writers / writing

#IWSG Are Holidays to rest or catch up?

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This post is for Alex Cavanaugh’s Insecure Writers Support Group (click Alex’s name for details on what that means and how to join. You will also find a list of bloggers signed up to the challenge that are worth checking out. The first Wednesday of every month, we all post our thoughts, fears, or words of encouragement for fellow writers.

This month’s question — It’s holiday time! Are the holidays a time to catch up or fall behind on writer goals?

The awesome co-hosts for the December 7 posting of the IWSG are:

Joylene Nowell Butler, Chemist Ken, Natalie Aguirre, Nancy Gideon, and Cathrina Constantine!

I don’t have a set answer for that question. I take a few weeks off blogging which makes those few hours a day available for whatever I choose, normally work on my next novel, in this case, Savage Land. I could do something else, but I have few hobbies and less tangential interests. I love walking, but really, how much can you walk in a day? Hmm? Right now, I’m in the research phase of my writing, where I read everything I can find on my prehistoric topic and hope connections are made in my brain. I love this and can easily lose myself for hours pulling threads.

How about you?

BTW–if you aren’t a member of IWSG, but have some thoughts on this question, I’d love to hear them. Just add them in Comments.

#iwsg #amwriting @TheIWSG

Copyright ©2022 worddreams.wordpress.com – All rights reserved.

Jacqui Murray is the author of the popular prehistoric fiction saga, Man vs. Nature which explores seminal events in man’s evolution one trilogy at a time. She is also the author of the Rowe-Delamagente thrillers and Building a Midshipman, the story of her daughter’s journey from high school to United States Naval Academy. Her non-fiction includes over a hundred books on integrating tech into education, reviews as an Amazon Vine Voice,  a columnist for NEA Today, and a freelance journalist on tech ed topics. Look for her next prehistoric fiction, Savage Land, Winter 2024

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98 thoughts on “#IWSG Are Holidays to rest or catch up?”

  4. It sounds like you have many options on what to do when you get some free time, Jacqui. For me when it’s the holidays and there’s a bit of time off work, I am one to both rest and catch up on things that I haven’t had time for. So it’s a bit of both catching up and resting. Then again, it also depends on how I feel. If I’m feeling really energetic, then I might be going all out to write as much as I can 😄

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  6. Thank you for sharing!!. well, I am not a writer, but activity wise, I treat the holidays like any other day, just follow my heart… whenever I contemplate starting a new project, the words of Rose Milligan come to mind… 🙂

    Dust if you must, but wouldn’t it be better
    to paint a picture, or write a letter,
    bake a cake, or plant a seed.
    Ponder the difference between want and need.

    Dust if you must, but there is not much time,
    with rivers to swim and mountains to climb!
    Music to hear, and books to read,
    friends to cherish and life to lead.

    Dust if you must, but the world’s out there
    with the sun in your eyes, the wind in your hair,
    a flutter of snow, a shower of rain,
    this day will not come round again.

    Dust if you must, but bear in mind,
    old age will come and it’s not kind.
    And when you go, and go you must,
    you, yourself, will make more dust!
    (Rose Milligan)

    Hope your path is paved with love and happiness, you and yours are having a enjoyable holiday and until we meet again..
    May your day be touched
    by a bit of Irish luck,
    Brightened by a song
    in your heart,
    And warmed by the smiles
    of people you love.
    (Irish Saying)

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  7. HI Jacqui, for me this depends on whether I am home for the holidays. We usually go away for a chunk of our holidays and I may do some writing (and often do) but not that much. I wrote two short stories in Knysna during last year’s holiday. Not blogging does add up to more time. This year we’ll be in the UK and it depends on the whether. If we get snowed in, then I’ll write, if not, I’ll tour.

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  8. Good question. Typically, I like to finish up year-end stuff by mid-December and take a breather before preparing for January tax preparations, book review drafts and preparing for my winter escape. But it looks like I’ll be busy most of the month putting out a new book. 🙂

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  10. You’re into my favorite mode–research. When there, I have a perfect excuse for not writing anything myself, and only enjoying what others have written. Ahhh.

    I’ve just started The Rise and Reign of the Mammals by Brusatte. I loved his Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs, so I’m excited about this one. Part of my holiday will be spent in the Phanerozoic with a few mastodons. Maybe I’ll see a few hominins while I’m there.

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  12. This year, I’m setting aside my writing to focus on family. Amazing how a change in perspective can give you the boost and renewal for next year. My best to you and your family for the holidays!

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  14. For me, the holidays are a blend of both. I have extra time, so I split it between reading, napping, and catching up on writing that I’ve put aside for the previous six weeks. Splitting my day into different activities seems to work best for me.

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  17. Like most things in life, I think each person has to find what works for each. When I’m around family, I will prioritize them over everything else. That said, we need to make time for our own interests. That’s not being selfish; it’s about finding a balance.

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  18. Whether writing for fun or for a book (which I don’t really do for now) I do enjoy a break from blogging during the last two weeks of December. We used to travel a lot when we spent our Christmases in San Diego or AZ but we stay home now since we have family closer to us. I have anew distraction now–my youngest daughter is getting married April 1st in San Diego and I’m heading south to go wedding dress shopping in 2 weeks–good reason for a break. Good luck with your research, Jacqui!

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  20. I’m also behind on my blog reading. Have you noticed my absence? 😉

    I wouldn’t know how to answer this either. So often I say I’ll get to stuff during the holiday break, because I usually get a bit of a break from work, too. But then I remember this also means the kids have a break from school, so you can probably imagine how my productivity is with them at home. 😛

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  26. Ususally, the holidays dig into my writing time. I tutor chemistry and most of my students are desperate for sessions near the end of the semester. but since I’m no longer tutoring, so that’s no longer a concern.

    So let the words flow!

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  31. I’ve said it before and I’m saying it again, Jacqui. You are so passionate, devoted, and talented at what you’re doing that I totally feel you’ve found your path, rhythm, and devotion in life. You are doing what you want to be doing – blogging, writing, researching, connecting with others, reading, and supporting others. That all takes a tremendous amount of time. I would take any excuse over the holidays to slow down, if I would spend the rest of the year writing. 🙂

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  32. I’m going to do some of both, Jacqui. I’m also going to do some “life-organizing,” deciding how I want to use my time in 2023 as a writer and otherwise. I feel a need to take stock. 🙂 And good luck with Savage Land (I love that title). Happy Writing!

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  37. I haven’t been blogging much on my own blog but have been trying to keep up my rounds as much as possible. Normally this time of year would allow me to do some catch up with writing and planning posts ahead, but I haven’t made any strides. Fingers crossed I can do better in 2023!

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  38. Hi Jacqui – good luck … while Savage Land sounds interesting … please tell me the basics – as I’m already finding articles that might be of interest and don’t want to overload you with those you won’t need! I’ve decided next year is time to get reading my non-fiction books … reducing some volunteering, but still blogging – cheers Hilary

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    • I actually was planning to email you because you always seem to find interesting information that makes a difference in my story. I have a list of curiosities I’m researching. A few: There is evidence of human settlements on the east and west coast of the Americas (maybe South America). How did they get there? Boats–almost impossible to believe.

      Your inveterate curiosity is such a gift to many of us, Hilary.

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      • Hi Jacqui … that’s fine … I’ve got other thoughts too …. but I’ll be in touch. I’m just quizzy and come across something – then it resonates across other ‘dots of connectivity!’ … cheers for now – H

        PS – Thanks for the complimentary complement!

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