Just when you thought the Christmas holiday was sweet and lovely with lollipops and mulled wine, good old Krampus puts in an appearance–carrying a big stick and jingling bells as he comes! If you’ve been a bad child—in Austria at least–there’s a good chance this guy will appear to teach you a lesson. So forget worrying about the Ides of March and start fretting about December 5, the night before the Feast of St Nicholas.
It used to be that this demon roamed the streets, carrying sacks or baskets to gather up the “bad” kids and haul them away. Today, Austrians have decided to spare the rod, toss the sack, and host parades instead. After watching this video, I decided I’d rather skip this tradition and go for the tamer version of “Better watch out. Better not cry.”
Now that your holiday spirit is all warmed up, Here’s the important stuff. #IWSG Question, which is–as always optional.
Are there months or times of the year that you are more productive with your writing than other months, and why?
I’ve always written when I have something I want to write, and I’ve never paid attention to the time of year that that happens. However, I’m much more likely to write for longer periods when it’s rainy or gloomy or just too freaking cold to go outside.
Spring and summer always entice me to hike or be in the garden, and while I often write in my head while I’m out and about, not much goes onto the page until I sit down and put my fingers on the keys.
I will tell you that I’ve been doing a very different kind of writing for the past few months–starting early summer and rolling right into this month. I’m collaborating on a series with another writer, and it’s not Middle Grade or Young Adult. I’m saving that “reveal” for later.
This project started with a conversation and a few sips of wine during a great June beach day. It seems there’s nothing like a long stroll in the warm sand to generate ideas. I’ve always thought having a writing partner would be interesting, and it is. Not only is it interesting, it’s fun. I love to see how we both tackle a scene to achieve what we’ve agreed on. As this project progresses, I’ll share some of what’s happening throughout the seasons. And who knows, but maybe I’ll discover I am more productive at different times with this new way of creating a story. After all, the idea came in summer when I’m usually distracted by the world outside and computers might just as well not exist. I’ll pay more attention to my productivity over this next year, and let you know.
I’m sure others here today will have some interesting things to say about their productivity and the calendar.
The awesome co-hosts for the December 2 posting of the IWSG are
Pat Garcia, Sylvia Ney, Liesbet @ Roaming About
Cathrina Constantine, and Natalie Aguirre!
It’s #IWSGPit time again, so hope you have your pitches ready because this is going to be one great event! Click HERE to find out all you need to know about pitching your manuscript.
Quote of the Month: “Spring passes and one remembers one’s innocence.
Summer passes and one remembers one’s exuberance.
Autumn passes and one remembers one’s reverence.
Winter passes and one remembers one’s perseverance.”
― Yoko Ono