It’s been a crazy-hectic last few weeks for me. Not only was I working on launching and promoting Shadow of the Storm, my latest novel to release, but I was also working on galley edits for Wings of the Wind, which releases in May, and working on the first book of my next series, which is due in January—all this on top of my normal craziness: homeschooling, mom-ing, and you know, sleep. Yikes. Just writing it all out makes me tired all over again.

And now that my writing schedule has been pared down to just working on the one book, I get to relax, right? Well of course not, it’s the holiday season! The stores are full of decorations and lights. People are bustling around preparing for holiday gatherings, cooking, cleaning, shopping, wrapping presents, decorating, go, go, go…..

So how do we writers keep our creative juices flowing in the midst of this holiday season? With so many lists and plans and all sorts of left-brained activities necessary during this season, how do we nurture our writer brains too?

Here are a few ways we can ensure that our passion for writing is maintained, even in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the season:

Put first things first: Practice saying ‘No’ to extra activities that do not directly benefit your family or writing. You’ll have more time for the things that really matter during the holidays (and the rest of the year too!)

Find quiet moments of joy: Seek out times of quiet and stillness. Brew yourself a cup of yummy tea, sit by the fire if you have one, or stare out the window and bask in some happy holiday memories. Allow your mind to wander wherever it will. Your creative mind will thank you for it!

Soak up the sensory delights of the season: Go outside and enjoy the sights – colorful trees, snow, lights. People watching is especially fun this time of year and nothing can beat the delicious smells and tastes and sounds of the holidays. Practice using all of your senses in an intentional way and then incorporate that skill into your writing.

Give yourself permission to take a few days off: Enjoy your family and delight in being present with them. Even if you are on a deadline, like me, it’s so helpful to schedule a bit of relaxation and come back to your WIP with fresh eyes. Creativity needs a day or two off from time to time as well!

Use your gifts to bless others: So many people are lonely or hurting during this time of year. Write an encouraging letter or card and brighten someone’s holidays by presenting a custom name necklace. The impact your words can have on hurting hearts is why you were given the gift in the first place.

Search out inspiration in books: Take the time to curl up and re-read a book or two that has inspired you along your writing journey. Drinking in well-crafted words of other talented authors always encourages me and sparks my own creativity.

~*~

There’s not much Connilyn Cossette likes better than digging into the rich ancient world of the Bible, uncovering buried gems of grace that point toward Jesus and weaving them into fiction. Her second novel Shadow of the Storm: Out from Egypt Series recently released through Bethany House Publishers. Connect with her at www.connilyncossette.com