Write Lightning is a blog from writer Deb Thompson.
Everyone is welcome here.
(Some links or topics may not be completely kid-appropriate.)
Everyone is welcome here.
(Some links or topics may not be completely kid-appropriate.)
Tue, Dec 22 2015
It's the most wonderful time of the year, except for some of us
Many writers tend to be introverts in nature and can have difficulty with the party mentality that seems to grip the populace this time of year. Life becomes a swirl of shopping, traveling, decorating, gathering for drinks or food, making music, entertaining relative and traveling. Introverts can only handle a certain amount of this frenzy before we flip out and look for For a quiet place to reflect on the art of remaining human.
One of the things I've found over the years is that adding a brand new, lengthy writing project this time of year is not a good thing to do. Short-term works are more easily handled. Edit something or rework an old piece into something for a new market. Flesh out a character sketch. Organize notes or files. Choose things you can put down and pick up later without loss of concentration.
When you can't bear the thought of one more alcohol-fueled gathering full of cocktail weenies (and I don't mean the food), have some things ready to balance out the madness. If you are a Christ-follower, seek out the quieter side of worship. Seek contact one-on-one with people whose company you genuinely enjoy. Donate time and/or money to those having a struggle of their own, maybe by taking groceries to a local food bank or by shoveling an elderly neighbor's porch and sidewalk. Make it personal, meaningful.
If the year has been particularly difficult for you in terms of health, finances or family conflict, make a list, not of New Year Resolutions, but of things you plan to do or enjoy right after the holidays. Set money aside for a weekend getaway and jot down some specific places to go. Sit down and figure out where your budget has brought you in the past year. Make a list of books you want to read or films you want to view. Spend a whole afternoon at a library, art museum or zoo. Go through your home office, craft, hobby, or kitchen supplies and organize them to suit your needs. Sit down and listen to all the old songs you love best. Plan to take a walk or bike/roll through a park you've never visited as spring warms things after the holidays.
It doesn't matter what you choose to concentrate on, as long as it's your choice and not society's pressure that guides you. Introverts are the real stars of the universe, as long as we work with who we are instead of who other humans think we should be.
posted at: 12:43 | category: /Writing Life | link to this entry
Many writers tend to be introverts in nature and can have difficulty with the party mentality that seems to grip the populace this time of year. Life becomes a swirl of shopping, traveling, decorating, gathering for drinks or food, making music, entertaining relative and traveling. Introverts can only handle a certain amount of this frenzy before we flip out and look for For a quiet place to reflect on the art of remaining human.
One of the things I've found over the years is that adding a brand new, lengthy writing project this time of year is not a good thing to do. Short-term works are more easily handled. Edit something or rework an old piece into something for a new market. Flesh out a character sketch. Organize notes or files. Choose things you can put down and pick up later without loss of concentration.
When you can't bear the thought of one more alcohol-fueled gathering full of cocktail weenies (and I don't mean the food), have some things ready to balance out the madness. If you are a Christ-follower, seek out the quieter side of worship. Seek contact one-on-one with people whose company you genuinely enjoy. Donate time and/or money to those having a struggle of their own, maybe by taking groceries to a local food bank or by shoveling an elderly neighbor's porch and sidewalk. Make it personal, meaningful.
If the year has been particularly difficult for you in terms of health, finances or family conflict, make a list, not of New Year Resolutions, but of things you plan to do or enjoy right after the holidays. Set money aside for a weekend getaway and jot down some specific places to go. Sit down and figure out where your budget has brought you in the past year. Make a list of books you want to read or films you want to view. Spend a whole afternoon at a library, art museum or zoo. Go through your home office, craft, hobby, or kitchen supplies and organize them to suit your needs. Sit down and listen to all the old songs you love best. Plan to take a walk or bike/roll through a park you've never visited as spring warms things after the holidays.
It doesn't matter what you choose to concentrate on, as long as it's your choice and not society's pressure that guides you. Introverts are the real stars of the universe, as long as we work with who we are instead of who other humans think we should be.
posted at: 12:43 | category: /Writing Life | link to this entry