Tis The Season To Be Writing By Annmarie Miles

The Long & The Short of it by Annmarie Miles

Join me as we welcome back Annmarie Miles this month as she shares with us “Tis The Season To Be Writing” Enjoy!

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It’s a busy season for us all, and so easy to get caught up in everything that has to be done at this time of year. I know I struggle to write when I am distracted and flustered with a to-do list that is longer than the page I’m writing it on. To add to the fun and games, I’m packing. As I mentioned last month, I’m moving to the UK. So while you guys are getting boxes out of the loft and opening them up, I’m taking everything out of cupboards and putting it away.

I keep looking longingly at the Christmas decoration boxes. I want to burst them open and festoon the house with things that sing ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas’ at 100nkph every time you walk by them; but I can’t. We leave in mid-December and I have enough to pack!

I’ve made the mistake of letting the busyness push my writing aside for a week or so, and this morning I feel the effects of not writing. It makes me frustrated and adds to that never ending list of things that I have ‘to do.’

The next few weeks will be hectic, but we can’t not write. So… what will we do?

Here’s a few things I suggest we put in place, to keep us scribbling daily. Feel free to take them on so you don’t drop the ball (or the pen) over the busy season.

Set a timer

Not just for the turkey! Decide on a minimum of 15 mins writing per day. Set a timer and just free write anything at all. Get some words down.

Write before you get out of bed

I know lots of writers who like to get up and shower, make a coffee, disappear into their cave etc etc. That’s great in ‘normal’ times, but if you know that the moment you get up, you’ll start cleaning the oven, or writing cards, then write before you get up. Set your alarm for 15 mins earlier than usual. Have a note book ready and go for it.

Have the conversation

It might help to tell those you live with, that you’re going to mark out some time for yourself. Explain it will only be for 15 minutes, but for THOSE 15 minutes you’d appreciate if they could hold their questions, look for whatever it is they’ve lost, deal with the dog and not set the house on fire 😉

Don’t forget you love it

If you schedule it in and make every effort to write, it will be the thing the reduces the stress of the busy season; instead of being one of the stressors.

Would love to hear what tips you have or practises you’ve put in place to keep the words flowing at the most wonderful time of the year J Please do comment below.

And have yourself a merry little Christmas!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Blogger and author, Annmarie Milesa

Annmarie Miles, part time writer, full time believer is 40something, Irish, Christian, married, and proud to be all of those things. She loves words, music & chocolate! You can find out all about her and her book “The Long & The Short of It” at the new website: www.annmariemiles.com.
Where to find Annmarie:
Email: amowriting@gmail.com
Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/amowriting
Google+: auntyamo
Twitter: @amowriting
Personal Blog: www.auntyamo.com
Writing Blog: www.annmariemiles.com/blog