation starters to keep the verbal ball from injuring someone! 

December 19

Favorite Holiday Drink. Kirk loves hot chocolate and wassil. I’m a fan of coffee flavored drinks. Do you have favorite beverage that enhances a quiet holiday evening at home or with friends?

December 20

Focus on the Reason for the Season. We’re in the home stretch and many of your online friends will be weary of the chaos and superficiality that creeps in. So help them redirect their focus by sharing what you do to remember why it’s called CHRISTmas!

December 21

Memories of Childhood Christmas. What do you remember from your childhood Christmas’s? Now’s the time to wax nostalgic and encourage your online friends to do the same. 

December 22

Funny Christmas Catastrophe. We all have them, the year something went wrong on Christmas. Ours is a humdinger. One year we bought our 16-year-old son his dream car—an old model Jeep. Kirk went to pick it up on Christmas Eve after the boys went to bed and it died on the way home. Instead of a car in the driveway, all our son got was a box of keys and the long wait while we had the engine replaced after the mechanic got back to work.

December 23

Favorite Christmas Eve Tradition. For me, it wouldn’t be Christmas Eve without a candlelight service at church. Before kids we attended the midnight service, now we opt for the one earlier in the day. 

December 24

What does Jesus mean to you at Christmas? In my opinion, this is the opportunity to share our hearts with those we may never meet in person. By talking about what Jesus means to me, I have the ability to introduce someone to my Savior. When we share our hearts honestly, we encourage and empower others to do the same. Who knows, this one question might break the internet—in a GOOD way!

December 25

Merry Christmas! This one is all yours. I didn’t include an image because I want you to send this one yourself. 

So here it is, my gift to you. Please know that each of you is a loved and treasure part of my community. I adore doing life with you!

Don’t forget to join the conversation!

Blessings,

Edie

Social Media Idea e-Booklet to download!

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A Social Media Advent Calendar for Writers: 25 Creative Christmas Posts to Bless and Engage Your Readers from @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Edie uses the truths God has taught her as an author, photographer, and blogger to encourage others. She’s learned to embrace the ultimate contradiction of being an organized creative. As a sought-after speaker, she’s empowered and challenged audiences across the country and around the world. Her numerous books reflect her passion to help others call on God’s strength during challenging times, often using creativity to empower this connection. She also knows the necessity of Soul Care and leads retreats, conferences, and workshops on ways to use creativity to help strengthen our connection with God. 

She and husband Kirk have been married 43+ years with three grown sons and four grandchildren. They live in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and can often be found with their big black dog hiking the mountains.

How Writers Should Respond to Their Royalty Statements: Encouragement, Wisdom, and Practical Next Steps

From Edie: Learn how to respond with wisdom, gratitude, and faith when your royalty statement arrives—whether the numbers make you sigh or celebrate. This practical and encouraging guide helps writers view their sales through God’s perspective and outlines meaningful next steps for your writing journey.

How Writers Should Respond to Their Royalty Statements: Encouragement, Wisdom, and Practical Next Steps

by Lori Hatcher

You’ve opened your latest royalty statement. Are you sighing or celebrating? 

Every writer I know holds their breath when the much awaited/much dreaded royalty statement appears in their mailbox. Will it show phenomenal book sales or pitiful ones? Will we find a check with lots of zeroes or a sales report with lots of zeroes? Will our book have (finally) earned out its advance or is it selling slowly, ten books at a time?