- Redefine your idea of creativity. If you don’t have time to write for half an hour, spend that time making up stories with a child in your life while buying or wrapping presents.
- Use a tape recorder to write bits of dialogue and scenes while driving to and from errands.
- Write in the shower.
- If you’re working on a larger project — a novel, a screenplay or even a short story — take five or 10 minutes before bed every night to write the next paragraph or just the next sentence. You’ll keep your momentum going even when you don’t have much time.
- Carry a few index cards with you wherever you go and make the commitment to fill one with something creative every day when you can find a few minutes.
- Write a prompt on an index card for each day you expect to be busy, and commit to freewriting for 10 minutes using that prompt.
- Enjoy some non-writing creativity. Make interesting holiday decorations, cards and presents. It all stimulates the muse!
- Schedule a writing appointment or two for yourself during the holidays. Put it on your calendar like any other appointment. Then go somewhere away from the madness of your life and keep that date.
- Turn your holiday stress into a character and write about him/her. You can find an example here.
- If all else fails, escape to the bathroom and write for a few minutes!
And the last word: don’t beat yourself up if you aren’t able to write as much as you planned. Enjoy your holidays and start fresh in the new year.
Copyright © Sandy Ackers, Strangling My Muse: Struggling to Live a Creative Life in a Stressful World, http://www.stranglingmymuse.com
Thanks for the tips…especially #’s 4 and 8. I am in the beginning stages of a rewrite of my book. I definitley have to make appointments, and I will try # 4 for the first time. I had not thought of that. Thanks!
It’s amazing how just writing even a sentence or two every day on your ongoing project can keep the flow going. Good luck!
~Sandy
Thanks for the tips. I can’t wait for the holidays. Two weeks off work in the middle of summer … YIPPEE! 😀
Glad you like the tips, herby — and an early “Happy Holidays” to you!
~Sandy
I need to try some of these! I’m busy making Christmas presents right now, but hope to get them done by the end of the weekend. Then I can get back to my writing, which came to a screeching halt this week. 🙂 Thanks for the tips!
Ahh, homemade Christmas presents. That’s lovely, Janel! I hope my tips help with your writing.
~Sandy
I love the shower. I get some of my best ideas there…
🙂
Me too, Misha!
~Sandy
Great ideas, not only during the holidays but for any time that creativity takes a holiday! Loved 1, 2 and 10! I always seem to get my best ideas in the shower…maybe it’s the solitude and quiet 🙂
happy Christmas Sandy 🙂
I get lots of great ideas in the shower too.
Happy Christmas to you also, and keep creating, crazygoangirl!
~Sandy