Since September, I got myself used to a nice little writing routine.
I write after kiddo is fast asleep, about four or five nights a week.
The day job may be exhausting sometimes, but I finally reached a point where I’m happy to go back to my stories each weeknight.
It was all good until I recently realized the Holidays were coming oh-so-fast again this year, I got a bit stress out.
Getting the presents, the gift wrapping, the food, food, more food to prep…
Homemade Cookies
When it is your turn to be the adult who’s cooking a storm so everything is ready for the family reunions.
Your turn to do the big cleaning of the house, and the decorating so everything looks holiday-esque.
Well, when it ‘s your turn to take on all of the Holiday related chores and you’re like me, a happy writer who likes most of all to keep to herself, her family and her stories, stress is as inevitable as changing your routine.
In this case, the writing routine.
I tried to think of what I could NOT do… But…
Those delicious homemade Christmas cookies won’t bake themselves! And kiddo loves making cookies so much, I can’t possibly take a rain check on that.
And so the list goes on. There’s stuff I feel like I HAVE to do. So much stuff, I’m gonna have to cut on my scheduled writing time.
But, but. but. aaww, it took me so long to get into my writing routine!
I really don’t want to lose my writing mojo. Plus, I don’t have time to stop writing. I’ve got (self-imposed) deadlines!
Writing during the evenings has become my way to unwind, relax and sometimes, the perfect way to make a crappy workday fade away.
How will I keep up and find time to write during the Holidays?
By being ruthless, mouhwahwahwah ! And by using some faithful Writing Tips, of course.
Therefore, I will:
- Set up a Holiday Special Writing Goal!
Since there are more things to do, more food to prep, more wine to drink during the Holidays, I predict I might not always be super-duper efficient when I get to write.
I’m setting up a motivational Holiday Special Writing Goal. - Shake things up a little
The important thing for me is to keep writing at least 5 times a week. Writing is easier during the evening for me, but during the Holidays, I will shake things up a little and plan to write during the day, or early in the morning, depending on what has to happen that day. - Make sacrifices
Dang, it sounds awful. But there is it, harsh truth: no one can squeeze a 25th hour in one day.
Therefore, in order to keep up with the writing routine during the Holidays, sacrifices have to be made.
And I chose to sacrifice… house chores!!
Well, to tell the whole thruth, I chose to… delegate house chores!!
Because having fewer family gatherings or no outings with kiddo is happening no matter what during the Holidays, I will delegate more of those lovely chores over to hubby-to-be.
Anyway, he hasn’t mopped a floor since… long enough.
If you are using other writing tips and hacks on how to keep writing during the Holidays, let me now in the comments.
Who else wants to keep writing even though it’s the most wonderful time of the year?
Thanks for reading, dear fellow writers. May all the good words be with you !
Marie Alice Writes & Reads 