By Elizabeth White
There are so many things writers could possibly love about Christmas. But there are also some that make you detest it – there’s less time to write and even less time to think. Surely Christmas should be a writers paradise, right? There is so much to take inspiration from, so many social interactions to take note of, you get to see people’s habits form into ‘traditions’. Setting is amped up a notch, and general hysteria goes into overdrive.
I know, Victoria did mention winding down and not writing unless you feel inspired, and I agree. However, I think the holidays are the best time for planning. In my house, right in the middle of the day on the 25th there’s a huge lull in discussion and activity, everyone just has a little sit down or snooze, soaking in the dinner we’ve just devoured. That is my perfect planning and thinking time – trying to piece it all together but not actually doing anything. Just mulling my plot and ideas together, ideally with a mulled wine to match.
I have three sure fire ways to get your creative juices flowing, without actually doing all that much. Use a notepad or your phone, and in January you can avoid the slump, if you have nothing to write about.
1. When watching a Christmas film write a few thoughts down.
It takes thirty seconds to write a cheesy trope a film used that you could either flip on its head or avoid completely – or even a scene that you enjoyed and would love to take note from.
2. Write down 5 traits from people you interact with this holiday.
Once you’ve got them, you can mix and match them to either incorporate them into your WIP or create someone new.
3. Think about how many generations of family has influenced your traditions and how the layers of people in our lives alter our homes.
Use this to try and add detail to expand a setting you’re working on – because traditions aren’t just for Christmas!
Sometimes it’s hard to remember that cultivating ideas can be productive, but it’s a easy and effective way of getting things moving.
99plots.home.blog 