Are you continuing to write during the Christmas and new year holidays? Or are you taking a break and giving your creative muscles a rest? Or perhaps it’s business as usual for you? Let us know down in the discussion.
For me, I’m fortunate to have a couple of weeks off with the family, but I’ll be continuing to write as normal. In fact, I’m rather relishing having the brain space to think in more detail about some of the upcoming plot points and character developments.
I am taking the rest of the year off from everything except hanging out with family and enjoying Christmas. Breaks are healthy. Plus, the music school I work at is closed for the next two weeks, so I don't have a choice. 🤣 But my newsletter is scheduled through March. So to readers, it is business as usual.
I'm going to keep on writing. It's hard for me to take a break from it. I have posts scheduled to go up throughout this month and January, so I want to edit them before they go live. And to keep on writing so I can maintain the post buffer. Though I imagine Christmas Day itself will be a break.
Now that I'm thinking about it, with the very small following of my newsletter maintaining consistency is probably a good idea on its own.
I'm taking a break from posting my work for the month of January. It's been a really hectic end of the year and I'm looking forward to having the mental space to just write and revise and explore (like you had said above). January can't come soon enough!
I’m continuing to write because I’m at my best when my child’s school is closed, and business is slower, so the break is a valuable time for me. I hope to completely finish the second (100th) draft of the dystopian holiday novel I’m working on.
Is a 'dystopian holiday novel' about a REALLY bad holiday, or is it a dystopian novel you're working on during your holiday? :)
I find it harder to writer during school holidays, as I spend more time entertaining my son - which is obviously lovely, and I'm not complaining, but it definitely cuts down on writing time!
Haha it’s both! For me, my daughter’s school starts stupidly early, at 7:40 am so we have to get up so early that I’m constantly tired, plus she always has homework, so it’s like school breaks are the only time I feel actually rested. No matter how hard I try, I’m like naturally a night owl... so the morning school time is super incompatible with my brain.
And she’s old enough that she mostly entertains herself.
Ah, it definitely helps once they're old enough to entertain themselves a bit. I talk to my son quite a bit about my writing, as well, so that he knows I'm not just off ignoring him for no reason. :D
Sometimes it's unavoidable: I'm always worried that if I miss a week I'll then miss the *next* week and so on. That said, when I've had the occasional break I've always got back to it.
I took several weeks off as well and will not go back until Jan. 3. During that time I will be doing more editing than writing, but I will write some, work on creative projects and try to recharge. It feels nice to not do anything if I choose. I will also be reading. I've started your book 😁
Ooh, exciting. :) Hope you enjoy the book - but do let me know regardless!
I guess there's a reason 'goblin mode' entered the dictionary this year. Having downtime is important if we're not all going to burn out. I certainly feel that the last half decade has been unusually intense, as well - I'm not sure if that's a consequence of my age, or due to world events being wackier than usual. 'Relentless' is the word I'd use, I think.
Yeah, it seems like we all got time to reflect on what's most important, and the result is that we now desire to pursue that with more energy than we could before. The carefully constructed view of the world that was often thrust upon us is crumbling, and we have to re-envision/rebuild it on our own terms. I know some people who really just want to go back to "normal", but I simply can't go back... I got a taste of what's possible and vacations like this one are an opportunity to do what I can to make things happen (or least not be the reason why they're not happening). Here's hoping the same for you!
Ha, excellent! So, the thing about that chapter countdown: bear in mind this was originally published as an online serial, which I was writing and publishing on the fly. Then consider that I had the bright idea of doing a chapter countdown, which meant that I couldn't deviate from the declared number of chapters. No more, no less. Had to hit the target.
*That* was quite a tricky bit of writing. :D
It was a very useful exercise in constraints, though, and produced a book that is much tighter than some of my more epic (or, er, 'meandering') projects.
I'm writing. Outside of our son, we don't do much with family, in part due to Covid. We're all high risk and the rest of the family is not taking precautions. I pretty much took a break in September-October due to problems with my eyes which were solved through cataract surgery.
No time off per se, at least not planned out. I just completed the first 'season' of my serial last night and now plan to focus on editing a novel I wrote last year. So while I probably won't be doing any actual writing in the coming weeks, I'll still be pretty busy :o
I might write a short story, though, if I can find some time for it. We'll see.
I really want to carve out time to write more stuff that isn't my main project. A short story or interactive fiction thing. Easier said than done, though!
Although I know it wasn't what you were driving at, I read "taking a break" with airquotes... lol
Yes, I will be writing through the holidays, both day job and personal stuff. But the personal stuff hasn't be nearly as productive as I would like -- hence the perceived airquotes. I'm not usually one for New Year's resolutions, but I am looking at January as a nice place to start working on my novel with a bit of renewed vigour.
So, no break per se, but perhaps giving myself a break about not getting stuff done... until that last page of the calendar flutters away at least.
I'm not one for NY resolutions either, but I do like the idea of a new year creative project. Despite still having an on-going fiction serial, I'm determined this year to figure out how to also do either a) a comic or b) a video game. Neither of which are simple....but we'll see!
I'll be continuing to write because my husband and I are "officially" launching The Hillam Blog and Newsletter here on January 1st! I've been blogging on my own website for several years and have already moved some of my posts here. I'm using the Christmas holidays as a time to communicate with my family and friends (and followers of my blog) about Substack and what's coming soon.
I’m kind of always on a break from writing. It’s a daily break that starts after breakfast and continues until I wake up the next day. In between, I type about 2,000 words, some percentage thereof that are actually usable.
I'm writing. I had an enforced pause last week because my laptop was in the shop. Unfortunate intersection of cat, a cup of tea, and laptop keyboard! During that time I thought about a lot of things; where I've been with my writing, where I want to go, where I'm scared to go but am going to go anyway, how I might tweak balancing my blog with my Substack work in the context of the rest of my life. I'm using this holiday season to transition into some changes and move out of my comfort zone a bit.
I am the sort of writer who cant stop writing so I will probably still continue writing. It could be my journal, social media or fiction. ;) Since I am off the last week of Dec I plan to take a writing retreat
I usually like to hole myself in a luxurious hotel somewhere ☺ the more beautiful my surroundings, the more inspired I will be. This year, however, I am having trouble deciding where to go!
I am taking the rest of the year off from everything except hanging out with family and enjoying Christmas. Breaks are healthy. Plus, the music school I work at is closed for the next two weeks, so I don't have a choice. 🤣 But my newsletter is scheduled through March. So to readers, it is business as usual.
That's some forward planning. I've never been very good at scheduling my newsletter ahead of time....
I'm going to keep on writing. It's hard for me to take a break from it. I have posts scheduled to go up throughout this month and January, so I want to edit them before they go live. And to keep on writing so I can maintain the post buffer. Though I imagine Christmas Day itself will be a break.
Now that I'm thinking about it, with the very small following of my newsletter maintaining consistency is probably a good idea on its own.
I'm taking a break from posting my work for the month of January. It's been a really hectic end of the year and I'm looking forward to having the mental space to just write and revise and explore (like you had said above). January can't come soon enough!
I’m continuing to write because I’m at my best when my child’s school is closed, and business is slower, so the break is a valuable time for me. I hope to completely finish the second (100th) draft of the dystopian holiday novel I’m working on.
Is a 'dystopian holiday novel' about a REALLY bad holiday, or is it a dystopian novel you're working on during your holiday? :)
I find it harder to writer during school holidays, as I spend more time entertaining my son - which is obviously lovely, and I'm not complaining, but it definitely cuts down on writing time!
Haha it’s both! For me, my daughter’s school starts stupidly early, at 7:40 am so we have to get up so early that I’m constantly tired, plus she always has homework, so it’s like school breaks are the only time I feel actually rested. No matter how hard I try, I’m like naturally a night owl... so the morning school time is super incompatible with my brain.
And she’s old enough that she mostly entertains herself.
Ah, it definitely helps once they're old enough to entertain themselves a bit. I talk to my son quite a bit about my writing, as well, so that he knows I'm not just off ignoring him for no reason. :D
I haven’t committed to anything or not, but I’m headed to a funeral today and I skipped my weekly post at least. We’ll see about next week
Sometimes it's unavoidable: I'm always worried that if I miss a week I'll then miss the *next* week and so on. That said, when I've had the occasional break I've always got back to it.
Sorry to hear about the funeral, Nathan.
I took several weeks off as well and will not go back until Jan. 3. During that time I will be doing more editing than writing, but I will write some, work on creative projects and try to recharge. It feels nice to not do anything if I choose. I will also be reading. I've started your book 😁
Ooh, exciting. :) Hope you enjoy the book - but do let me know regardless!
I guess there's a reason 'goblin mode' entered the dictionary this year. Having downtime is important if we're not all going to burn out. I certainly feel that the last half decade has been unusually intense, as well - I'm not sure if that's a consequence of my age, or due to world events being wackier than usual. 'Relentless' is the word I'd use, I think.
Yeah, it seems like we all got time to reflect on what's most important, and the result is that we now desire to pursue that with more energy than we could before. The carefully constructed view of the world that was often thrust upon us is crumbling, and we have to re-envision/rebuild it on our own terms. I know some people who really just want to go back to "normal", but I simply can't go back... I got a taste of what's possible and vacations like this one are an opportunity to do what I can to make things happen (or least not be the reason why they're not happening). Here's hoping the same for you!
I’ve also started!! I’m about 60 pages in. Loving the chapter count down. Really nice touch, Simon!
Ha, excellent! So, the thing about that chapter countdown: bear in mind this was originally published as an online serial, which I was writing and publishing on the fly. Then consider that I had the bright idea of doing a chapter countdown, which meant that I couldn't deviate from the declared number of chapters. No more, no less. Had to hit the target.
*That* was quite a tricky bit of writing. :D
It was a very useful exercise in constraints, though, and produced a book that is much tighter than some of my more epic (or, er, 'meandering') projects.
I have enough material ready that I can carry on with relatively little effort.
I'm writing. Outside of our son, we don't do much with family, in part due to Covid. We're all high risk and the rest of the family is not taking precautions. I pretty much took a break in September-October due to problems with my eyes which were solved through cataract surgery.
Trying to stay on track as much as possible. I’m behind on my personal deadlines 😭 but look forward to what the new year may bring.
Good luck with those deadlines!
No time off per se, at least not planned out. I just completed the first 'season' of my serial last night and now plan to focus on editing a novel I wrote last year. So while I probably won't be doing any actual writing in the coming weeks, I'll still be pretty busy :o
I might write a short story, though, if I can find some time for it. We'll see.
I really want to carve out time to write more stuff that isn't my main project. A short story or interactive fiction thing. Easier said than done, though!
Although I know it wasn't what you were driving at, I read "taking a break" with airquotes... lol
Yes, I will be writing through the holidays, both day job and personal stuff. But the personal stuff hasn't be nearly as productive as I would like -- hence the perceived airquotes. I'm not usually one for New Year's resolutions, but I am looking at January as a nice place to start working on my novel with a bit of renewed vigour.
So, no break per se, but perhaps giving myself a break about not getting stuff done... until that last page of the calendar flutters away at least.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
~Graham
I'm not one for NY resolutions either, but I do like the idea of a new year creative project. Despite still having an on-going fiction serial, I'm determined this year to figure out how to also do either a) a comic or b) a video game. Neither of which are simple....but we'll see!
Merry Christmas to you, too!
I'll be continuing to write because my husband and I are "officially" launching The Hillam Blog and Newsletter here on January 1st! I've been blogging on my own website for several years and have already moved some of my posts here. I'm using the Christmas holidays as a time to communicate with my family and friends (and followers of my blog) about Substack and what's coming soon.
That sounds like a big move! What prompted you to shift over to Substack?
WordPress. Need I say more? :-)
Ha! :D
I’m kind of always on a break from writing. It’s a daily break that starts after breakfast and continues until I wake up the next day. In between, I type about 2,000 words, some percentage thereof that are actually usable.
I'm writing. I had an enforced pause last week because my laptop was in the shop. Unfortunate intersection of cat, a cup of tea, and laptop keyboard! During that time I thought about a lot of things; where I've been with my writing, where I want to go, where I'm scared to go but am going to go anyway, how I might tweak balancing my blog with my Substack work in the context of the rest of my life. I'm using this holiday season to transition into some changes and move out of my comfort zone a bit.
Sounds great (well, except for the laptop bit): good luck with it all.
I am the sort of writer who cant stop writing so I will probably still continue writing. It could be my journal, social media or fiction. ;) Since I am off the last week of Dec I plan to take a writing retreat
Sounds lovely: do you go away somewhere for the retreat, or simply into a corner of the house? :)
I usually like to hole myself in a luxurious hotel somewhere ☺ the more beautiful my surroundings, the more inspired I will be. This year, however, I am having trouble deciding where to go!
I’m off for the month. My brain needs the rest!
A day without writing for me is a day minus a bra. I just dont feel right if I havent started the day with few words on scrivener
I find I go a bit......weird if I don't write regularly.
same here Simon