Get Back in the Writing Mode

 

The biggest part of the holiday celebrations is over. Yet, there are still some festive gatherings this week, especially as we head into the New Year's weekend. The decorations are still up, and you're probably still picking at lefotvers from the big dinners. 

Your writing world slowed down considerably these last days and weeks. Oh sure, you did a bit of writing here and there, but nothing on a regular basis. Too many distractions. I agree. I had those same distractions. Inspiration seemed to dribble away.

Now, we need to rev up our engines and start back on our writing journey. What's that you said? "Awww, not yet. I'll get to it next week." Maybe you will, and maybe you won't. The longer break we take from writing, the more difficult it is to get back to it. What to do?

Why not ease into your usual writing routine slowly this week? Instead of waiting and going full force January 2nd, do a little each day this week. Work your way up to full speed by next week. 

Distractions? Sure, they're still there, but this is where discipline comes in. No one in your family or group of friends is going to tell you to spend 30 minutes at your computer writing. It's up to you! Even if it's only 15 minutes in the early part of the day and 15 minutes before you head to bed, it's a way to get back to your normal schedule next week. 

If you're not up to actual writing, do some market research. Go through submissions newsletters or facebook pages to see what places you might want to submit to come January. Or read a reference book on writing. That will get your mind set into the writing mode, so you'll be ready to go next week. 

If nothing else, meet with a writer friend at a coffee shop, or a bookstore, and talk about what your your 2023 writing plans are. We get inspiration from chatting with other writers. And that's definitely a two-way street. You end up inspiring one another. 

Do a few writing exercises. The freewrite exercise is a good one. Open a book, close your eyes, and point your finger at the page. Whatever word you hit is the one you can use for a freewrite exercise. Get those writing muscles working again. 

If you do a little now, you'll be ready to go full steam next week.