Beat Your Holiday Writer’s Block

Clean out visions of sugarplums, shopping and baking, and bust your writer’s block with these quick and fun writing exercises.


1. Make A List. Check It Twice.

Look at each word listed below, and write the first word that comes into your mind. Don’t think. Just write. Or try “chaining.” Choose one word, write the first word that comes to mind; then build on that word, writing the first word that comes into your head. Keep going . . .

2. Throw On A Disguise

Imagine putting on a costume and becoming one of these familiar holiday icons. Choose one character listed below. Then, using their point of view, write a paragraph describing a character or situation from your story.

Angel
Ebenezer Scrooge
Santa Claus

3. Create A Few Grinch-a Phors

Listen to the metaphors in “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.” Then let loose and write your own over the top metaphors about a character, or characters, from your story.

Join The Holiday Read-Aloud Challenge

The busy weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas or Hanukkah are when the true meaning of the season gets lost in the jumble of parties, packages and promises.

Are you looking for a quick and easy way to slow down and connect with your kids during this busy time? Then I invite you to join my Holiday Read-Aloud Challenge. Set aside one hour each week to read aloud together as a family. There are hundreds of winter/holiday books that your family can enjoy. Choose one or two, three or more, and build memories as you share this special time together.

Here's how to join. Leave a comment that says, "I promise." In doing so, you pledge to:

• Turn off the television, computers, and cell phones for one hour each week between now and the holiday to join in reading aloud with your family.

• Recommend at least one book with a holiday/winter theme that parents and kids can read together.

• Come back later and let us know which books your family read.

Here are a few that you might enjoy:

Mistletoe Madness
by Miriam Hees

The Trees of the Dancing Goats
by Patricia Polacco

Who's That Knocking on Christmas Eve
by Jan Brett

Christmas Stories for Bedtime
by Renae Brumbaugh

And, of course, the classics:

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry

A Child's Christmas in Wales by Dylan Thomas

The Fir Tree by Hans Christian Andersen

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”