I’m always curious how other writers navigate this time of year — some people slow down, some ramp up, and some use the season to reset for the new year.
Do you try to keep your usual writing routine through November/December?
Or do you intentionally step back, refill the creative well, and come back fresh in January?
Would love to hear how you handle it.
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Hi, Kat Spencer. I write through November and December, but I try to take extra days off.
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Since I've more or less officially started writing SiR, I want to write as much as I can before my birthday trip in mid-January where I've more or less resolved not to bring my laptop to write. Normally I like to declare the entire month of Capricorn my vacation from writing, but since I'm a dyed-in-the-wool Capricorn, I'll likely end up writing all through it if sufficiently fired up.
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My girlfriend probably wishes I would take a break, but unfortunately, November is one of my busiest months for inspiration.
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I’m taking a break, but I’m still working in my mind
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I took a break for the last two weeks of November and plan to start writing again on Monday.
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I write when I get a creative burst of an idea which usually happens when I am distance swimming in a 50 meter pool, since swimming laps is so monotonous that I think through scenes in the novel which I am struggling to write, makes the time go faster. Can’t do it in the ocean, since if I’m not paying attention, I could get run over by a kayak or swim into a coral reef.
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I do not take breaks except for when I get to spend time with my son. Doesn`t matter which time of year then.
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I write when ever I get inspired by a story. NO matter the time of the year. I love the hunt for stories. The spark of inspiration that leads me to the outlining and synopsis creation as that idea grows so I don't think I could take any time off.
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I take a moment for the holidays, but really never stop my acting, writing, and all the duties that go with them. I'm not a Scrooge, honest. I just see them as a small speed bump along the year.
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Write daily..Sometimes I really try to figure out how to kill one of my characters so I can move onward! (:
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Kat Spencer I'm yet to have designated writing hours and have much ground to make up so I'll be writing through the holidays to stay on track.
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So...I have a (relatively) unique tradition lol I have a special set of Christmas/winter-themed scripts I work on every December(helps me get into the mood of the holidays) while I take a break from whatever stories or ideas I've been working on throughout the year.
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I’d probably take a break too… if my brain ever stopped thinking and overanalyzing everything! :)
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Kat Spencer, I love this question. This time of year affects everyone so differently.
For me, this holiday season is going to be a creative pause, but in the best possible way. My husband and I are moving in a few weeks, so every bit of “free time” is being poured into packing, organizing, and preparing for the new space. I know I won’t get much actual writing done, but I’ve decided to be okay with that.
What I do love is how creatively fueling the pause can be. While packing, I’ve unearthed old journals, half-finished stories, abandoned outlines, and ideas I forgot I even had. Skimming through those things has given me a surprising shot of inspiration, almost like reconnecting with earlier versions of myself as a writer.
So even though I’m not drafting right now, I feel like I’m quietly refilling the well. And once I’m settled into the new place and have a fresh, organized space to create in, I know I’ll be ready to dive back in with renewed energy.
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Love that Ashley Renee Smith! And it points to the fact that you don't have to be sitting down to be writing. Inspiration comes from so many places. Good luck with the move! I bet you're excited to be in your new place. And WOW to everyone else's responses here. So great to hear from all of you! Happy writing and pausing. It is all valuable.