Spirit – Festivus – Ho Ho Ho

December 23, 2025 / ccsocialcreative / Leave a comment

Hey guys, welcome back! ‘Tis the week of celebrations of all kinds and I am finally on board with all of it. (Took me long enough.) I have begun to read A Christmas Carol, my favorite book of all time and today we did the final shopping for Christmas dinner. Things are falling into place.

I don’t know how you celebrate the holidays, or hell, even if you celebrate, but I have what has been named by family members: Christmas OCD. I have had a strict schedule of things I do every year on the final days, especially on Christmas Eve…my favorite day of the year. I have it down to a science. What I watch, times I watch them, the final wrapping of presents, phone off and making the night last as long as possible because again, it’s my favorite night of the year! I don’t want to miss a minute of it.

If you’ve been following along with me, you know that I’ve been fighting illness for a good portion of this year. It had dampened my holiday spirit to a huge extent and it was really bothering me that I just couldn’t get into the season. I celebrate Yule, Christmas and of course, Festivus! I am someone that sings Let it Snow in July. I am someone who, on September first, is already fighting the urge to decorate the house. So for me to not be all holly and jolly has been making me sad. Thankfully, the spirit kicked in hard last night and I’ve been all about the holiday since! (Nothing like having it kick in at the final minutes!)

Now it’s trying to cram as much holiday madness into these final hours without falling asleep. Still fighting the sick and two days without sleep is starting to kick in as well as the holiday and they are fighting each other. I HAVE SO MUCH TO DO!! Sooo much wrapping and cramming in a ton of holiday movies before it’s over. Oh and no Hallmark movies for me. Just saying.

Ok, so the movies can be watched after the holiday, just like I read my holiday themed books through Spring to keep the season going…but I have a schedule to keep! I have cocoa to drink! Cookies to bake! I may need to admit that I have a problem.

In the meantime, as of this writing, today is the glorious holiday known as Festivus. Let us rejoice in the Seinfeldian holiday that has been a part of our lives for almost thirty years. ALL HAIL THE ALUMINUM POLE! Yes, I had one for a while and we put it out for years. I am that person.

What I am saying here is this…the holiday season can be rough for many of us. I’ve certainly had my share of crappy holidays. However, if you celebrate something or not, try to look for some joy this season. Look at the lights. Watch the silly ads on tv. Read a holiday themed book. Or not. Maybe it’s having that cookie that you haven’t had since you were a kid or calling an old friend that you haven’t talked to in a while. Even if it’s something small that can make you smile, why not indulge? January can be gray and bleak. Carrying over the colorful time we’ve been living in for months (because fall and Halloween begin the most colorful time of the year) can keep your heart happy.

I’ve been saying for years that I never understand why we take our lights down after the holidays. Keep them up! Make January more colorful, more vibrant, more fun!! And late to the party or not, let this season try to heal you as best it can. Even if it’s just a little bit. Take it from me, that little bit can mean so damned much.

And that is where I will leave you for today.

Wishing you and your family a very happy holiday and if you celebrate Christmas? May Santa bring you what you’ve asked for this year.

Until next time…cheers!

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Made it this far? Thanks so much for taking some time to spend with me and I will see you soon. 😉

Countdown – Scrooge – Personal Connections

December 16, 2025 / ccsocialcreative / Leave a comment

Hey guys, welcome back. Sorry again for being absent. It’s been a rough season trying to get into the holiday spirit whilst being sick. (Yes, whilst.) However, here we are, in the final countdown to Christmas and I’ve begun to do the holiday push to get my ass in the spirit!

While I have friends and family that celebrate many of the Winter holidays, I personally grew up celebrating a rather secular Christmas and later on, I added Yule into the mix. Anyone who knows me will tell you that I’m normally quite elf-like, height included. I start singing carols in June, I’ve even been known to put up my decorations super early. I throw lights on anything that will stand still for more than five minutes. I make friends go see holiday lights with me and I have worn Santa hats proudly in public. That’s why this year has been so discouraging that I’m trying to force it. Well, not force exactly, but get more into it as best I can.

In fact, I’m writing this as I watch one of my favorite versions of A Christmas Carol, the 1970 musical version Scrooge. I grew up watching this one and as an adult, I am now two degrees from the gentleman that wrote the music for it! (Ok so I think that’s cool.)

I’m known far and wide as A Christmas Carol snob. I have very specific movie versions that I deem worthy of watching not just once a year, but several times a year. I have also had an annual tradition going back decades of reading the book between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Of course the snob in me must also read a copy with the original John Leech illustrations or else it’s just not worth reading.

I love this story so much, I mention it in many of my writings, including the current book I’m working on! To me it is the ultimate story of redemption and second chances. Of learning from those who came before us and to realize that without looking at our past mistakes, we shall be destined to repeat them. So Scrooge, for me, is a hero of sorts…post spirits that is. So, I will continue to watch and read this story until I can no longer do so. And maybe one day, I’ll come back and haunt some folks I know who could use a good spirit visit!

As I said, I’ve now incorporated my love of this story into the manuscript I’m currently working on. It was already included in it, however, now that I’ve moved the time of the year of the story, it really helps some back story of the two main characters. Sometimes, it’s a simple scene of two people coming together to watch a movie that just like in life, can spark a character’s memories and give more insight to what makes them who they are now. That is just what I’ve done by using Mr. Dicken’s story. Weaving it into the story as a mention or two that helps the characters develop an even stronger bond with each other.

When we take from our own lives and use it in whatever we work on, be it writing, art, music, etc, it becomes not just a way to connect with the piece but also adds more personal meaning to the work itself. For creatives, doing this can be both therapeutic as well as make it so much more meaningful. Every time I reread those scenes, it brings back some of my own memories. Each character I write has some sort of personal connection to myself. Sometimes it can even be something silly as a love of a particular food, a personal experience or a love of a holiday story for the ages.

Our work is a part of us. Our heart and souls go into everything we do. And the story of Scrooge? Well, it will always be a part of me and therefore, will be a part of my works whenever I can sneak it inside.

And that is where I will leave you for today. Thank you so much for being here, if you are celebrating a holiday now, may it be a wonderful one!

Until next time…cheers!!!

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If you’ve gotten this far, I thank you and see you soon! 😉

Busy – Rewrites – Heat Miser

November 25, 2025November 25, 2025 / ccsocialcreative / Leave a comment

Hey guys, welcome back! Once again I must apologize to you for being MIA over this last week, week and a half. I assure you, I haven’t gone anywhere. Just putting in a ton of time on my work as well as gearing up for the holiday season.

It’s Thanksgiving week here in the states and while that used to mean the ‘official’ start of the holiday season, these days it seems, we can now start to decorate whenever we feel like it…and I’m on board with this 100%.

When I was a kid, I couldn’t wait to watch the parade on Turkey Day. It was during the airing of it that the airing of seasonal commercials would begin. Actually, they’d start halfway through the parade. Seriously. As the hours passed, we’d begin to see an ad here, another there (the M&M’s meeting Santa was big for being the first one) and I’d be so excited! To this day, I still start to look for the tv listings to see when the movies and specials are starting to appear…I’m a five year old in a very not five year old body during the Christmas season. And yes, I sat here the other night watching both the original Grinch and Year Without a Santa Claus, (aka. Heat Miser) and singing to every single song.

All that aside, I’ve been working so damned hard on this manuscript to get it done. Every time I think I have a handle on which way it’s going, I think of something new. I’ve been rewriting several chapters from the point of view of the MMC and I have to say, I really like writing for him. I didn’t think I could write from the male perspective, but it turns out, I can! So I’ve been flipping some chapters around to show his side of things and by doing that, my word count is getting considerably lower.

The other night it also occurred to me, and maybe it’s because of the time of year we are in and the books I’ve been ordering for myself these days, but I think I’m going to switch things up a bit. I make several references now to the characters loving fall and Christmas so I’m thinking that instead of this book taking place earlier in the year, Spring/Summer, I should move it to Fall/Winter. Why not right? Stop making the references and have it set during my own favorite time! Of course doing this is going to take considerable reworking and right now, I’m fine with that.

I think my fellow writers will understand this…I HATE EDITING! Ok, let me rephrase that…I hate editing my OWN work. I used to love editing others, can’t lie about that. But really, I miss the writing so much. I still have so many ideas for these characters and quite frankly, after seven+ rereads and doing so many cuts, etc, I want to go back to the writing, the creating, the making their lives what I think they could be. Unfortunately for me, the writing is where I get over enthusiastic and end up with hundreds of thousands of words that then need to be what???? Edited and cut! (It really is a vicious cycle.)

I’ve read so many Fall and holiday themed books over the last year, I think my mindset is with them as well. So I’ve decided not to fight it any longer. Besides, if I switch the book to this particular time of the year, it can become someone’s new ‘cozy’ read for next year (fingers crossed) and in the long run, some of what I’ve already written will really make a little more sense. At least in my mind it will. (Work with me here.)

In a nutshell, I’ve been losing my mind about all of this. In my head, the book is done. It’s ready to go. It’s ready to submit. And yet, I also know that I’m freaking delusional and it needs SO much work. So…much…work.

So here I am. Trying to get this done, still watching pieces of Hamilton every single night and wishing I could speak with Lin-Manuel Miranda and ask for his help. (WWLMM is my mantra now) and getting into the holiday spirit all while still fighting whatever illness I’ve had since August. However, neglecting this blog was never supposed to be a part of it and for that, I’m sorry. Being here is what is supposed to keep me on track, helps me to work through issues and also touch base with you all and hope you are doing well. I very much hope to do better.

And that is where I will leave you for today. I appreciate you guys so much and thank you for hanging in there with me!

If you are celebrating this week, I hope you have a great turkey day. As a vegetarian myself, I’ll be saving lots of room for apple pie because that’s how I roll. Also, and this is a very shameless plug…with ‘black Friday’ deals all over the place, if you are looking to start your shopping, I hope you’ll check out the links scattered all around the site. I’ll post more below for you to see and every purchase made though my site helps to support it and greatly appreciated.

Thanks again for being here and let’s get the holidays started!

Until next time…cheers!!

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If you’ve made it this far, I thank you and remember…calories don’t count on holidays so go crazy! 😉

Enjoyment – Puzzle – Bit by Bit

November 11, 2025November 11, 2025 / ccsocialcreative / Leave a comment

Hey guys, welcome back! Yes, I slacked off here again. (Sorry) Some life stuff happened and sometimes that’s just how it goes. However, I’m still here and admittedly listening to holiday music as I write this…yes, I’m one of those. 😬

Anywhoo, I’ve been working hard on the book and tonight, I think I finally figured out how I’m going to not only get the word count down significantly, but also how to change the timeline a little. Right now, the story is supposed to take place in a month’s time. That may need to change, or better yet, I need to reel it in. Either way, I’m going to have to work it like a puzzle. Breaking up the entire manuscript and piecing it together bit by bit.

Quick segue here…a little known fact by those who know me now, I used to be a theater person. I majored in it in college and also worked in a professional theater for a few years. This was many years ago, but I still have a great love of shows, both musicals and straight plays. (Hamilton has taken over my brain and is on repeat now on the Disney+ app.) I tell you this because a song that can invade my brain is one from an old show called Sunday in the Park with George. The song Putting it Together has come to the surface as I work on this book. Why? Check out these lyrics:

Bit by bit putting it together,

piece by piece, only way to make a work of art

every moment makes a contribution

every little detail plays a part

having the vision’s no solution

everything depends on execution

putting it together

that’s what counts.

Seriously? Why that is not the anthem of every creative person in the world is a mystery. So as I move around chapters, rewrite character monologues and create new scenarios for a book that technically is already written, yes, this song has been taking up residence in my brain and making me a little crazier than usual. Still, all hail Stephen Sondheim for writing it.

I had no idea when writing this book that I’d be doing this at all. Taking chapters and moving them around. Taking full paragraphs and adding them to another ‘day’ in the life of these characters. Losing it a little here and there as I cut full pages and cursing myself for having written so much in the first place. I am now understanding the writer trope of being a full on alcoholic. It’s both satisfying and infuriating watching what I created be changed in such ways. And this is even before a true editor gets a hold of it!

What makes it even more brutal is that one of my favorite activities in life is taking long walks. I was always a walker and used to walk 15-20 miles a week, sometimes more, before I got sick 9 years ago. Especially now that I’ve had another setback, this is not in the cards for me, so walking off the frustrations isn’t a possibility. It doubly sucks because I used to get great ideas and have revelations during these nighttime walks. I’d suddenly figure out a plot point or backstory or a line that I’ve been struggling with, rush home and get it down before I could lose the idea. Now it happens while I sleep, or rather try to sleep…sometimes I get lucky and it happens while I’m washing dishes or showering. At least I’m awake and aware during those times.

Am I rambling again? You betcha! I’m struggling like crazy to make an internal deadline and as I cannot scream out loud, I shall rant about it here. So here’s the deal, as I cannot give you all a group hug for following along with my insanity, I ask that those of you who are reading this, treat yourself to something fun. Get yourself some of your favorite ice cream, get that book you’ve been keeping in your save for later, take that trip, buy yourself a present before the gift giving season hits hard. Do something just for YOU.

We are all working towards some kind of goal. No matter what it is, we need to remember to take a break, clear the mind and enjoy life for a little bit. My own personal escape is reading and I make time every night to knock out a few chapters. Now it’s your turn. One of these days, I hope to have a more entertaining and funny post than I have been giving you lately. In the meantime, I want to make sure that you guys take time for yourselves and get some enjoyment out of this thing called life. The stress will always be there (sorry) and if we don’t take the time to enjoy ourselves, what’s it all for?

And that is where I’m leaving you for today. As always, I thank you SO much for being here and here’s to treating ourselves!

Until next time…cheers!!!

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If you’ve made it this far, thank you so much and I’ll see you soon! 🥰

Nights – Obsessed – Thousands Down

October 22, 2025 / ccsocialcreative / Leave a comment

Hey guys, welcome back. I’m sorry I haven’t been exactly consistent here lately. Between being sick and working my ass off on this book, I’ve been losing time for other things. That, of course, needs to change.

However, happy to say that I’m still here and hopefully, so are you!

I’ve been working obsessively on this manuscript and over the past week, week and half, I’ve been able to shave over 7100 words! I’ve even figured out the formula for doing so. I’ve been reworking chapters, changing perspectives and even changing around the order of some chapters.

What’s funny is that for someone who wrote extensively for months, (I mean, over 460,000 words from April to September is pretty extensive) but only cutting and pasting for the last month and a half, my fingers are not as used to flying across the keyboard as they once were.

Last night alone, I rewrote three chapters and my hands were asking me why. I actually found myself laughing. Talking to my fingers and giving them a pep talk. I’ve mentioned before that I have issues with arthritis and other illnesses (yes, I‘m a medical mess) so to unleash them all over again and have them start to do their thing after a much needed break? Sue me for wanting to cheer my fingers on. After all, I need my hands to write. That’s all I want to do. And there is only so much caffeine can help with…even though it is the most wonderful substance on Planet Earth.

So here I am, obsessing night after night creating and in many ways, recreating what I’ve already written to sculpt my words into a better version of what it once was. But we all do this, right? Ok, so maybe not the whole cheerleader thing, but the revising over and over again of our work. I’m starting to truly believe that the writing itself is the ‘easy’ part. That the writing is only 10% of what happens when creating a book. The other 90%? Cutting, moving, reorganizing, cursing and remolding the dialogues into something so tangible that it will become something that you didn’t even envision in the first draft. And in my case, it’s more like 90% cursing 10% everything else.

What I’m having fun with now is giving another main character a bigger voice. Giving him his own perspective. I’ve been really surprised how easy I’ve found it getting into his head. I think it may be because I’ve spent so much time with these characters now that I know what makes them tick. But writing his side has opened up so much more of the story that can be introduced a little earlier than I had originally. For the reader, this is a very good thing. For the writer, it’s giving me more of a creative option that I wish I had seen, or rather utilized earlier. But now that it’s here? I’m going to make the most of it.

In the meantime, this has been an extremely interesting exercise in patience, something I am famous for not having. I think that has been the biggest surprise of all. As impatient as I am for getting this finished, now knowing that the story can be taken up a notch? I’m here for all of it…and hope that in the long run, this will end up being the absolute best that it can be.

And that is where I will leave you for today. Thank you as always for coming back and I do hope to get back to posting more here. In the meantime, having you all bear with me while I’ve been dealing with (what they now think may be long covid), has kept me going and I will never be able to thank you enough for that. You all take care of yourself and remember, Halloween candy has no calories. So treat yourself! (Yes, this is the lie I tell myself every year. Work with me.)

Until next time…cheers all!

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Already looking for holiday gifts? Check out the links here on my site, from books to gifts for writers and readers alike, I’ve got a whole lot to see and much of it has been designed by me!

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If you’ve made it this far, I thank you again. Hope you are all enjoying the Fall season! 🍁🍁🍁