So a few years ago I read something somewhere online about a cute thing for your kids – you get 24 children’s books and wrap them up and then each day of advent your kid picks a book to open and read. They could be books from your shelves, new books, all Christmas themed, whatever. Just 24 books, wrapped, and the kid picks.
And let me tell you, I loved that idea. I loved that idea so much, that I thought to myself, “Self, you need to write yourself a collection of books that you could sell as a package, except maybe they’re for adults, and maybe they come pre-wrapped, but they’re definitely 24 separate books.”
And that general idea has been swimming around in my head for several years. Sometimes I forget about it for a while. Usually I remember sometime between late October and early December when it’s too late.
This year, I’ve remembered in February.
So I’m starting to brainstorm this idea. Will it be novel-length, 30,000-80,000 word pieces? The answer to that is oh so very probably not. I’ve been stuck lately. Badly stuck. When I have managed to write, I haven’t been finishing. It sucks, and I hate it. So it will likely be short stories – 3,000-10,000 word things. Possible to write in the time available while A) pushing my current habits to grow into new ones, and B) keeping my sanity.
They will all need to fit the general theme of “advent”, since I’d like to market them as a lead-up to Christmas gift. They’ll need to be long enough – somehow – to merit publishing each one as an individual paperback, because even though I don’t think many people will want to buy 24-27 paperbacks for a Christmas gift. They’ll absolutely be available as a collection, too – paperback and ebook.
So here’s where I’d like some input.
I have a page full of words I associate with Christmas, Advent, and the holidays – probably 50 or so. Most are positive, some are just objects, and some are negative.
I would love it if you could help me add to my list.
I only have my experiences to draw on, and they are fairly average. I know not everyone has picture perfect holiday experiences and associations, and not everyone has the Christian background with the December holidays that I do. If you’re able and willing to drop a list of a few words in the comments (or more than a few words, to be honest), I’d appreciate it. The inspiration would be greatly appreciated.
I hope to start writing my stories soon – maybe not this week, but soon – and I hope to be done by July or August. Don’t be afraid to share words that are negative, and don’t feel like you need to explain anything to me.
Nicki Gets Distracted 