Holidays and Writing

Hiya, folks! Happy New Year!

I know, I know. I haven't updated in like....two months. Not cool, I know. I apologize, it seems I binge blog rather than actually keep up with one. That goes for Character's Spot as well. Ronie is not pleased and I'm sure y'all aren't either.

No more excuses, let's cut to the chase of my writing journey thus far.

With NaNo over I turned to focus on editing, other things I left to collect dust and, of course, social and family life. My editing was put on hold as suddenly I was swept up in a whirlwind of Christmas and church things. Writing, on the other hand, was not put on hold.

I consistently carry a notebook in my bag along with a tablet that has a document program installed so I may type up anything that comes to mind. I use my notebook more as of late. I think this is because I needed a break from the typing side of writing and needed that pen-to-paper feel.

So, during moments of breaks in between the Christmas performances, family gatherings, gift opening, road tripping and other such craziness, I could be found with pen in hand and nose in the pages of my notebook.

My editor and several other fantastic people (Chris Baty, founder of NaNoWriMo being one) have said that the key to being any kind of writer is to write and write daily. That can be anything from writing a journal, a short story, continuing the novel, editing your current one, or just emailing a relative. The goal is to just write.

I was thankful for Christmas after the busy weeks leading up to it. It gave me a chance to take a deep breath and sit with music on (can't function without it) and pen in hand and just write whatever came to mind. Of course I did have moments of "what the heck do I write?" but I still wrote. It also helped that my parents fueled my passion by gifting beautiful Inkjoy pens and a lovely notebook that I will be using once my current one runs out of room.

I also received books. Six to be exact (well, eight if you count the ones I bought using the money I got for Christmas...) and all of them are by people I am inspired by. Best way to write a good story is to read one in my opinion.

I didn't do much writing during New Year's Eve, that's when I was actually socializing. (*insert gasps here*) Yes. I went out. I talked with friends. I even sang a few songs. It rocked. I then proceeded to sleep in late the next day and then go out to a movie (Desolation of Smaug to be exact, and yes it was awesome).

And that, my friends, is how I survived the holidays of 2013.
What about you, my fellow writers and readers? Did you do anything social during your holidays? Did you hide in a hovel and write? Leave comments below!
(Also, if you received books for Christmas, leave how many and your favorite book you received!)

Until next time!
~Kelsey~