It's that time of year again. You're busy with 42 things, some of which are fun, others not. You're extra busy at work. You've got a Christmas shopping list a mile long, ditto cards. Your kids are in programmes. You're rehearsing for concerts, carolling, special programmes of your own. You've got to get that 'flu shot so you can keep going. There are end-of-year concerns (why do you have to change health insurance now?) and to make things worse, it's snowing outside and the car hasn't been winterised. Blah.

Fortunately, as a writer, this is not when you write your holiday material. Oh, no. You did that back in August, when all you had to do was imagine a snowman in the back garden, next to the sunflowers, no doubt, while you sipped iced tea and fanned away the heat.

So what do you do as a writer during the holidays? You take notes.

Remember how hard it was to imagine that snowman last August? Would it have helped if you'd had a few corroborative details to fill out your story about the carollers? Hark! What's ringing your doorbell as we speak? Oh, aren't they cute! Little kids, dressed in reindeer hats, warbling 'The Little Drummer Boy'. One munchkin – the one with the runny nose? She keeps pum pum pum-ing a half beat later than the others. Her older brother nudges her, to no avail. He looks at you with an elaborate eyeroll, as big brothers do the world over. Isn't it darling?

At this point, you rush to your computer to write yourself a memo. (Wait for the end of the song first. And remember to give them some cookies, they've earned them.) Save these Kodak moments for your next excursus into Munchkinland.

See? Writing off-season is a boon. It allows you to enjoy your holidays, just like everyone else. But, just as I am the oddball in the family who remembers to drag out the camera at gatherings, I'm also the nut who's taking mental notes the whole time: a decorating detail, a snatch of dialogue, a musical backdrop that seems almost too perfect… It all adds up. Some people save pennies. I save moments.

Elsewhere in this issue is a brilliant story by Florida Sailor. You'll love it. We thank him for sharing, which he could do because he treasured up those memories in his own mind and heart. They are valuable to him, but they're also a gift to each of us. First, because we've learned something from his tale of Barbara the cat. Second, because his narrative will probably jog our own memories – and hopefully, inspire us to tell our own anecdotes. (You know our email address, right?) That's the way it should be.

So enjoy those carollers. And savour every crumb of gingerbread and every last sip of hot chocolate. But sneak over to the computer and jot down a few notes, now and again.

And have a merry holiday season! (And don't get the 'flu.)

Writing Right with Dmitri Archive

Dmitri Gheorgheni

07.12.15 Front Page

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