by Nancy I. Sanders
Yesterday I heard from a publisher who I’m working with on a Christmas story.
He needed a synopsis to share with the team, plus some other details put together and sent his way.
Usually, when I write a story for a certain holiday, I’ve worked on it 6-8 months in advance so that I can sell it in time to get it in a magazine’s Christmas issue.
That’s because magazines work that far in advance.
That’s also the advice you’ll find on the site of my writing buddies, Writing According to Humphrey and Friends at http://writingaccordingtohumphrey.wordpress.com/writing-topics/humphrey-on-holidays/.
Over the years, I’ve written a number of Christmas fiction stories or poems or activities in June or July when Christmas is the farthest thing from my mind!
The sun is shining and it’s hot and it’s the perfect time to go to the beach…and I’m writing about snowmen or Wisemen!
But this time I’ve been working on a Christmas story during the actual holiday itself.
I am amazed at how awesome this experience has been!
I sit on my couch to write on my laptop and the Christmas lights twinkle merrily at me.
I sit at our dining table to do research and my iPod is playing Christmas carols and surrounding me with the joyous melodies of the season.
I go to the library to check out reference books and stumble on children’s story hour with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, tables of Christmas crafts to make, and a festive singer entertaining the crowds with more Christmas carols.
Talk about being in the mood to write!
I’ve decided that I’m going to do this more often as a writer.
When various holidays roll around, I want to soak in the celebrations and write holiday stories in the midst of all the festivities.
Imagine writing about the Fourth of July surrounded by patriotic music and attending a fireworks show!
Just think of brainstorming stories about Easter in the middle of egg hunts and sunrise service!
Sure, if these stories are for magazines, I probably can’t submit them for several more months so they’re submitted in a timely manner for next year’s holiday issue.
But I’ve been having so much fun this Christmas working on a story about Christmas, that I want to do it again.
Try it!
You might be surprised at just how much fun you can have as a writer.
And Merry Christmas!
About Nancy I. Sanders
Nancy I. Sanders loves to help writers experience success along their writing journey. Get her two how-to books for children’s writers and get in the know! During the holiday season, they make great items on your own gift wish list or as gifts for writer friends you know. For more information about her books, visit http://yesyoucanlearn.wordpress.com
