Christmas is coming, and whatever your views, there's no avoiding the hustle and bustle that seems to invade the world around us.
Not that I mind. Aside from my personal beliefs, and the traditions my family enjoy, this is a time of year that offers rich pickings for any author. There's the changing landscape, from Autumn to Winter, with ever shorter days; the sparkling lights and decorations that suddenly appear on streets everywhere; the chance to people-watch at parties, concerts, and gatherings, that are a distinct change from the norm. Christmas can even expose me to tense situations, worry, and arguments. And whilst the latter are never fun... it's all good when it comes to expanding my personal experiences - which means I can write about them with greater realism!
In fact, truth be told, I find Christmas a constant source of inspiration. It can be an immersive experience that creates a lasting impression of warmth and love, a feeling of irritation with the rampant consumerism, or simply incomprehension - but I reckon it would be hard not to have some view on it.
Which is why, when I was challenged recently to write a 750 word story that encapsulated: poignancy, reflection and appreciation of the things that mean the most, or the least, to you and those you choose to spend the holidays with... my mind immediately began to race.
So however you feel about this time of year - I hope you find ways to enjoy the people and events that mean the most to you, and that you also gain some enjoyment from my use of the festive season to fuel yet more stories!
You can read the end result 'For The Love of Christmas' on the FREE READS page.
Happy reading!
Not that I mind. Aside from my personal beliefs, and the traditions my family enjoy, this is a time of year that offers rich pickings for any author. There's the changing landscape, from Autumn to Winter, with ever shorter days; the sparkling lights and decorations that suddenly appear on streets everywhere; the chance to people-watch at parties, concerts, and gatherings, that are a distinct change from the norm. Christmas can even expose me to tense situations, worry, and arguments. And whilst the latter are never fun... it's all good when it comes to expanding my personal experiences - which means I can write about them with greater realism!
In fact, truth be told, I find Christmas a constant source of inspiration. It can be an immersive experience that creates a lasting impression of warmth and love, a feeling of irritation with the rampant consumerism, or simply incomprehension - but I reckon it would be hard not to have some view on it.
Which is why, when I was challenged recently to write a 750 word story that encapsulated: poignancy, reflection and appreciation of the things that mean the most, or the least, to you and those you choose to spend the holidays with... my mind immediately began to race.
So however you feel about this time of year - I hope you find ways to enjoy the people and events that mean the most to you, and that you also gain some enjoyment from my use of the festive season to fuel yet more stories!
You can read the end result 'For The Love of Christmas' on the FREE READS page.
Happy reading!