It's the first Wednesday in December so it's time for the Insecure Writers' Support Group.
The awesome co-hosts for the December 7 posting of the IWSG are Joylene Nowell Butler, Chemist Ken, Natalie Aguirre, Nancy Gideon, and Cathrina Constantine!
This month's question is an interesting one:
It's holiday time! Are the holidays a time to catch up or fall behind on writer goals?
I think this one is different for me than it is for most people in this group because I live in New Zealand and the holiday season coincides with our summer break. So while I always have great intentions of using the time I have off work to write, I very seldom actually do much writing because I want to be outdoors and relaxing with friends and family in the sun.
It’s also the only time in the year when I get a decent break from working, so there are always chores that need to be done around the house. During the year I’m so busy I tend to do a fairly cursory weekly clean, so the holidays end up being the time I defrost the fridge, clean out the pantry and cabinets and maybe even give the windows a wash.
Plus I spend a week or so away from home, at the beach house, which should be a great refuge for writing because internet is limited and won’t be a distraction. But somehow, even if I bring my laptop to the beach, it’s rarely touched because there are so many wonderful outdoor activities to fill my days with. Not to mention a very nice deck to sit and read on…
So, I guess my answer to this is that the holidays really aren’t a time to catch up on any of my writing goals. Although I do need to whip through another round of revisions on my new book over the holidays so I can get it out to a new group of readers in the New Year. And I’m putting that out there now so you can all hold me accountable for actually doing it.
What are your holidays like? Do you manage to write at all, or just take a break until the New Year? I’ve always found it useful in the years I’ve done NaNo because the holidays give you around the perfect length of time to leave a book to rest so you come back to it with fresh eyes.
I'm always jealous of your holiday seasons. I miss the beach so much right now!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you have a really different experience with the holidays being in the summer. I focus on family, friends, and fun during the holidays too.
ReplyDeleteI don't do much writing for the holidays because there's too much of everything else going on. I try to be okay with that because the holidays won't last and soon enough I'll have plenty of time to focus on writing.
ReplyDeleteYou should definitely make the most of that weather. The exact opposite of British conditions! I try to do little bits of writing over the holidays but I have more time when New Year comes in.
ReplyDeleteWe will hold you to it!
ReplyDeleteNever think of Christmas and going to the beach together, but I've never lived anywhere that it was sunny and warm for Christmas. (Well, not on purpose! We've had Christmases that were eighty degrees before.)
I generally end up taking December off from writing because of NaNoWriMo. But since I live in Florida, I do get to spend Christmas at the beach, if I so choose.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your holidays!
I hope you have a great time enjoying the outdoors! 🏖
ReplyDeleteHope your IWSG day is inspiring.
“The only limit to your success is your own imagination” – Shondra Rhimes
I wish you a merry holiday ⛄ season, and a New Year full of peace, joy, and creativity.