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| This is the 2014 edition. I haven’t started the 2015 edition. |
Words, a writer’s paintbrush. Storytelling, essay writing, and poetry carry music and rhythm in the words. Writers paint images and whole worlds with words. Writers fill the senses with vivid smells, sharp textures. Writers create life through characterization. The characters are real, feel emotion, endure drama, and some may even survive the story. A writer is an artist.
Embodying that artistry can be stressful, especially during the holiday season. With all the concerts and cookie bakes, the parties and gift-buying, sometimes writers need to place their creative talent with words on hold until after the rush.
Or do they?
Holiday cards. I don’t know about you, but I still send them out. Not everyone I know is online. At least some of my relatives aren’t. Yet they all know I’m writing. Because of this self-inflicted artistry I placed upon myself, I feel obligated to produce an entertaining Lees Through the Year 2015 letter to accompany an original photo card with pithy or poetic wishes on it. Relatives and friends I haven’t seen in a while look forward to these letters and cards each year. They tell me so. They thank me profusely when I send them.
Yet I fret over the letter, what to say, which events, which memories to include. As a writer, I feel my talents judged by the receivers of these cards and letters, be they friends or relatives. I don’t wish to sound boastful in the letters, simply entertaining. I don’t want to bore; I want to infuse my words with laughter, with story. The letter isn’t memoir it’s conversational, I remind myself. No themes or pithy insight. Yet I imagine the need to appear witty, to create memorable lines.
I consider myself a writer even though I’ve sold only a handful of stories and essays. The key word in that statement is sold. I’ve written plenty for local free markets. *Sigh*
The holidays are a time to catch up with family and friends, tell stories, enjoy delicious homemade baked goods with tea, and linger over wine and cheese platters. It’s a time to enjoy one another’s company.
With all the list-making and gift-buying; the home decorating and meal planning; baking cookies and breads, pies and cakes, do you ever feel the added pressure of creativity with words at Christmastime? Please let me know how you fit creativity into the holiday rush or if you worry about words because of your craft.
Have a wonderful Christmas and holiday season!
You are a writer and an author. Repeat after me… I am an author and a writer…love your posts
I am a writer and an author. And you, Marie, are the best friend a writer can have. Thanks for visiting my Adventures in Writing blog.
I usually send out cards, but not this year. Some years, it's just not possible to do it all.
It is getting increasingly more difficult whereas I thought it would be a bit easier as my five children grew. It just shows how unpredictable life can be. You have the right attitude. Some years we can't do everything at Christmastime. Thank you, Jennifer, for visiting my Adventures in Writing blog and leaving a note.
A dear friend and writing mentor told me years ago to call myself a writer. It was the best piece of advice I've ever been given, for it helped me begin to see that I really was a writer, and encouraged me to move ahead. No matter how many stories or articles you've sold, if you feel you are a writer, then forge ahead and follow your heart! 🙂
I still send out cards too. I find that snail mail is better than online. It means more.
Thank you so much for this insight. This is great advice. Think and therefore you are. Have a wonderful holiday season, Karen, and thanks for visiting my Adventures in Writing blog.
I agree with this, Michelle. To choose to send someone a Christmas Card or good wishes and perhaps a personal note takes time. I am thinking specifically about that particular person and hoping they are well. Yet online wishes can reach more people. Social media is here to stay; however, sometimes a personal note can brighten someone's day. Thanks so much for visiting Adventures in Writing. Merry Christmas!
So awesome of you to send cards. I used to do it but for some reason stopped and now its hard to start up again amid all the busy madness.
I try, Nas. My relatives aren't online and are always interested in what's going on in the Lees household. But keeping up? I'm having lots of troubles this year. I think a lot of people have cut back on card-sending. I'm getting fewer. Thanks so much for leaving a note on my Adventures in Writing blog. Merry Christmas!
Hope you had great holidays. Happy New Year!
Bless you, Nas. Yes, I did. I hope yours were wonderful, too. I wish you all the best in 2016. May you find health, success, and happiness. You are a good friend, and I am thankful for your insight. Thanks for visiting my Adventures in Writing blog.
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