A couple of weeks ago, I posted for this month's IWSG and answered the question about finding the time to write in a busy day. I'm an early morning writer (like 5am) and while I really enjoy the quiet that can be found at that time of day, I posted that sometimes tiredness affected my writing flow. Well, I'm pleased to report that since then, things have been on more of an even keel and I've been getting some words down each day, 500 words at a minimum but hoping to exceed 1000. It might be something to do with the time of year. We're firmly embedded in autumn and I love the mellow light patterns, the crisp feel to the air and the leaves that crunch underfoot. All of it sparks my creativity. Especially now that we live in an area where we're surrounded by farms, I feel closer to nature than I did before. Don't get me wrong, I'm a big believer in writing every day and that's something that I always try to do, but those of you with young kids will know that summer can be a trying time! The words definitely flow much easier when I'm inspired by my surroundings, and now that I'm back in a good routine for the first time in a while, I'm hoping to keep it up year round.
I'll also be applying this new-found inspiration to my blogging and being more active on here. Hopefully, I'll have a post every week where I talk about various writing-related matters, and I'm also planning to reinvigorate my monthly goal roundups that I started a while back. As I've been quite lacking in reviewing the books I read, I'm also thinking about a monthly post where I recap what I've read and make recommendations. This should motivate me to do more of both reading and reviewing.
I also want to branch out and embrace other social media, starting with Twitter where I'll be upping my interaction. I'm thinking about tweeting some daily tips or prompts; something to inspire other writers.
Finally, this blog will be turning five in a few weeks from now. This came as a surprise to me when I realised the other day! Watch this space for the upcoming celebrations...
Do you have a season that inspires your writing more than others? Why?
28 comments:
I know a few people post about their goals. I always enjoy reading them - makes me feel more inspired about setting and achieving my own. :)
Fall inspires me too. It's my favorite time of year. The colors, the smells, the growing chill. Plus, I do like spooky stories, and they come out by the thousands in October! Wonderful that you'll be blogging more. Five years is amazing!
Hi Nick - I'm so pleased to hear your head-space is settling down - I need a clean slate then I can get on with things. I too will be starting social media - a shock to me ... but must to it. Good luck ... and I'll enjoy interacting ...
I am definitely a Spring person - though feel content to settle in to a reasonable Autumn - and changes in my life - get myself going to achievement of publishing my A-Zs ...
Cheers and am glad to see you around ... 5 years is a long time isn't it! Lots happened too ... take care - Hilary
Glad autumn has you back in the groove. Just something about this season.
Good to know the creative "juices" are flowing for you Nick! Autumn is a good time to do so too. You are right, if you have young children, summer is a whirlwind of adventures, but not too much work being done. Look forward to reading what you share here on your blog :)
betty
Fall is a time of changes which is very inspiring.
I'm behind on book reviews, too.
Congrats on turning five and renewed inspiration. Summer is too distracting for me to get a lot of writing done. I always want to be outside doing something.
You know, Jack London wrote 500 words a day religiously and look what he accomplished in his too short life!
Glad you are enjoying the country and autumnal weather. It's still summer where I am.
May you have many pleasant days of writing.
I think many writers with kids have a harder time writing in the summer. I certainly did too. And it's okay. Our kids grow up so fast. Glad you're writing so much and feeling inspired.
Oh, autumn is a big creative season for me! I love the fall. We haven't had much change yet here, but the weather is trying to change.
I don't know if I have a good season for writing. Other things tend to get in the way.
Glad you're finding your rhythm again. Summer was difficult for me at times, too--the routine gets blown all to you know where!
I don't have a particular season that I'm more productive in, just spurts that come and go. Glad you've found a good groove.
The fall weather has been really nice here as well! I prefer summer, I'll admit, but I do love the colors. I'm happy to hear that you're getting back into your routine! Wishing you many happy words :)
Hi Nick! There's plenty in the blogging/social media whirl to keep us busy and we have to be careful it doesn't take away too much writing time. Misha Gericke has a monthly round up type goal where you post the last Friday of the month. Keep at it!
Hi Nick!
Sounds like you're on a roll! The change of seasons does that for me as well. I look forward to your inspiring posts. Happy writing!
That sounds like an awesome plan. I also get floored during the summer. I suppose that's just normal life with kids.
Madeline - Hopefully posting about them will help me achieve them!
Christine - I like a good Halloween story too!
Hilary - Still need to get to grips with Facebook. Five years is a long time!
Alex - It's my favourite!
Betty - It's been a great summer with the kids. Definitely had adventures!
Diane - Trying to catch up now!
Susan - It distracts me too, but I tend to prefer being outside doing nothing!
Bish - 500 is definitely a respectable number. You too!
Natalie - It's definitely important to spend that quality time with the kids.
HR - The weather has changed here but it's still variable. Already had pouring rain and glorious sun this week!
Liz - You don't have a bad season for crafting though!
Jeff - Things definitely settle down this time of year.
Cynical Sailor - I'm like that at times. I do have to push myself to get in a routine.
Meradeth - Thanks! Same to you.
Denise - Definitely have to keep a balance, but ideally one inspires the other.
Diedre - Thanks!
Elizabeth - Yep, too right!
The sleepiness is why I opt for writing in the afternoon when I can. If I've been up for a half hour or more, I'll jump into writing if I have time, but lately it's been a scramble to get myself up and ready at 5:30 before waking the kids and ushering everyone out the door at 6:45.
I hope your productivity stays high!
I love autumn. It's my absolute favorite time of year. Maybe it's because I was raised in an area that had beautiful displays of color (has anyone taken the color tour in Michigan? It's awesome). Summer is the worst time of year for me to write. Even though I love having my three kids around, it makes it very difficult to find time to write.
I'm also an early morning writer. I do my best work then... of course, I also chug way too much caffeine.
Looking forward to your blog celebration and seeing you on Twitter (@michelle_kp)!
Michelle :)
I enjoy writing in the morning too! Although my kids something have other ideas:) 500-1000 words a day is good:)
I am sure you will find the groove that works for you. Maybe, it is the change in the air as summer has faded and days grow shorter. Perhaps, a change in season shakes up the mind a bit in a good way!
Have a splendid week-end!
I'm glad your writing time has become more productive. I've been getting up at 530am, but I've doing more emailing and social media than writing. You're inspiring me to get back into my morning routine. I need to focus on one project and see it through.
It's a challenge to find the time to write, never mind the reading and reviewing...plus there's also the million day-to-day activities/chores that need attention.
I find that doing a little bit every day adds up in the long run.
I'm sure you'll find your groove and settle into a comfortable rhythm soon...
Congrats on five years of blogging, Nick! That's awesome!
Did you say celebration? YAY!!
Autumn inspires me, too. It is a lovely season.
It's funny how a change of seasons can inspire you. Fall is my favorite time of year, too.
Nice to see you are getting inspired again after a bit of a slow time. Summer is just so busy, I have a tough time settling down to work. But to get some writing done everyday, even just the 500 words is amazing. Congratulations!
Sylvie Grayson
www.sylviegrayson.com
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