Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Practice makes perfect



Friday night, my hub and I took our family to see SIX, a men's a cappella group in Branson, MO. Before we went, the kids announced that they'd rather swim at the hotel pool. When the show started, they quickly changed their minds as revving engines morphed into Boston’s “Don’t stop believin’.”

It was hugely entertaining. The six men (brothers) produced astonishing sounds using only vocals: electric guitar, trumpet, all kinds of drums, engines, horses, a storm. Their voices were incredible, too. 

Near the end of the program, they talked some about their childhood. You might think that since they’re brothers, their talents came easy, genetic gifts requiring only a little polishing. Au contraire. While growing up, they practiced every day for hours—eight hours a day when there wasn’t school. Every. Single. Day.

So it is with anything worthwhile. Daily practice, or in my case, daily writing. A favorite quote of mine is by W. Somerset Maugham who said, “I write only when inspiration strikes. Fortunately it strikes every morning at nine o’clock sharp.”
 
What is your writing routine and how do you stick to it amid the whirlwinds of life?

Friday, December 7, 2012

Hectic Holiday Cheer



This is a very busy and festive week for me and my family. One of my daughters played the role of Annabelle (Ariel equivalent) in her school’s production of Little Mermaid. My other daughter is performing in a Medieval Feast and Christmas Concert this weekend, while two or our sons will be marching with the school band in several parades, and a third has a basketball game on Monday. Thank goodness our youngest child is not involved in much yet!

Yep. You counted right. Six wonderful, demanding, delightful (did I mention demanding?) children! As you can imagine, the Christmas season is hectic for me, between kid’s activities and programs, work, hosting visiting family, hosting church youth group activities, shopping for my humongous family. And trying to fit in writing. That is a priority for me, right? Definitely.

I may not be able to write as often or for as long as I’d like during this time of year, but I find that when I do write, I’m a little calmer and better equipped to tackle (cough), I mean enjoy, the holiday cheer. This really is one of my favorite times of year. 

How do you carve out time for yourself (and your sanity!) in the busy holidays?