From Edie: Discover four simple ways to stay focused, productive, and joyful as a writer during the busy holiday season. Learn how to plan, prioritize, and protect your creative time while still enjoying the celebrations.
%20During%20the%20Holiday%20Season.jpg)
How Writers Can Stay Focused (and Joyful) During the Holiday Season
by Lilka Raphael @Lilka_Raphael
To many people holidays are not voyages of discovery, but a ritual of reassurance." ~ Phillip Adams
There are two camps that emerge when autumn days morph into the holidays. People either love this most wonderful time of the year or they loathe it. I am solidly in the love it category even as I acknowledge the time constraints, obligations, and stress that stand ready to hijack the holiday season. As writers, we are often short on time as it is. Our stress may be magnified when we realize that our writing time must yield to other demands. To stay sane (and merry), here are four tips to stay on task during the holidays.
Plan It
An effective way to make sure that we meet our writing obligations is to schedule that time. Many of us find our social calendars unusually full as we gather with friends and family we see only once a year. To escape guilt due to neglect of our writing routine, it is often helpful to schedule dedicated time to write during this season. This may require a change in time or place to maintain that word count. Rising a bit earlier or staying up later is often all it takes to keep the words flowing.
Prioritize It
We can make the best of plans but without implementing them, we will come up empty. Well meaning relatives may minimize our obligations in an effort to maximize family time. However, when working with tight deadlines, it’s to our advantage to stand firm. When we express what we do and why we do it, family and friends are more likely to give us the time that we need to succeed.
Make the Best of It
If you find yourself away from home, it’s okay to detour to another writing project. Self-reflective journaling or setting writing goals for the new year are still worthy endeavors. If you can’t fully engage in a strange environment, then outline a project instead. Take twenty minutes to brainstorm while you are waiting on others. You may discover creative ideas worthy of pursuing.
Forget It
This sounds counterintuitive but it may eventually prove fruitful. Writers often obsess about writing when we can’t write. Still, there comes a time to forget about it. At least for a little while. When our minds are overloaded, taking time to relax allows us to return to our projects with uncluttered thoughts. If the holidays afford an opportunity to take a break, then do so. Rest enables restoration. Restoration provides a fresh perspective.
In this season, let’s give thanks for the talents that allow us to write. May we be joyful, cheerful, merry, and bright.
Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. Hebrews 13:15-16 NKJV
Lilka’s greatest achievements are her two adult sons who have flown the nest. Happily married for thirty-two years, she lives east of Atlanta with her husband, Rod. They now share their home with two German Shepherds—Holly and Ivy—and one naughty kitty, Moxie.
Lilka, I really enjoyed this article. Great reminders for all of us writers. Sometimes we have to let go and go with the flow of the holidays--guilt-free. Thanks again.
ReplyDelete