by Contributing Editor Irene Roth
December can be a tricky month for writers.
There are so many social engagements we’re expected to attend.
Then there’s the shopping, decorating, and cleaning leading up to the holidays.
There are so many expectations placed on us by the media, too.
It can be hard to find the time to write and still enjoy all the holiday events and celebrations.
So, how can writers enjoy the holidays and still get some writing done?
Well, here are a few tips:
1. Decide what you would like to write before the end of the year.
Choose just a few small and doable things—like finishing a chapter of your novel or that picture book you’ve been working on.
Or you may decide to write a few blog posts or a newsletter.
2. Make sure these writing goals are doable.
Before you set your writing goals, look over the events, parties, shopping, and socializing you will have to do.
Then set a few writing goals that you can easily manage alongside your other obligations.
3. Write down these goals.
If you don’t write down your goals, you are less likely to reach them.
Make sure you know exactly what you want to complete and take steps every day to complete those small writing goals by the end of the month.
4. Schedule your writing times in your planner.
Don’t leave when you write to chance because then its easier not to write because other things will come up and your writing will get pushed to the side.
Instead, decide when you will write.
When the time comes, show up and write.
No excuses.
5. Set up small rewards for completing each small writing goal.
Choose something you will look forward to.
For example, I enjoy going to Indigo books at my local mall.
I browse all the new nonfiction and fiction books on the shelves for a while.
Then I buy myself a holiday coffee and a sweet treat and enjoy.
There’s no doubt the holidays are a time for enjoying ourselves.
It’s like no other time of year.
There are the lights and glitter.
There are more smiling faces in the streets and tree lighting ceremonies.
There is more joy and happiness between friends and family.
We may have a cook off with our in-laws or grandchildren.
We may decide to try a few new recipes.
Then there’s buying gifts for our friends and family.
There’s nothing nicer than buying something that will put a smile on a family member’s face.
It can be so exciting and uplifting.
There’s so much to look forward to.
The good news is we don’t have to forego these holiday activities.
We can do all these things and still make time to write by planning and remaining true to our writing goals, health goals, and holiday enjoyment.
In December, we just need to be more mindful of where our time goes and try to schedule some quality time both for writing and for enjoying ourselves with our loved ones.
For more articles about how to write during the holidays:
Writing holiday Stories for Children
Get my book, How to Get Some Writing Done During the Christmas Holidays.
Happy Holidays and Happy Writing!
About Irene Roth
Irene Roth has a master’s degree in Philosophy and Psychology from York University, Ontario, and is currently using her expertise to write books for adults about how to be a productive writer. She has published over 150 books and e-books for adults on different topics such as the writing life and different aspects of chronic illness. She has been running workshops at Savvy Authors on many topics for writers for over ten years. She also leads a very successful mentoring group for writers on Savvy Authors that is in its sixth year. She coaches writers on how to be their best. She lives in Ontario with her husband Jim, cat Toby, and dog Milo. Her website is: https://irenesroth.com/
