For those of us in the US, Thanksgiving is coming up. Rushing towards us, actually. (It is in 8 days, you guys, I hope you’ve got your turkey planned. We’re following the turkey manifesto on amazingribs.com, because that is my husband’s meat Bible). After Thanksgiving there are a number of winter holidays, one or more of which you may celebrate and possibly have to decorate/cook/bake/buy presents for. Add to that holiday parties and the next couple of months are looking a little crazy, so where do you find time to write?
If you’re doing NaNoWriMo, maybe you wrote a bit more on the front-end, or just figure that the habit will be enough to carry you through, since by Thanksgiving the month will be just about over anyway. But what about December, when you’re still battling a turkey hangover and possibly a NaNo hangover as well?
Luckily, even if you don’t have much time at your computer over the holidays, there are still things you can do to work on your writing:
- Make sure to carry a notepad – You never know when inspiration will strike, so make sure you have a place to write down ideas, whether it is a notebook or your smartphone.
- Consume stories – Watch TV and movies, read books, listen to audiobooks and podcasts. Think about what does and does not work in these narratives, and it may help you go back to your own work with fresh eyes.
- Interact with people – You know what might just help you write realistic dialog? Participating in realistic dialog. Added bonus: you may get to hear some stranger-than-fiction stories that you can use in your own work.
As a writer, the world is your research, your inspiration. If you can’t always get your words in over the holidays, make sure you are present in the moments you are inhabiting and use those moments to refresh your work.
