Life with a Writer or Reader

Yes, it's the holidays. And I have a deadline looming. And lots of family visiting. And traditions that I don't want to forego. I'm totally involved in my current book, galleys for another book land on my desk, promo decisions need to be made and... ho boy!

But you know, I think I've done a great job of juggling writing and life lately, if I do say so myself. What it takes, in my opinion, is very careful planning. You see, when I have to take time away from writing for something, I try to fit as much non-writing stuff into that day as I possibly can.

Two birds with one stone, and all that.

People who don't write might think I'm looney. But those who've lived with me for awhile now, understand. I've wondered if life with a writer is similar to that of life with a die-hard reader. What do you think?

Filling non-writing time with as much as I an accomplish means that when my son invited my husband and me along for a holiday train ride with my grandson, I also scurried to put new highlights in my hair that morning, and did the newest batch of Christmas cards going out for those that had just arrived, but weren't on my original list.

The Holiday Train ride was fabulous: a 1/2 hour ride on the train with some rather tall elves singing, and lots of sticky candy canes to go around. When we reached the "North Pole," we drank hot chocolate and the kids got really neat balloon animals or flowers, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus and Rudolf, then another 1/2 hour ride on the train back. As usual, everyone loved my grandson - he tends to steal the show everywhere we go - so he got extra attention from Santa, and he got to wear the train conductor's hat, and the elves posed with him while I snapped photos. The shier kids watched in awe.

Because this was a "day away from writing," I also uploaded and printed some of the photos when I got home, mailed some off to family and friends, and did other odd and end jobs that had been waiting for me.
As a reader, when you're pulled away from an engrossing story, do you try to get as much done as you can?

Last Wednesday, my good friend Dianne had a Christmas luncheon. That's us at Dianne's. In order from left to right, Carolyn, me, Dianne, Chris, and Judy. Others were invited, but man, we got a snow storm and it held some people hostage. Of course, this was my "day away from writing," already planned, so a blizzard wouldn't have kept me home!

It was a wonderful day of good food, good friends, and Dianne's incredible hostess skills. Let me tell you, events at my house mean decorative paper plates and plasticware. Not so at Dianne's! She's the hostess with the mostest. We had real silver, china, linen holiday tablecloths, gorgeous little holiday napkin rings, lit candles... I LOVE how Dianne does a luncheon! I leave feeling feeling like a princess.

The night before the trip to Dianne's, I made veggie pizza as my contribution to the meal, baked about 8 dozen cookies, most to be frozen, and wrapped gifts for my friends who'd be at Dianne's.

Hubby thought I was nuts making so many cookies - until I explained about the "day away from writing," and then, because he understands me, he helped.

That night, after the visit with friends, I used the rest of the "day away from writing" to take a super long bath in the jacuzzi tub to read a book. Perfect!

Now my holiday baking is done, but soemthing else fun has come up - a booksigning on Saturday in West Chester, Ohio, from 1:00 to 3:00. (Details are on my website) I'm looking forward to seeing all my author friends and some longtime reader buddies, but I'll probably go shopping early that day because I realize I need a new cabinet for our DVDs, and since that'll be a "day away from writing," well, you understand the drill by now, right?


As a reader, do you sometimes have to fit in a lot around reading/finishing a book? Before I became such a voracious writer, I used to carry a book with me everywhere I went! I read at stoplights, doctor and dentist appts, everywhere! And when I couldn't take my book, I tried to get everything else done to clear the path for some serious reading. What about you?


Has the holiday stuff forced you to give up some reading time, or are you like me, fitting it in as best you can?
Are you juggling reading with visits to multiple family homes, traditions that can't be skipped, work woes that are making things dicey?

For me, it truly gets nuts on occasion. Especially now that I'm halfway through the next SERVANT novel. I'm going from a gruesome mindset of mayhem and murder, to singing Christmas carols.

I'll never skip special fun time with family, but it does take creativity on occasion. I hope that, whatever you're juggling, you're still finding it fun, smiling lots, and making the most of the wonderful season!
And I hope those who live with you are understanding, as my husband, kids, and even my little doggies, are.

Big hugs, and the Happiest of Holidays to you!