MOTIVATION MONDAYS
It doesn't seem possible, but two weeks from today is Christmas Day. I don't know about the rest of you, but this year has flown by so fast, my head spins just thinking about it. The reason for that could be that in February I put my head down to write two new books. The second of those was finished three weeks ago, complete with the usual revisions. But didn't stop there. I'd already done some work on a follow-up book, so with deadlines met, I pulled out that new story, made some changes and finished the synopsis to go with the first three chapters. That was accompanied by a four-page synopsis for a second book. Both were sent to my agent last Wednesday.
Motivation hasn't been something I've had to hunt for over the past couple of months. Deadlines will do that. So will new characters begging to have their stories told.
But it's nearly time for Christmas, and I'm ready to sit back and enjoy the holidays. As much as possible, anyway. Most of my shopping, except some online purchases, is done. My daughter put the tree up Saturday evening, while I put some lights in the windows. I can't say we're decorated to the hilt--far from it--but at least we've done something. For a while, we didn't do even that much. Small grandchildren don't work well with decorations.
What I'd really like is some time to be like that cat in the picture above.
It seems motivation is taking a holiday. And that's okay. In addition to myself, I know many, many writers who have worked through holidays, sometimes year after year. It can be done, although it obviously isn't the most popular way to spend "the most wonderful time of the year." On the other hand, bills must be paid, so deadlines must be met. For some, it wouldn't be Christmas without them. Literally.
But deadlines, whether writing or holiday ones, we each need to remember to spend some quiet time with family, friends, and even ourselves. Especially the latter, because if family is around, we'll forget that we need some time to ourselves, if only for a few minutes to catch our breath. Deadlines and holidays are both stressful, so below are some links to some de-stressing tips.
Motivation hasn't been something I've had to hunt for over the past couple of months. Deadlines will do that. So will new characters begging to have their stories told.
But it's nearly time for Christmas, and I'm ready to sit back and enjoy the holidays. As much as possible, anyway. Most of my shopping, except some online purchases, is done. My daughter put the tree up Saturday evening, while I put some lights in the windows. I can't say we're decorated to the hilt--far from it--but at least we've done something. For a while, we didn't do even that much. Small grandchildren don't work well with decorations.
What I'd really like is some time to be like that cat in the picture above.
It seems motivation is taking a holiday. And that's okay. In addition to myself, I know many, many writers who have worked through holidays, sometimes year after year. It can be done, although it obviously isn't the most popular way to spend "the most wonderful time of the year." On the other hand, bills must be paid, so deadlines must be met. For some, it wouldn't be Christmas without them. Literally.
But deadlines, whether writing or holiday ones, we each need to remember to spend some quiet time with family, friends, and even ourselves. Especially the latter, because if family is around, we'll forget that we need some time to ourselves, if only for a few minutes to catch our breath. Deadlines and holidays are both stressful, so below are some links to some de-stressing tips.
- 10 Ways to De-Sress During the Holidays from the Charlestown Patch, Boston MA
- 12 Ways to Destress Amidst Holiday Madness Woman's Day Magazine - Destress tips that can be done 15 minutes, 10 minutes, 5 minutes, or 1 one minute segments
- 3 Easy Says to De-Stress Over the Holidays Shape Magazine
Need more ideas? Simply google/search using *tips to destress during the holidays* for many more.
'Tis the season to remind ourselves to take a break and relax.
“Just breathing can be such a luxury sometimes.” ― Walter Kirn, Up in the Air
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