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KATHERINE BRANDON (GINA'S ALTER EGO) |
Black Friday Writing by Gina Ardito |
Pursuant to tradition, Thanksgiving morning was spent at the "Turkey Bowl," a two-hand-touch football game involving four families. As the moms hobbled off the field, injured but victorious, we discussed adding a new tradition to our holiday. This year, we'd participate in Black Friday. Each of us went home and, between peeling potatoes and stuffing turkeys, we scanned the circulars for worthwhile sales. After the last of the pumpkin pie had been refrigerated and our guests had all departed, we conference-called to plot strategy. (Don't you love modern technology?) More morning people than night owls, we dismissed the midnight madness sale at our local outlet center in favor of the early morning sales closer to home. We would meet at 4:45 a.m. Yes, 4:45 a.m. Luckily, our chosen stores were all in one straight line. So we'd start with the one farthest away, which opened at 5, and then proceed to our other target stores. The first task was to wake at the ungodly hour of 4, when it was still dark and with a temperature hovering in the low 30's. The urge to stay snuggled beneath the blankets was strong. But with the credo, "Oh, thank heaven for 7-11!" in my head, I forged onward. Hot coffee in hand, I arrived to find the rest of our group ready and waiting-if a bit bleary-eyed. Seconds later, we piled into the car and took off for our grand adventure. And it was an adventure. Staying warm, fighting crowds, watching the sun rise as we exited one store before entering another. Our spouses thought we were crazy. Why would we subject ourselves to these rigors? Maybe because within two hours, we had succeeded in acquiring several items on our lists, at never-before-seen prices. By nine a.m. I was home again, with half my holiday shopping accomplished! Writers could learn a trick or two from Black Friday. Everyone says they want to write… if they only had the time. The trick is to make the time. Black Friday shoppers know the secrets to success are in the planning and the discipline. Getting up before the sun isn't easy. Neither is plotting your route, nor fighting the crowds. But the sense of accomplishment at the end of the journey makes the hardships worthwhile. This year, why not start a new tradition of your own? Treat your writing like shopping on Black Friday. MAKE THE TIME. Get up early. Or stay up late if you're a night owl. Plot your characters' adventures. Fight the crowds of other tasks clamoring to gain your attention. Let your family know that writing is a priority. And who knows? At the end of the journey, you just might feel the sense of accomplishment that makes the hardships worthwhile. |