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Dani Pettrey | Surviving the Season

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How to Stay Merry while Meeting Your Word Count!

My schedule has been crazy the last few months. I've turned in SILENCED, book #4 in my Alaskan Courage series, then completed the revisions and line edits, started the first draft of the final book in the series, planned my oldest daughter's wedding, and continued homeschooling my youngest, all while marketing book #3, and squeezing in Thanksgiving.

I imagine your schedule doesn't look much different—scores of to-do's on your list, and only so many hours each day to get them done—especially now, during the holidays.

I wish everything stopped in December, but as writers, many of us still have deadlines to meet during these busy weeks.

So, in celebration of you, my fellow word warriors, I've put together my top five ways to use your senses to survive the season, keep your sanity, and meet your word count:

1. Sound: Need a quick reprieve from the hustle and bustle?  Find a place of calm while you write with the soothing sound of waves or birdsong on SoundDrown.

Hot writer tip: Another good way to get in the writing zone is to play your story soundtrack (if you've compiled one), or use a free music app like Spotify to play songs that remind you of your story and characters.

2. Sight: Add a few items of literary cheer to your workspace, like this bookish tree.  Or make a Pinterest board of story-inspired holiday fun.  This is a board that your readers will enjoy, too.

Hot writer tip: Add one new pin a day, but only after you've met your word count. Let playing on Pinterest for 10 minutes be your reward for a job well done :)

3. Taste: Make holiday meals like these ahead of time and freeze them, or use your crock-pot, to free up extra writing hours.

Hot writer tip: Desserts and beverages can be made in the crockpot, too! Brew a pot of spiced apple cider and let it fuel your muse throughout the day.

4. Touch: In between pounding the keys, make time to hug a loved one, snuggle with your pet, and exercise. Bundle up and go for a walk. Take time to feel the stillness, the nip in the air, the snowflakes falling on your face.

Hot writer tip: Taking regular exercise and stretch breaks while writing helps keep your creativity fresh.

5. Smell: Are the smells of sugar cookies and candy canes distracting you?  Find your focus by lighting a book candle or using library perfume while you work.

Hot writer tip: Does your story take place on a tropical beach and you're having a hard time envisioning your setting in the middle of winter? Try some coconut lime lotion for your hands. Scents can be a powerful trigger. Find one that suits your story and enjoy it.

SUBMERGED
Submerged
Alaskan Courage
#1
May 2012

SHATTERED
Shattered
Alaskan Courage
#2
February 2013

STRANDED
Stranded
Alaskan Courage
#3
September 2013

SILENCED
Silenced
Alaskan Courage
#4
May 2014

One lucky commenter will get a set of Alaskan Courage (Books 1-3): SUBMERGED, SHATTERED and STRANDED

 

 

Comments

38 comments posted.

Re: Dani Pettrey | Surviving the Season

I haven't read any of Dani's books yet BUT I've heard great
reviews of her books. I'm looking forward to getting to know
this author that has captured so many hearts!
(Judy Burgi 2:45pm December 5, 2013)

Judy, they are great!! I'm so looking forward to Silenced and
the last book!!
(Debbie Shawver 2:47pm December 5, 2013)

Dani sounds like a true multi-tasker. I can relate. Me,too! I'm a Social Worker. My daughter got married last year, and the wedding turned out perfect! It was lovely! And, on another sunject, I have heard our sense of smell is supposed to be the one that brings back memories and recollections more clearly then any other sense. I think that's why the holidays brings such intense emotions to all of us. The smell of bread cooking brings back the smell of my grandmother's biscuits! One of my favorite memories! :)
(Sandy Fielder 2:56pm December 5, 2013)

I thought I spell checked...that should have been subject not sunject. :)
(Sandy Fielder 2:57pm December 5, 2013)

Senses are definitely powerful things. I can be reminded of
something from years ago with just a scent.
(Deidre Durance 3:02pm December 5, 2013)

I love, love, love the great tidbits you have offered. Our senses are
demanding, sensitive, and strong. We better pay attention to them. Thank
you for what you do and Happy Holidays!
(Melanie Backus 3:06pm December 5, 2013)

I reader her books over and over and over! I am
So excited to see what comes next and I will
Enjoy following her career!
(Jamie Restemayer 5:20pm December 5, 2013)

I love all of your books and would love to win this set. If I
do they will be donated to the library at the school where I
work.
(Kristine Morgan 5:22pm December 5, 2013)

I really, really would love to win this set. I've read great
reviews of the books that are already out.
(Karen Gervais 6:57pm December 5, 2013)

I LOVE Alaska! Not enough novels set in the north woods like yours...good luck on your new releases.
(Susan Coster 7:10pm December 5, 2013)

I only read Shattered in this series and I loved it. I am writing a personal
essay for a contest and it is the hardest thing. My family and friends do not
understand how I love to read but hate to write. It is due tomorrow and I am
still going through edits. Hopefully I will get the opportunity to read the
whole series.
(Sonnetta Jones 7:14pm December 5, 2013)

Correction I read Stranded not Shattered
(Sonnetta Jones 7:15pm December 5, 2013)

WOW and I thought I was busy!!!! I love your books!! I have read them all and they are wonderful! So excited to read Silenced! But I can't wait to hear more about Reef!
(Sharon Rudolph 7:51pm December 5, 2013)

This series sounds great! Can't wait to read it.
(Jennifer Richardson 9:25pm December 5, 2013)

They are some great tips. I know petting my animals is relaxing.
(Maureen Emmons 9:56pm December 5, 2013)

Cant wait to read this series and the tips are terrific!
(Denise Austin 10:09pm December 5, 2013)

my sons angelversary was today and its been a rough day. it would be amazing to curl up with these books when I'm having a hard time with my sons death
(Casandra Mckune 11:18pm December 5, 2013)

I lived in Alaska for a couple years when I was a child---would love to read these to bring back memories.
(Sue Farrell 12:00pm December 6, 2013)

Dani is a new-to-me author, but this series sounds interesting. I also like the tips given.
(Marcy Shuler 12:15pm December 6, 2013)

Wow, Congrats on your 4 new books: SUBMERGED, SHATTERED,
STRANDED, SILENCED. I love the beautiful book covers too! I
would love to travel to Alaska someday. I would love to win
and read your books this Christmas. Happy Holidays and Thank
You for the great tips too. Cecilia CECE
(Cecilia Dunbar Hernandez 12:51pm December 6, 2013)

I would love to live in Alaska. I love the scenery but one of my co-worker has told me it is quite expensive to live there since more of the necessary is deliver from the mainland. That is what is brother inform him.
(Kai Wong 1:00am December 6, 2013)

I would like to read these the titles are simple but thought provoking and lead me to believe these characters have some strengths and substance!
(Darci Paice 1:20am December 6, 2013)

I haven't read any of these books but I am so looking forward to it.
(Jane Thompson 2:54am December 6, 2013)

All your tips work well for people who are not writers too. Most of us have hectic days around the holidays and the tip about using different scents could work for everyone.
(Kathleen Yohanna 4:31am December 6, 2013)

i have read a few of her books and enjoyed them so this would
be great to win
(Denise Smith 8:21am December 6, 2013)

I love Alaska and enjoyed your books very much!!
(Bonnie Capuano 8:42am December 6, 2013)

Great ideas for chilling (or notching things down) during holidays. Your books sound wonderful. I haven't read any - but they are now on my TBR list. Happy Holidays!! Thanks for the chance to win.
(Nancy Reynolds 9:34am December 6, 2013)

I have read a few of the books and they are captivating.
(Sharon Berger 9:46am December 6, 2013)

I love to read mysteries and this sounds like something I would like to read. I also love Alaska and would like to visit someday.
(Melissa Taylor 9:50am December 6, 2013)

When I need to get motivated, I keep music on in the background, but nothing too wild. I can't keep my kittens out of my hair, because they're going to do what they're going to do, but I try to do my most intricate work while they're napping. My Husband also knows when he should interrupt me, and when he shouldn't, which is a plus. I always have my glass of Coke nearby, or a nice glass of iced tea for a good energizer, even if it isn't healthy. I do what I have to do. A nice spray of lavender in the air is always refreshing, even if it's supposed to be calming. As for your books, I'm anxious to read them. Since I can't get any more hours in the day, which would be nice, I just have to fit in the time to read your books, which I plan to do this Winter. I have decided to just break down my day, and fit so many hours to do certain things, instead of plunging into it, the way I normally do. I think it will be more constructive that way. I'll also be able to relax and read your books. It will give me time to savor them, the way I want to. Congratulations on getting the set done. I've always been fascinated with Alaska, so these should make an exciting read!! Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year!!
(Peggy Roberson 11:04am December 6, 2013)

I have not read Dani's books yet. But I have added them to my tbr list. Thanks for the giveaway.
(Kimberley Coover 2:56pm December 6, 2013)

Great tips. Completely agree about the coconut lime lotion as
it the scent always takes me back to being at the beach. Hope
you have a wonderful Christmas.
(Leslie Davis 4:19pm December 6, 2013)

I haven't read this series at all but I will definately put it on my TBR list. Your tips are great! I never heard of the Bookish Tree and went there and found it to be really great. Thank for the contest and the tips.
(Vennie Martinisi 5:15pm December 6, 2013)

Those are some great writing tips. I should pass them on to a few people I know. Thanks!
(Laura Gullickson 5:33pm December 6, 2013)

thanks for the tips
(Janet Gould 6:28pm December 6, 2013)

I retired from Southeast Alaska. We had 5 or 6 tour ships a day during the summer. Love the summers , but winter is so
COLD! Will love reading these books!
(Barbara Wells 6:37pm December 6, 2013)

I love Alaska. Lived there for 4 years. Thanks for a chance to win.
(Linda Hall 9:07pm December 6, 2013)

Enjoyed your blog. Great contest.
(Sheila True 10:27pm December 6, 2013)

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