As the holiday season approaches, many of us find ourselves with extra downtime. Though some might believe creativity is a product of labor, I believe that it's in periods of rest and reflection that we have the opportunity to make significant strides in our writing journey. This blog will share ways to help you feel inspired in your writing this holiday season and remind you that embracing downtime might just lead to your next creative breakthrough.
1. Rest Fuels Creativity
“Creative people need time to sit around and do nothing.” - Austin Kleon
This may sound counterintuitive, but it is true. Taking time off isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity for our writing. Often, relaxation and simply enjoying life’s everyday moments provide the best inspiration. When you embrace downtime, you create space for ideas to flourish. Here are some ways to make the most of your holiday downtime for writing success:
2. Set Flexible Times for Productivity
The holidays can be busy, and before you know it, the new year has arrived. While you may be off the clock, it doesn’t mean you have to let your goals slip away entirely—especially the ones that bring you joy!
My recommendation is to block out flexible times for your writing. I use the term flexible because unexpected family events, travel plans, or festive activities may pop up and you don’t want to miss out on any holiday fun.
When you know you've scheduled time to write, it will make it easier to focus when it comes. Plus, you’ll be able to relax guilt-free knowing that you’re actively making progress—even if it’s in small bursts of time.
3. Find Inspiration in the Relaxation
Whether you are watching a movie with loved ones, reading by the fire, or cooking holiday meals, let yourself be fully present. These moments of relaxation can recharge your creativity without you even realizing it. The best inspiration often comes when you’re not actively trying to write, so allow your mind to wander and capture ideas as they arise by living in the moment.
4. Pace Yourself
Acknowledge how busy your holiday might be and consider that. Don’t bite off more than you can chew. If you try to overcommit to both your writing and personal life, it could lead to more stress and even, burnout. Remember to embrace all that the season brings—without overdoing it.
5. Give Yourself Grace
Things pop up—storms, traffic, unexpected guests. If something gets in the way of the time you’ve blocked off, weigh how important it is and decide for yourself whether it’s worth dipping into that blocked time.
And if it is worth it, that’s okay! Give yourself grace and don’t be hard on yourself. You can always set another block of time later.
6. Reflect and Plan
Use the quiet moments of the season to reflect on your writing journey and plan for the upcoming year. What have you accomplished this year and where would you like to go next? I find that reflecting on my year provides clarity and motivation so that when January comes, I feel ready to go.
Use Children’s Book Masterclass to Stay on Track
Children’s Book Masterclass is a 10-week course that acts as a complete, step-by-step guide on how to write, publish, and launch your children’s book. CBM can help you stay on track with your writing goals—something especially valuable during the busyness of the holidays. Since it’s self-paced, you can go at the speed that works for you and know the exact next step to take.
The holiday season is a time of joy, relaxation, and reflection. But there are still plenty of ways to make strides towards becoming a published children’s author. Embrace the downtime by staying flexible with your productivity and finding inspiration in the everyday moments.
It might be just the thing that drives your story forward.
As Ernest Hemingway once said, “In order to write about life first you must live it.”
So live fully, enjoy the celebrations, and let your experiences inspire your writing.
Happy holidays!