Christmas Writings

As I’m writing this post, it’s Christmas Eve. The kids are milling in front of the tree, not able to break their gaze from the sight of all their presents. (We won’t open them until tomorrow.) I’m mentally preparing to lead worship at my congregation tonight. Oh, and typing this post.

It’s Christmas. For many, including me, it’s the most insane time of the year. Allthekids have alltheprograms at school. I’m a pastor, so you know, I’m a tad busy. We’re dashing about getting allthegifts.

And you know what else is happening?

Allthewriting.

Today already I’ve done hours of ministry work, but I’ve also typed 2500 words for my current WIP.

A few weeks ago I mentioned that writing is work. If you treat it as a hobby, it’ll always be a hobby. Still well worth your time! However, it means that you’re not likely to get published, or if you are, you won’t likely get much money for it. And, well, I’m aiming at being able to at least get a good supplemental income from my writing.

And what that means: I need to produce content, and lots of it.

That is how you get better, after all. The more you write, the better you’ll get. You pay attention to what works, do that more, and note what doesn’t work, and do that less. The saying goes, “The master has failed more often than the amateur has tried.” And, well, I’m aiming to do a lot of failing.

Now, I’m not of the opinion that a person must write every single day. Things happen. For me, it’s often depression; when I’m down, I can’t write. That said:

Writing is work. And that means that I’m going to write, even if I don’t feel like it at the moment. That also means… I’m writing on Christmas Eve. I may take Christmas Day off. Maybe. We’ll see. I’m hoping to write, but I’m not going to force myself on that day.

Again: I don’t hold that you need to write every single day.

But I do want to write most of them.

Next week we’re going to visit my mother-in-law. She’s a gracious woman. I love visiting her! But you know what? I’m planning on writing while we’re there, too. Ill gather myself into a back bedroom with my laptop and push out words. There’s work to be done. I won’t hide away the entire time; by no means. I’ll still spend the bulk of my time visiting family! But for a few hours at least I’ll be back there typing away.

Are you a writer? Well, it’s time to get writing, then. Yep. Even on the weekend. Even on the weekdays. After you’ve been at work all day.

Yep. Mental health is a thing. Make sure you’re taking breaks, too. Maybe writing most days means 100 words a day for you. Maybe it means a few thousand. Whatever it is for you: Go do it. Get it done. Get writing.

As for me… yeah. Today I’m going to go lead worship. And it will be glorious. We will celebrate Christmas Eve. A Savior has been born to us!

And then we’re going to go home and the kids will get their stockings.

And then they’re going to bed.

And then… well, time to get more writing in.

I hope y’all had a merry Christmas, y’all got some good writing in, and y’all get some more writing in this week as we approach the new year!