Starting the New Year Write!

 By Lynn McPherson

The holidays are a great time to sit back and take a deep breath. It is a time for reflection and rejuvenation. Today I'd like to talk about preparing for a great year of writing and how the holiday break fits in. There are three things I'd like you to consider. Three things that could set you up for a productive year ahead. Let's take a look.

1. Brain Drain. Say what? Yes, one of the best ways to prepare to start the year fresh is to let your mind decompress. Life is busy. 2020 has been intense and difficult. The end of the year we are given the opportunity to step away from schedules and deadlines. It is the best time to allow our mind the freedom to roam and wander and let everything slow down. When the year kicks in and life starts up again in full force, it will be refreshed and ready for new challenges and new ideas to take shape. There is no better time to let the creative juices flow.

2. Read. The end of the year is a great time to catch up on the year's titles you've been trying to fit in. Turn on the fireplace, put on some cozy slippers, and dive in. Late at night, when the house is quiet and the moon is out, indulge your imagination. What better way to inspire your own writing than by reading something new?

3. Plan it Out. When you have time to yourself, without looming deadlines and conference calls, why not grab a calendar--a personal calendar--and start to jot down some ideas? What would you like to accomplish? Set some goals--reasonable goals you can aim for in the coming weeks, months, and year.

Life is busy and complicated. Now is the best time to sit back and think. Sometimes we are so busy doing things, we forget what and why we are doing them in the first place. Embrace the quiet holiday this year and let your mind wander and linger and relax. It is the best way to prevent a burn out and take some much needed time for yourself. There is no better way to get ready for the year ahead.

Watch out 2021!

Do you have plans for the coming year? What are you hoping to accomplish?

Lynn McPherson has worked for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, ran a small business, and taught English across the globe. She has travelled the world solo where her daring spirit has led her to jump out of airplanes, dive with sharks, and learn she would never master a surfboard. She now channels her lifelong love of adventure and history into her writing, where she is free to go anywhere, anytime. Her cozy series has three books out: The Girls' Weekend Murder and The Girls Whispered Murder, and The Girls Dressed For Murder.