Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Drawing Inspiration from the Holidays to Write That Perfect Scene



Now that the tree is decorated, its lights shining and reflecting off the garland and various decorations. You may take a moment to listen to the Christmas carols playing on the radio, smell the scent of pine and take in the presents wrapped in festive paper and brightly colored bows.


For me there’s always a sentimental tug when I hear the 1943 song “I’ll be home for Christmas” and think of the soldiers in WWII; it’s easy to transport myself back to that era when family’s gathered around the radio listening to the news and the upheaval of that time or when soldiers received letters from loved ones back home and vice versa.

Emotions are raw this time of year; you hear timeless songs replayed through the decades past. The days are shorter and the season’s winds whip outside your home.

With all the emotions you’re feeling, it’s the perfect time to put pen to paper. Your creative juices are flowing and you may not be aware of it.

You have an outline of your manuscript (or basic idea) and you know at some point you want to have a Christmas scene; what better time to write about it than now. You may have to jump ahead a few chapters but you can draw from all around you the feeling and sense of Christmas. Later you can always tie in the scenes to the rest of your story but for now capture the moment.

So pour yourself a cup of eggnog, wrap yourself in a warm comfy quilt and write the scene your characters are eagerly waiting.

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Monday, December 28, 2009

Christmas with Our Dog Lucy

Having no children of my own, I spoil our dog Lucy and she milks for all it’s worth. We sent parcels back east to my family and wrapped up a present for their dog; Lucy knowing it was a toy tried numerous times to sneak it out of the box—when it comes to toys and treats it’s impossible to hide it from her.

Christmas eve she woke up to go outside, once indoors she stopped by the Christmas tree knowing her presents were there. She gave a whimper, but she was told she had to wait until morning.

Since we’re staying at my grandparents for the winter in their basements suite, their dog Sally comes downstairs and visits often; so naturally they had to open their gifts together.




Sally with her toy:


Lucy checking Sally's toy:



Sally wearing a big smile after opening her present:




Lucy wanting more presents:


Lucy trying out her new toy:





Lucy loving all of her presents: