Finding Inspiration in the Season

I've been blogging about literary writing.  One aspect of good, profound writing is research.  A popular kind of book to read this time of year relates to one of a plethora of holidays that come up in various cultures and religions.  In order to write something meaningful, it's important to understand the culture behind whatever holiday you're going to write about. 

If you're going to write about Christmas, there are so many ways to approach it.  You could write from the mainstream cultural standpoint, including Santa, gifts, a tree, etc.  You could simply write based on your experience, but you may find that a little research behind the Christmas symbolism will give you insights you never had before that could add depth to your story.  If you're seeking to appeal to a Christian audience, make sure you know the symbolism and meanings well.  Otherwise, those who do will find themselves thrown out of the narrative. 

Stories about Christmas are very common.  However, some readers seek to write to audiences that celebrate Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, New Years, or any of a large number of December-centered holidays.  If you try to write about someone else's sacred day, even briefly, without researching it with attention to detail, you'll likely offend everyone. 

Researching any subject on which you want to write is important, but it becomes particularly critical where subjects sacred or fundamental to a reader's beliefs are concerned.  Such research will show respect and will set your writings apart. 

Borrowing external Eyes

I've been blogging about how to write in a more literary fashion.  This one is more about seeking help of others and should be a part of any writing.  As one writes, the tendency is to think everything you're writing sounds good, or you wouldn't be writing it.  You fall into habits and patterns of writing and storytelling, some of which may not work for readers outside your head.  For this reason, it's critical to seek out readers, as many readers as possible, to keep your writing making sense and flowing.  For this, one often needs to seek out writers' groups, whether they be online or in-person.  

There are several websites, many of them free, for writers to find readers.  One danger of using any old website is that a publisher may consider something shared with just anyone "published."  But finding an online writers' group helps get your pieces read without the struggles that go along with being at a certain place at a certain time.  There is freedom in being able to get things read on their own time and on yours.  I belong to a writing group wherein we say we're available then email each other our pieces.  I can read their pieces on my time as it fits in my schedule, and they can read mine as it fits in theirs.  

A lot of people prefer in-person writers' groups.  There is an advantage in being able to see body language, hear the feedback in person, and to be able to ask questions and get those questions answered in-person.  Experienced writers can give new writers a lot of wisdom and experience.  Also, this kind of group will often have speakers and presenters. Every state is likely to have such groups.  I'd recommend you find yours if you haven't already.  

Some people limit themselves to just friends and family as your readers.  The danger in this is they may be afraid to tell you their honest opinion and/or just not know what it takes to write in a professional manner.  They may tell you only what they think you want to hear.  It is good to know who you can trust to tell them their honest opinion, whether they be friends, family, or someone else.  

The critical part is to have external eyes, someone who can give you honest feedback.  Very few people can write solid pieces, literary or otherwise, without a lot of feedback.  If you can pay an editor after a lot of feedback from others, that would be better still.  One way or another, find external eyes you can trust and get your piece polished.