I've just finished my Christmas story for third annual Roses of Prose December short story extravaganza and am feeling pretty proud of myself. Why would a short story make any novelist feel proud, you ask? What with moving, OG's health issues, and lots of house guests, those 4,100 words were the first new fiction project I've completed since last year's holiday story. I started a new novel but have struggled to get back in the writing groove, so this short story was just what I needed. It got me writing again every day and stirred up the creative juices.
In fact, writing this story was so much fun it gave me an idea for my next project. I've decided to put my novel on hold and write a collection of ten holiday short stories which I plan to self-publish next fall. It's a manageable goal, and the challenge of coming up with that many premises and characters should fuel my creativity. I won't have the opportunity to get bored or bogged down, because another new story will be right around the corner.
Wish me luck!
Alison
www.alisonhenderson.com
http://alisonhenderson.blogspot.com
10 comments:
Good luck, Allison. Sounds like a great idea!
Wishing you much luck, Alison. You picked the coldest and most unpredictable of our Great Lakes in Superior. How's it feel to merely observe our blizzardy weather from afar? ;-)
Go, you! I really have to get busy on mine--I'm totally slacking. I've thought about this, too, bundling Christmas short stories for a release next year. Great minds and all that. Best of luck with your project. I hope you've been lifted out of your writing slump!
I'm so glad the story fell into place for you. (I WISH I had time to write one. This project is so much fun. I know it doesn't take all that long to write a short story, but I can't even get my mind focused on creating an idea with all my pressing deadlines. Sigh...) Anyway, this isn't about me, it's about you. :) I think your holiday story idea is brilliant! Best of luck.
Thanks for the encouragement, everyone. I've started the pre-writing fun on a new one set in a small Colorado mining town.
Just so you know...you motivated me! I'm working on my Christmas story instead of my current WIP. I might just go put on some Christmas carols to really get in the mood!
I think we all have to accept that every once in a while life throws curves that demand our attention. One of the great things about writing (and books) is that there's no expiration date. You can pick up your story where you left off with (hopefully) not too many adjustments. So glad the Christmas story got you motivated. (And thank you for the reminder! Yikes! Better get started on mine!)
Jannine, glad to know I could help. LOL
Leah, I've got several stories I want to pick up later when the time is right. The Christmas stories just feel right now.
Like you, Alison, I hadn't written a short story for a VERY long time until last year's Christmas story. It was a blast. So much fun I'm turning it into a novella. I agree with Margo, you picked a great year to move away from the Midwest. What a winter we had.
Thanks for the reminder that I need to get busy on this year's short story. Best wishes on your project. Sounds fun!
What a great idea, Alison! Very best of luck with the project. I just know you're going to knock it out of the park!
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