Writers write!
Ok, so it’s a little over a week before Thanksgiving, when all the madness begins. You, however, may call them the holidays. For me, it’s the start of a long chain: Thanksgiving; sister-in-law’s birthday; Hanukkah; Christmas; New Year’s Eve; brother-in-law’s birthday; the NFL playoffs (yes, I still watch); and my wife’s birthday. Basically three months of a lot of cooking, shopping, get-togethers, and unmitigated stress.
On top of that, I yearly fight off Seasonal Affective Disorder, doing everything in my power to stay upbeat and positive even though this time of year utterly saps my energy and could, if unchecked, cause me to stay in a lull mentally and emotionally until the spring thaw.
There is only one saving grace, one thing that gets me through: writing. Sure, there’s a lot going on (which is more than just “being busy”) and there’s a lot to keep track of. But, if you focus on taking care of yourself, you will have all the time in the world.
As such, whenever I have any moments, I will: write a blog post; start the editing on the third book of my historical crime fiction series; fine tune my entries for a writing contest; outline future works; read. The Art of Creativity is stimulating. It has recuperative powers. Therefore, I can (and will) maintain my sanity and good spirits.
Writers write. They don’t sit around and get caught up in “everything else” and completely put their work aside. So remember that, to all the writers out there who feel pressured or bogged down by the “holiday season” — Writers write!
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H.B., sounds like a great strategy for Seasonal Affective Disorder. It's a great reason to write. I imagine your writing-space decor of flaming torches, rattan furniture, and flower leis. You're writing while wearing brightly colored Hawaiian shirts and khaki pants. Your computer is set up at the bar, a drink nearby. Of course, this could be a result of my active imagination. Wherever you write, however you write, whatever you write, just write! Jim
