While everyone I know is running full-tilt into the craziness and insane pace of the holiday season, I find myself doing the opposite. One small step at a time, I’ve quietly eased back from the noise and pull of the lights and started tiptoeing in the opposite direction.
Too many boxes of Christmas decorations litter my garage floor, but I’m not ready to tackle those yet. There are things I need to do first.
I need to regroup. Refocus. It’s past time to purge the clutter—both physical and mental.
Endless quips and quotes have been running through my head:
“A straight line is the shortest distance between two points.” ~Einstein
“Keep the main thing the main thing.” ~Stephen Covey
“This one thing I do; not these many things I dabble in.” ~D.L. Moody
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” ~Confucius
On and on the admonishments go, reminding me that I’ve gotten off track somewhere. My writing has gotten buried under too many “shoulds” and overcrowded schedules and the ever-present tyranny of the urgent.
I am making changes. I’m getting back to basics.
I just read The Writer’s Manifesto, a short (really short) eBook by Jeff Goins. It was exactly what I needed.
Click on the link to sign up for Jeff’s newsletter and download a FREE copy.
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It reminded me that I write because I’m a writer.
I can’t not write.
For today, this is where I’ll start. By writing. Will you join me?
I’m normally very focused on my writing projects, but I just finished up work on two contracted projects, one with a January release date, the other I’m waiting for a date from my publisher. I do have a novella that just needs a final proofreading before submission, but I’ve been dragging my feet. I also want to start work on a couple of short stories, but it’s hard to get back in the groove with holiday prep and revisions on my house due to an insurance claim we made in late September. The revisions are dragging on and so is my resolve to focus on writing.
I plan to just start writing the short story I’ve partiallly plotted out and see if that can get me back into the swing of writing every day. I need that right now. It’s just taking that first baby step.
I took some of my own baby steps today, Susan. I started writing my first-ever Christmas story. Here’s hoping that short story will get you back in the groove! Good luck and keep me posted!
I’ve been scattered and “busy” for much too long. Lovely blog and a needed reminder that it is time to regroup and remember that writer’s write—something I haven’t been doing enough of lately.
I so hear you, Diane. Easy to get pulled in far too many directions. I made some progress on a new story today, though, so I’m feeling better already. Now to keep that going, despite the seasonal craziness. 🙂 Let me know how I can encourage you to get back to your story…