Can’t find the time to write during the holidays? Don’t let the season of “Ho! Ho! Ho!” turn into a season of “Slo, Slo, Slo!”
Twinkling lights sparkling on a snowdrift.
Cherished Christmas carols playing on the radio.
The warm glow of a fireplace, and your loved ones planning holiday celebrations.
It’s a beautiful time of year and even busy authors deserve time to enjoy it!
The holiday season is a time for celebration, connection, and sometimes, a little chaos. For writers, it can also be a period of distraction. Between shopping, party planning, hosting, and travel plans; staying focused on your writing can feel like a major challenge.
It doesn’t have to be. With a little extra dedication and a bit of planning, you can keep pace with your writing goals by tapping into the extra energy and inspiration the holiday season always brings with it.
Whether you’re working on a novel or other writing projects, these tips will help you stay focused and motivated so you can make meaningful progress, even when the holiday hustle is in full swing.
Begin With Realistic Goal Setting
There’s no denying the holiday season is the busiest time of year and putting pressure on yourself with unrealistic expectations can easily lead to burnout. Instead, dial back your writing goals to a more reasonable level by setting achievable targets that fit within your holiday event schedule.
- Begin with word count. If you usually write 1,000 words a day, aim for 500 or even just 300 words during the holidays. Just keep writing.
- Focus on one topic or scene at a time. Sometimes it’s less overwhelming if the project is broken up into sections, like finishing a single chapter instead of a three chapter scene.
- Stay consistent. The goal for the next few weeks is to keep the writing habit alive, even if that means staying awake to greet Santa as he comes down the chimney. Sometimes the only productive time you’ll found is when the house is still asleep.
- Don’t over-commit. Your writing and your well-being are as important as your holiday party planning. Pay attention to your schedule as you load it up with holiday events. Writing should feel like a way to unwind, not an added stress.
Glean Festive Inspiration to Fuel Your Creativity
The holidays bring back so many memories and promises of the future. Perfect moments to spark inspiration! That time you took a sleigh ride across a snowy landscape, or maybe the holiday album your grandfather always played during your Thanksgiving dinner—these are all great prompts for a new scene. Let the season enhance your creativity!
- Put your five senses to work. Do you remember the smell of the Thanksgiving turkey coming out of the oven? Can you hear the jingle bells on your front door? Try to recall the excitement you felt when you caught your first glimpse the mall Santa? There are thousands of sensory moments you can look to for writing prompts.
- Observe family dynamics. You know you have the funniest, weirdest, most annoying family members, right? Gather inspiration for your writing from the real conversations you hear around the holiday table. Play off the emotions of the moment to create dialog that pops with the energy of the season!
Prioritize Short Writing Sessions
Sometimes a time crunch is unavoidable. When your schedule is packed and sitting down for long hours isn’t an option it’s best to prioritize short, focused writing sessions. This is the approach I take:
- 15 to 20 minute writing blocks. Put all your focus into the writing for a short period of time and see how many words you can get down.
- 5-minute breaks. Taking 5 minute breaks from writing will keep you feeling like you aren’t falling too far behind in your holiday task, and you may be surprised how many of those little things you can get done in 5 minutes or less!
Plan Writing Breaks to Balance Rest and Productivity
Writing is mentally, and sometimes emotionally, hard work and many writers suffer burnout. You may feel that taking breaks is a luxury this time of year, but it’s essential during such a busy season. Here’s how to balance rest with productivity:
- Plan your time off. Set aside specific days off from writing. Prepare by blocking out that day on your calendar and stocking up on whatever it is that helps you relax, whether it’s scheduling a hike or buying canvas for a painting session.
- Use breaks wisely. If you are experiencing burnout, the best remedy is to get up and do something completely different. If you just need a day to relax before diving into your project again, do something that can refresh and inspire you, like reading, watching a movie, or going for a bike ride. This will help keep your creativity fresh.
Organize a Mini Writing Retreat
In between your holiday visits with friends and family, gather your writing friends together for a mini writing retreat! This can be done at home, at a nearby café or library, or even online! Here’s how to structure it:
- Set clear intentions. Decide what you want to accomplish, whether it’s drafting a chapter or brainstorming ideas.
- Gather supplies. Bring notebooks, pens, or any reference materials.
- Plan mini-breaks. Schedule intervals for conversation with the other writers over coffee to keep your energy up.
Lean on Accountability with a Writing Partner
The holiday season is ideal for connecting with fellow writers. Reach out to a friend or join an online group for accountability. Here’s why it works:
- Shared goals. Each week, set one or two achievable writing targets that will keep each other motivated.
- Check-in regularly: Text or a chat during a brief call to discuss each other’s progress and offer support.
Staying focused during the holidays is all about balance. Embrace the joy of the season while carving out space for your writing by setting realistic goals, creating a flexible routine, and finding ways to tap into the unique energy of the holidays. You’ll find you can continue to make progress on your work without feeling overwhelmed, and remember, writing doesn’t always have to be about long, uninterrupted hours; even small, consistent efforts can keep your momentum going.
With a little planning and a mindful approach, you can enjoy the holiday festivities without sacrificing your writing. After all, the holiday season is full of inspiration—so let it fuel your writing and help you finish the year strong!
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David Calloway was born in Chicago and grew up in Palo Alto and Berkeley. Calloway holds an MFA from UCLA in Film Production. His first job was as an Editor, progressing to Cinematographer, then a Producer of features and television. He is a member of the Producer’s Guild, the Director’s Guild, and the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.