How does Christmas inspire your writing? Does all the magic and glittering and sparkling send your mind off to magical places like the North Pole or Narnia? Or do you turn into an absolute Scrooge and all your writing turns cynical and dark, reflecting on how the world is like the dirty, crushed snow in the street gutter?

Most likely all the holidays do to your writing is taking up time and distract you from it.  With family members coming in, finals just wrapping up, last minute shopping, turkeys you have to remember to get out the oven and everything else going on it may feel like there’s not extra time to even sit down much less write.

I encourage all of you to find time to write though. Sit down and just write something. I find it’s a wonderful tool for stress relief. Of course I’ve always used writing as a procrastination tool so I may not be the best person to listen to. I’m right about this however. Don’t forget to write even with all the craziness going on. 

Bonus homework: Write a holiday story. Just like I talked about in the beginning, write something magical, a recapturing of your childhood or maybe something cynical reflecting the stress that suddenly appears as an adult around holidays. Or do something in between. Whatever you’re inspired to do. The important thing is just write it. 

Sometimes you need a break

What I am writing on tonight is also what I am going through. First off: apologies. I’ve been under a lot of stress and illness lately and haven’t had time to dedicate to my weekly postings.

That said, it made me think about my topic. I haven’t been writing much for myself this semester. I’ve had too much on my plate. But now, finals ending, I find myself flooded with ideas I can barely wait to type out.

People who hand out advice like Tootsie-Rolls will tell you to always write. And you should, as you should practice an instrument or your painting skills. But any artist knows sometimes you need a break from the big stuff. I pushed all of my major stories aside and instead would jot down snippets when I needed to write. Because forcing myself, stressed, anxious and unwilling, was only going to harm my stories and make them convoluted. A frustrated artist always makes frustrated art.

So chill. Step back from what you’re laboring over for a while. When you come back, it’ll still be there. And better for the break.

Sometimes you need a break

What I am writing on tonight is also what I am going through. First off: apologies. I’ve been under a lot of stress and illness lately and haven’t had time to dedicate to my weekly postings.

That said, it made me think about my topic. I haven’t been writing much for myself this semester. I’ve had too much on my plate. But now, finals ending, I find myself flooded with ideas I can barely wait to type out.

People who hand out advice like Tootsie-Rolls will tell you to always write. And you should, as you should practice an instrument or your painting skills. But any artist knows sometimes you need a break from the big stuff. I pushed all of my major stories aside and instead would jot down snippets when I needed to write. Because forcing myself, stressed, anxious and unwilling, was only going to harm my stories and make them convoluted. A frustrated artist always makes frustrated art.

So chill. Step back from what you’re laboring over for a while. When you come back, it’ll still be there. And better for the break.