I love having deadlines. I really do. It means money will be coming in for my daily writing, as long as I meet those deadlines. But when overlapping deadlines meet Thanksgiving and Christmas (and all the dinners, shopping, cards and company that go with it), I feel my internal panic button set to go off.

Missing the holiday fun isn’t an option to me. I love the family get-togethers, the grandkids’ Christmas concerts, and the church events. I’ve already streamlined cards and shopping over the years.

Even so, I look at my calendar on the one hand, and how much revision still needs to be done on the other hand–and GULP.

What To Do?

It’s been a few years since I had multiple contracts to juggle, but I’m no stranger to the panic that can hit a writer at ANY time. If this applies to you–or just being able to write at all during the holidays–I’ll direct you to some easy solutions. [Yes, it’s true. When I’m stuck these days, I read my own blog or writing books to help myself “remember” what I already know will work.]

• Writing Habits: Getting Back on Track will remind you about the importance of writing daily, even for a little bit, to maintain habit and momentum.
• Building Writing Muscle shows you the value of tiny writing goals and building writing muscle s-l-o-w-l-y so you can sustain the writing habit.
• Not Enough Willpower to Reach Your Goals? Make Mini Habits! will change the way you write and make it FUN. This book review will send you off to the book store to buy it.
• No Motivation or Willpower? A Simple Solution shows what to do when willpower has faded and motivation has evaporated. You won’t believe how easy it will be!

Deadlines, Holidays, Writing and Fun!

Just re-reading my posts defused my inner panic button. I remember! Mini habits…easy starting…daily success… Bring on the holidays!