Time Management, Holiday Style:)

"Author Working: Do Not Disturb"

After the crazy month of NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month), I take a break. From Dec 1st to Jan 2nd, the only writing I do is posting my blog, writing my annual Christmas Newsletter, and signing Christmas cards. 

If the muse demands otherwise, then...yikes! When do I fit it all in?

It depends on how loud the muse is yelling in my ear. Sometimes I can get away with writing down the basics of the proposed storyline; I did this with Model Behavior. Other times if the need to write is too overwhelming, I'll simply have to take the time to get it out of my head, either typing it into a word document or in longhand.

But typically, I'm doing three things during the month of December: Baking cookies (the above picture is the oatmeal-raisin ones I made last week), shopping for Christmas presents, or on the weekends, partying with friends or family. The month of December is one big party at our house: My oldest son arrived on Dec 8th; I showed up on Dec 19th; we not only celebrate Christmas at home, but there are two more family parties where gifts are exchanged. And on New Year's Day, there is also a feast to be served up, and my SIL's birthday.

I have been known to be found curled up in a quiet corner during the 'down' time at family gatherings, writing in a notebook. Sometimes the muse just won't be ignored, even on Christmas. I've also been known to write in the car. It's whatever works for you.

.Two years ago, Kenzie's Teacher's Pet released during the month of December, plus I was doing final edits for my own Love Finds A Way.  I would edit in the morning, bake in the afternoon, then edit again after dinner, if my editor sent another round.  Release Day was spent promoting, then a celebratory lunch with the family, and an all-day party hopping between chat loops and face book:)

Here's a special Christmas scene from Teacher's Pet.  Enjoy!

“The lady at the craft store thought I was nuts.” He shook his head. “Seriously, Teri, I’ve got two nieces and nephews who could use a couple of your hats and scarves. Would you mind?”

Teri’s eyes widened. “Not at all…Look, Mom! This is that book my teacher told me about!”

“I looked for it, but couldn’t find it.” Tammy thumbed through the pages. “I may try a few of these myself. And aren’t you forgetting something?” She raised an eyebrow at her daughter.

“Oh! Thanks, Kevin. This is so cool!” Teri jumped up to hug him. Both kids had long since abandoned calling him ‘Mister Taylor,’ but remembered to use the more formal name in school. “What did he give you, Mom?”

Tammy bit her lip. “This is too much, Kev.”

He went to her, took the box from her hand, removed the delicate sapphire necklace, and placed it around her neck. “I think it looks lovely on you. Go on, put on the earrings.”

Tammy slipped the gold posts out of her ears and replaced them with the matching sapphire and diamond pendants which dangled just below her earlobes. Holding her hair aside, she looked in the mirror above the television and admired the way they swayed when she turned her head.

Teri’s face lit up. “They look fantastic on you, Mom.”

     “Thank you.” She went to Kevin and gave him a hug, along with a chaste kiss. “Shall we go? It’s an hour away.” 


Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!