How to Plan a Writing Break During the Holidays

by DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

The holidays are upon us, and excitement is building. We look forward to Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the New Year with family, friend, and church celebrations. Preparations for festive occasions are busy memory makers, but what about our writing deadlines? 

Are you thinking ahead and asking yourself if it’s possible to take a break from writing to enjoy the season? Or can you relax your schedule to participate in the many activities? Yes, dear writer, easing off a bit from the workload or taking a break is possible, but the writer needs to organize and plan now. 

The following tips will help you complete your writing responsibilities and maximize the enjoyment of your holidays.

5 Suggestions to Plan a Holiday Writing Break

Suggestion number one: Determine due dates for all writing deadlines, including November, December, and the first half of January. By looking at writing projects due the first part of January, the writer isn’t hit by unforeseen surprises. Beginning the New Year in stress mode defeats the benefits of a holiday break. 

Suggestion number two: List each project's due date and time for completion. Can you handle the extra work now and maintain quality writing? 

Suggestion number three: Examine social media platforms. Are you using a scheduling tool such as Buffer or Hootsuite? Again, this will require time to create posts on your platforms. Perhaps a more relaxed social media schedule is a consideration for you, and you can trim your normal posting frequency. Some writers take a sabbatical during the holidays. Examine your writing responsibilities to see if hiring an author assistant might ease the stress during the holidays.

Suggestion number four: Consider how to best balance work responsibilities with decorating, gift buying, involvement in activities, and commitments with our writing schedule. This is a good choice when some deadlines can’t be manged or completed ahead of time.

Suggestion number five: Refuse to be disillusioned when time doesn’t allow completing everything in your work and personal life. A relaxed schedule still offers opportunities for you to experience all the gatherings vying for your attention. A writer may need to be selective in their festivities. That’s okay. Make the most of what you can do. 

The goal of the season is to observe the many friends, family, and church events/activities that make this time of year special. With a little organization and planning, we can take time off without feeling guilt or stress.

Do you have suggestions to ease the stress of holiday business?

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How to Plan a #Writing Break During the Holidays from @DiAnnMills on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She creates action-packed, suspense-filled novels to thrill readers. Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. 

She is the former director of the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference, Mountainside Marketing Retreat, and Mountainside Novelist Retreat with social media specialist Edie Melson. Connect here: DiAnnMills.com