Writing during a Holiday Season

A Quick Update

Good day to you all, I’ve missed you. Writing during a holiday season is a challenge for sure. However, I can tell you that all of you, my readers, fans, friends and family alike, I think of you frequently day after day.

We came out of a four-day holiday in November, and I put it to good use, writing several chapters in my latest book, the sequel to ‘Perfect Prey,’ book 2 in the Consortium series. I’m excited about how this book is shaping up.

The Trafficking ConsortiumWhen I started writing this book, I knew how to start it and how I wanted it to end. The trouble was, I didn’t know how I would get you there. Alas, during that holiday period, I figured it out. I can’t be more excited by how I have laid out the story. Trust me, friends, it’s right up there with my best work and a perfect fit in the stories that began with ‘The Trafficking Consortium.’

I am having so much fun writing this new book.

New demands on my time

Alas, new demands on my time are against me. Writing during a holiday season feels like just another task, one of many. Just when I thought I would have a breather for a few weeks, I didn’t. Almost as soon as it was over, I had to set up for the next holiday. For me and my household, that’s Christmas.

That means carrying boxes up from the basement, unpacking and arranging decorations throughout my humble home. Then moving the empty boxes back down and bring up more repeatedly pushed me to a cliff.

Amid that, I had a scare with my lower back. I hurt it but not so much as I did 15 years ago. From my experience, I knew what I had to do, and I did. I fought off the bulk of the injury and helped it heal. Today, I’m still sore and find it hard to sit for long periods.

On the welcoming side, it’s forcing me to use my stand-up workstation at work more. Honestly, I was getting lazy sitting at my desk instead. The standing, the flexing, stretching, and walking is helping it heal faster. However, by the end of the day, I am looking forward to going to bed. I can’t stay there. Up and at them is the cure for my back.

Let the party get started

I’ve got the house decorated. Whoo hoo! Our out-of-town guests arrived last week, and it’s been fun ever since. Some days we share quality time together, such as last night when we all went out to dinner. Other days, we see each other for a few minutes, and then they are off to visit their family in other areas around town. It’s a right balance between partying and recovering. This pace will continue right through to the end of the year, oh help me, please.

What does this all have to do with writing? Much. Lately, the best I could manage was to start a chapter and periodically pick it up. Mostly, I write notes so I don’t forget how I want to take Avril’s story in the Consortium. She’s in for rough times ahead, and her emotions can no longer stay bottled up.

The big question ahead of me. Will Avril break under pressure or persevere and overcome the challenges that await her. Stay tuned and see for yourself. I’m determined to get his latest segment in her story out by spring of 2019.

Wish me luck. after all, finding it difficult writing during a holiday season is often just an excuse.

Yours in storied imagination. Have a very happy holiday season.
Richard Verry