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
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteI usually send out cards, but not this year. Some years, it's just not possible to do it all.
ReplyDeleteIt 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.
ReplyDeleteA 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! :)
ReplyDeleteThank 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.
DeleteI still send out cards too. I find that snail mail is better than online. It means more.
ReplyDeleteI 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!
DeleteSo 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.
ReplyDeleteI 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!
ReplyDeleteHope you had great holidays. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteBless 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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