September was glorious. I finished the first drafts of not one, but two books:
- A children’s/young adult adventure for ages 8–12, full of wonder and mischief.
- A spy novel for adults, full of shadows, secrets, and double-crosses.
I felt like a literary superhero. Two manuscripts, neatly parked on my desk, waiting for me to return with fresh eyes. My usual trick is to let time pass before editing — it helps me read like a reader, not a writer. That way, I catch mistakes, clumsy sentences, and perspectives that need shifting.
Fast forward to December: the drafts are still waiting. Patiently. Mocking me.
The Christmas Crunch
Here’s the reality:
- Day job: demanding, draining, and somehow allergic to the concept of “free time.”
- Parenting: wonderful, chaotic, and occasionally resembling a live-action remake of Home Alone.
- Ex-partner diplomacy: a delicate balancing act worthy of its own spy novel subplot.
- Current partner: a bright spot in the storm — every moment spent together feels like a clear sky after a storm, a reminder that joy can be simple and real.
- Weather: grey, cold, and rainy — nothing like the crisp, snowy winters of my childhood.
Add all that together, and my manuscripts are gathering dust while I gather excuses.
Two Books, Two Worlds
Editing these drafts feels like switching between parallel universes:
- In one, I’m polishing dialogue for a brave 10-year-old who discovers magic in everyday life.
- In the other, I’m tightening the plot of a spy who discovers betrayal in every shadow.
It’s like being asked to bake gingerbread cookies and assemble a nuclear submarine in the same kitchen.
The Writer’s Dilemma
The truth is, writing isn’t just about discipline. It’s about energy, mood, and the ability to sit down and face the page. And December, with its endless to-do lists and gloomy skies, is not exactly the season of creative abundance.
But here’s the funny part: the very chaos that keeps me from writing is also the fuel for it. The juggling, the negotiations, the weather-induced melancholy — all of it sneaks into the stories. My spy novel thrives on tension. My children’s book thrives on resilience. And I, apparently, thrive on procrastination.
A Christmas Wish
So, will I finish editing before Christmas? Probably not. Will I at least open the files and pretend to edit while sipping mulled wine? More likely.
And maybe that’s enough. Because writing, like life, isn’t about perfect timing. It’s about showing up — even if you’re late, even if it’s messy, even if the weather is terrible.
If there would be a Santa listening: forget the socks. Just bring me a few extra hours and a snowstorm for inspiration.
If you enjoy my work, you can support me by buying me a coffee or one of my books.
Ink And Reason 