Do you handle change well?
I don’t. Which means that right now, I’m struggling. You see, I worked part-time from home for the past five years while I stayed home with my kids. In August of this year, my youngest went to Kindergarten, and this mom rejoined the full-time workforce.
Talk about change. While the job I got is a blessing, the transition has been brutal. I am always busy, tired, or both. That means I have little time to write, and the story I was supposed to be writing didn’t want to be written. It got to the point that writing—or the lack thereof—was giving me intense anxiety.
After some prayer, I decided last week to put that book on pause for the time being and write something purely for the joy of it. I’m in a Christmas mood, so why not write a Christmas story and see what happens? Then I remembered that I began one last year on a whim. So I’m going to share the opening scene with you to help me decide if this is the story for this season of change in my life. (This is only lightly edited by me, so please be gracious!)
[Title to be determined]
“I have two hours to get this done, right?” Merilee braced a hand on her back. The boxes she had just lugged from her car were heavy.
“Two and a half. Don’t mind the musician setting up on stage. He promised to stay out of your way.”
Merilee was already busy unraveling lights, her eyes trained on her task as she spoke to the mayor. “I thought Randy had the flu.”
Their small town only had one resident band, and the lead singer had been down for the last three days, if the rumor mill was accurate. Not that Merilee had time for rumors. Working three jobs was a juggling act she wouldn’t wish on anyone.
“Oh, he does. He has it bad. But Chet Davison is in town and agreed to an unplanned performance.”
Chet Davison? A flurry of emotions rushed through Merilee at the name, but before she could process each one individually, a deep, masculine voice spoke from behind.
“Merilee Walsh? Is that you?”
She swung around to face her childhood crush. The boy next door. The one who’d always been out of reach. “Chet Davison.” She couldn’t stop the smile that lifted her cheeks at what had been her favorite site for more years than she could count. “You came home.”
He shrugged, his eyes taking her in. “It was time.”
Past time, if anyone asked her. He’d been gone six years and in that time gone from a tall boy with taller dreams to a professional singer with three concert tours to his name.
“I thought maybe River’s Landing was too small for you now.” Merilee scooped up a wad of garland and carted it to the back of the stage. Chet or no Chet, there was no time to waste. The annual Christmas tree lighting was due to begin at 6 p.m. sharp. Mayor Nixon was never late. So the stage décor couldn’t be, either.
“I’m actually home to stay.” He followed her and grabbed the end of the pine-green garland. “Let me give you a hand.”
Home to stay? What had happened to his big city dreams? “Don’t you have to set up for yourself?”
“I have time. I keep things simple.”
“All right. I appreciate the help. I have some…height problems.”
When she checked, he was grinning. “You always did. I don’t know how many times you asked for my help reaching things in your kitchen growing up.”
Merilee willed her cheeks not to redden. That had been because of her raging crush on him more than her short stature.
“Chill. I know you had the hots for me.”
Merilee jerked around, dropping the garland in a heap. Why did Chet have to look so smug?
“That was a long time ago,” she said, desperate to save face. If she’d found him attractive as a teen, she didn’t know what to think now. He’d leveled up, a feat she hadn’t imagined possible. Of course, she knew this from watching televised performances of him across the nation. But in the flesh, he was even better. He was real.
They worked in silence for a few minutes. Merilee tacked bright red bows to the garland, and Chet anticipated her move by handing her a new bow at each interval.
“Thanks,” she said when they reached the end. “Are you really moving back?”
“Yes.”
“What about your career?”
He grimaced. “I’ll still sing. I have an album coming out in the spring. But I’m done touring. It’s exhausting. I need to be here. My mom…she has cancer.”
“I know,” Merilee said softly. His mom had been like a second mother growing up. Before everything fell apart. Before Chet’s dad ran off with Merilee’s mom. Chet had skipped town the day after high school graduation. When Merilee’s father passed of a heart attack two weeks later, her plans came to a screeching halt. College dreams, out the window. Four younger siblings looking at her for provision. She counted it a blessing that the state had allowed her to raise them—but it hadn’t been easy. Still wasn’t.
“I better set up,” Chet said after a beat of silence. “Let’s catch up later, okay?”
Merilee offered a noncommittal head-bob and picked up the pace with the lights she was twining around the garland. “Sure.”
Catching up with Chet Davison sounded dangerous. She didn’t do dangerous. She did safe and steady. Whatever it took to keep food on the table and clothes on her siblings. She’d always done what she had to. She couldn’t change that now.
What do you think? Cast your vote in the comments. Shall I continue writing this story to help me through my season of change? Or do you think I should keep brainstorming for something else? (Feel free to share tropes you’d like to see or any other plot devices!)
Emily Dana Botrous is an east-coast transplant who now calls San Diego home. She is a wife and mom of four. When she’s not busy doing laundry, packing lunches, and picking toys off the floor, she enjoys reading, cooking, music, long walks, and writing. Always writing. It is her goal in all things to make Jesus first, last, and always.
I am hooked already! Why start something new when you’ve already got the bones of a story?
Hugs on the transition to work. I pray you find your groove and feel less stressed.
I agree with Margaret. I love it! Praying for you
Ugh, my comment posted before I was ready. I meant to say you know I’m praying for you in this time. If this story brings you pleasure and not pressure, please do write it and have fun with it.
You definitely have to go with this one! Now, I have to know what happens between Marilee and Chet. Praying that your anxiety goes away, and you can really enjoy what you’re doing.
I like this story!! Please stay with it! I would definitely enjoy reading it!
Yes, please continue writing this! I am praying Psalm 46:10 for you…”Be still, and know that I am God.” (That would be an inner stillness during your time of external busyness.)
well, prayers for you. you have got this. might I suggest you prioritize things so you will be the best you. somethings will have to take a back seat for a while. that is ok. family is extremely important. and you want to be that role model for yours. as my mom always said: God is first, family is second and everything else is third. it was that last part that I struggled with. put I found that putting priorities on things throughout the different seasons really helped. you have got this. oh, I really like what you have written so far. if it were me, I would keep writing, but dont rush it or push it to happen. let God guide you.
It sounds like a perfect opportunity for you to create some fun and joy in your life with Merillee and Chet. They’ve already put a smile on my face via you. Praying with you!
Well I love this story! I’ve missed your writing and would look forward to this book. Prayers for you too.
Oh, I like this!! I think this is where you need to keep writing!!!
This is a great start! I would love to know what happens next.
It sounds really good, it got my undivided attentions I love the sound of it, yes please continue with it. Have a Great weekend. Thank you for sharing it with us.
I, too, like the story. Sounds like a sweet, not to comlicated, story to relax and read. And if it helps you get through this time of change, then go for it. I get your newsletter and have been praying for you and your family. But I appreciate the reminder so I can continue.
Thank you for blessing us with your stories. May God bless you and keep you, especially while you transition to this new chapter.
Hi Emily! Change is hard and finding life / work/ family balance is even harder. Best advice I ever received as a pastor’s wife, mom, teacher balancing the sandwich years was to prioritize. Every Sunday evening I made a list of weekly responsibilities and appointments. Then prioritized – must to versus should do. Made a difference in staying positive. Therefore I agree with Lori – if you like what you have. Keep writing. No rush, especially during the holidays. As a teacher – my advice to students was you started, see where it leads. Best wishes! Enjoy your family. Kids grow up fast.
Lori! I agree! The best advice I received while balancing being a pastor’s wife, mom, full time teacher from a wife in our parish. Prioritize. Kept me balanced. So I didn’t clean house weekly or bake cookies. I also learned to say NO! Can’t do it all! God sure guides us through the different seasons of life. Best wishes/
I totally agree about change, and I understand how overwhelming work can be – I’ve upped my hours and between work and school and daycare pickups, there doesn’t seem to be a moment! I’m in awe of anyone who can manage a full time job and a family and still fond time for writing!
I loved the start of this story, there seems to be a lot of history between these two and I wouldbe intrigued to see how it works out. I love a Christmas story too.
Praying for you that the family/work balance gets easier, and you get time for your writing too.
Hi Margaret, thanks! I’m glad you liked it. I appreciate the encouraging words!
I so appreciate your prayers, friend. I’m hoping this story is just what I need!
Hi Bonnie, thanks for the encouragement! I’m excited to work more on this story.
Thanks, Kathleen! I am definitely going to write it. :)
Thank you so much, Heather! This is definitely a season for claiming certain texts. I will add the one above!
Thank you, Lori. Prioritizing is definitely a struggle, but it’s happening by force right now. Lol. I will keep working on this story as time allows without any pressure to finish it at a certain time. I need to find joy in writing it, not stress. Thanks for the encouraging and wise words!
Yay! I’m glad you already enjoyed them, Dianne. I can’t wait to write more of their story!
I’m so glad you love it already, Sandy! I am looking forward to writing more of their story. I appreciate the prayers!
Thanks, Trudy. I am definitely planning to continue writing this story!
Hi Jessica, I’m glad you liked it so far! I plotted out the main points, and I’m excited for where these characters are headed!
Thank you, Alicia! I’m glad you enjoyed it so far. I’m excited to continue this story. Have a great weekend, too!
Hi Bonnie! You hit the nail on the head: not too complicated. I tend to make my stories quite complicated and layered, and I’m aiming for less of that in this one. It will make it easier to write in short moments that I find, and create a shorter story. Thanks for the encouragement!
Thank you for the wise advice, Renate. Prioritizing is crucial! I do like this story, so I believe I will stick with it, but not put any pressure on myself with deadlines or perfection. I need to just enjoy any moments I find to write. I appreciate your encouraging comment!
Hi Ruthie, oh yes, there just aren’t enough hours in a day for a mom, are there? If only I could manufacture time, but God knew what He was doing making 24 hours in a day. If any more, we’d only overload ourselves further. I do love second chance stories because of the unaddressed history, so I’m looking forward to delving into the past a bit with Merilee and Chet. Thanks for the prayers!
Continue the Christmas story that you have started. Thank you for sharing. God bless you.
I want more. I understand about change (moved home this year) still have a cat who insists on going back to the old neighborhood. It has meant have been struggling to read. I had a few I need to read to review but right now I have done what you have done with writing parked those books for now and reading for the sake of reading. reading light Christmas novellas. I will get back to the books (wll most of them one may not for awhile) but I have enjoyed reading Christmas till I am more up to reading more.
Excellent news = I imagine writing can be such a solitary occupation so I’m grateful this post became such a positive experience for you and everyone who was able to read it. :)
Write this one! I want to see how it ends.
Thanks for the encouragement, Debra! I have already written more. (Sorry, I just saw your comment!)
Sorry, Jenny, I just saw your comment. Aww, you poor cat. Cats definitely don’t like change! I’m glad modifying your reading habits has relieved some stress for you!
I plan on it! I’ve already written more. :) (Sorry, I just saw your comment!)