Capturing That Little Idea

The turkey is gone and here come the reindeer. December is a busy month and not even writers are exempt. It is a conflicting time when we must fit writing in with all the busyness the month brings or vice versa.

“A writer never has a vacation. For a writer life consists of either writing or thinking about writing.”

Eugene Ionesco

While that is true, the holiday season doesn’t leave much room for the actual act of writing. Sometimes we let wonderful ideas slip away from us. I penned a little tongue-in-cheek poem about that very thing.

So, how do we keep these ideas from getting lost in the tinsel or being put on the back of the tree where no one sees? First, we need to write them down ASAP. We can do that by keeping a notepad nearby or taking a note on our phone. Some ideas only waft in once, and then they are gone.

Next, we can be intentional about capturing ideas to write about as we are doing our Christmas tasks. Is there a favorite ornament on the tree or a sentimental one that would make an interesting story? What is the best gift you ever gave or received? Listen to conversations. Do you have ideas to lessen the stress of people like your overworked sister-in-law? Can you think of ways to include elderly family members who may feel left out of all the festivities? These can all be article ideas.

Lastly and most importantly, don’t forget the real meaning of Christmas. Read the Christmas story several times and see if something new jumps out you. Spend time thanking God for the greatest gift of his son and for giving you the gift of writing. Journal your memories of the season to be turned into devotions later.

By the time we turn out the Christmas lights and undeck the halls, it will be time to get those articles and stories written to submit for next year’s publications.

Merry Christmas and Happy Writing to All!

Sue Davis Potts is a freelance writer from Huntingdon, Tennessee. She is mother to her beautiful adult daughter, Jessa. Sue enjoys writing for both children and adults. She worked for years as a preschool teacher but feels most at home these days with other writers who speak her language. She has been published in local magazines, anthologies, Ideals, Southern Writer’s Magazine and Focus on the Family’s children’s magazines Clubhouse and Clubhouse, Jr.

She authored a children’s library book.  She is the author of a book of short motivations 101 Life Lessons From Uno (The One-Legged Duck) and coauthored. The Priceless Life (The Diane Price Story). Both books are available on Amazon. Sue can be found on her website, www.suedavispotts.com.