Finding Time To Write 

I don’t know how it happened, but the holidays are upon us.  Seems like yesterday it was July and I was stressing over family issues.  I couldn’t find time to write then, either.  But now it’ll be the hustle and bustle of shopping and getting gifts out of the way that will keep me from doing what I love to do…WRITE.  We’ll have family parties to attend, and probably church functions to go to.  So…when are we going to find the time?

A couple of years ago, I ran into a problem.  It was this time of year, and I was planning a dinner / program for my church’s Christmas party.  Almost every minute of my time at home was spent getting this ready.  I had planned on approximately 150 people to attend, so needless to say, I was busy.

One day during work I was on the internet reading articles.  Work wasn’t busy – go figure.  And I stumbled across this article, “Ten Ways To Make A Man Swoon”.  After I got a good laugh out of the title, I clicked on the link and read the article.  Right away a story came to me.  Hit me like a runaway train and almost knocked me out of my chair.  With every ‘way’ that was used in this article, a scene flashed through my head.  I jotted ideas down on paper, figured out the characters and their GMC’s, and kind of mapped out what I was going to write. When I got home and finished dinner, I needed to get back to doing my Christmas party stuff.  My characters would not leave me alone. They kept nagging at me until I finally had to say, “Alright”!! 

The next day I wrote the first chapter – 15 double space pages.  True, I got to bed later than I should have, but I made time for my story.  I had to, or I’d go insane.  I felt good about myself – like I had actually accomplished something.  So every day I spent at least an hour writing while I juggled the Christmas Party.  I had half of my story written before Christmas.

During this crazy holiday season, we need to set aside a little time for us.  It’s going to be insane enough shopping, wrapping presents, partying, cooking…and we really need some time to breathe.  Set aside an hour if you can, or a half hour.  Relax and let your mind drift back to your stories.  Think of scenes you can write when you get the time.  Plot it out if you want.  Or read a few pages of your manuscript.  Keep your mind on what you love to do, and I promise, the holidays will not seem so stressful.

What do I want for Christmas?  A six-book deal with Avon!!!  <hahahaha>  But…maybe next Christmas. <crossing fingers>