Holiday Writing Tips

"Vacation time is coming soon, I'll write then."
"I can finish writing this novel over the holiday."
"Once the holiday season rolls around, I'll have so much free time to write."

Ever hear yourself making these promises?

I make them every year. Unfortunately, most of my promises never come true. I have found that my writing practice needs to remain as consistent as possible, holiday travel or no holiday travel. Vacation time does not always equal more writing time. In fact, often it is quite the opposite. You are either shopping endless hours for the perfect gift or traveling to see family or friends. And how much writing do you really get done when there is a party going on around you? ...exactly.

My writing habits always change when I am on vacation. I travel a lot, visit with my family, and completely forget about my normal routine. But every year I assume that because I have so much free time on my hands that I will be busy writing for hours and hours - just. not. the. case. However, I do set a goal to write SOMETHING every day, whether it be a to-do list, a new story idea, or even a paragraph in my WIP (work in progress) that I might discard later. The point is I try to write something.

Here are a few Holiday Writing Tips I like to use to help guide me through holiday time. (These tips may not work for all of you, but I thought I would share them just in case it helps a few):

1. Start with a goal! If you have a story idea, write an outline. If you want to learn more about a character in your story, write a character description or list of questions. If you like to journal, write an entry. If you are working on a novel, write a full scene. If you have no idea of what you want to get accomplished, you make your writing progress that much more difficult. Think of a goal and write it down. Place your written goal somewhere you can see it and then get going!

Example goal: 'I want to write 500 words today'

2. Make a writing plan! Some days I sit down and write for two hours straight and other days I cannot even sit longer than thirty minutes (too many sugar cookies). Every writer is different and only you will know what writing plan works for you. When you are ready to begin, make a writing plan tailored for you and stick to it! You wouldn't turn in a paper late to school, right? or blow off a deadline for your boss, would you? So, don't disregard your writing plan either!

Example plan: 'Turn off phone and TV for one hour of writing time'

3. Write! Once you have your goal and plan in place, you're ready to go. Pick up the pen and notebook or open up the laptop and type until you have met your plan for the day. Once you do, not only will you feel amazing and proud for accomplishing your goal and following your plan, you'll be ready to write a new and more challenging goal for the next day.

Example new goal: 'Today I will write 1,000 words!'

4. Keep going! This may be the most difficult part of the writing process for me. Having a daily goal is one thing. But every writer knows that life can often get in the way - work, kids, family, chores, friends, etc. - and sometimes it is hard to stick to a writing goal or follow any plans. The best way to stick to it is to just do it! I know, I know. Easier said than done, but just TRY. Just force yourself to sit down (or stand if you are more comfortable) and write.

Good luck writers and have a wonderful holiday season!

*If you care to share your thoughts or report on your writing progress, write and tell me all about it (your email counts as writing too, right?)- ebonybooks@yahoo.com