WRITING SEASONS

I’ve noticed that my writing habits change with the seasons.

During the winter, my subjects are close by. Because of the frigid temperatures and inclement weather, I don’t venture out much, so I write about what I experience at home; what I see from my window; or what I consider to be mundane, like washing dishes or watering indoor plants. I spend a lot of time reading about writing and listening to stories about authors and poets on the radio.

As the days start to grow longer and my daffodils begin to push up, my writing also springs forward. I choose brighter subjects and write more in color than in black-and-white. My themes generate more hope; my characters act more silly than staunch; and my settings venture beyond the most familiar.

During the summer, I relax as I write. I take my time with few deadlines. I sit outside by the beach or in my backyard or at the park. I’m comfortable in the sunshine. I sip on lemonade or enjoy a water ice. I walk and think. I play tennis and think. I ride my bicycle and think. Writing seems easy and fun. I get lots of ideas.

But as autumn approaches, I’m ready to fall into a routine once again. I want to connect my scraps of writing into something more solid. I want to improve my skills with workshops and classes. I once again vow to dedicate more time to my craft.

My habits may shift with the seasons, but my desire to write continues its cycle.

-- cawk