I’m lucky to be able to live in a place that offers four distinct seasons. Spring usually doesn’t start until late in April and continues until late in June. True summer weather lasts through July and August, although nights can get chilly near the end of the month. Our fall is often short, but September and much of October are filled with beautiful days and the start of that crisp feeling in the air as we get into the second half of October.
But winter seems to be our predominant season most years. It’s unusual not to have snow in November, and the cold weather stays with us at least until the end of March, often even into mid April.
My writing routine from spring through fall involves a lot of time spent outside in my writing nook listening to the sounds of wildlife and smelling the fresh air. In summer, the sun is up by 5:00 a.m. and darkness doesn’t settle in until somewhere around 10:00 p.m. on the longest days, filling me with energy. The downside, though, is that when it’s very hot and humid, writing outside isn’t an option. That’s when I’m thankful for air conditioning.
Winter’s prolonged darkness, however, challenges my energy level. On the shortest day sunrise is at 8:42 a.m. and sunset is 4:57, although on gloomy days it seems to get dark by 4:30.
So how do I adjust my winter writing routine to keep myself writing, marketing, blogging and all the things that seem easier to do during the other seasons?
Embrace the coziness
I have found that I can settle in and write best when I’m wearing super comfy clothes like a baggy sweatshirt and soft fleece sweatpants. I enjoy twinkle lights to add a festive atmosphere to my office space. A hot cup of coffee, tea, or even cocoa add to the cozy feeling. I also find that it’s quieter in the winter with less distractions.
Take advantage of the light hours
Mornings and early afternoons are when the daylight is strongest. I choose to focus on the activities that require more of my creativity and brain energy when my office is brightest.
Set specific goals and deadlines
Although I do have goals and deadlines all year long, I’m more specific about them in the winter months to ensure accomplishing the things I need to get done. So whenever I feel tired and my creativity starts to lag, I look at my deadlines and figure out what I need to inspire me to meet them.
Schedule in more short writing sessions
Some days, especially the gloomy ones where the sun never shines, it’s harder to focus. Whenever that happens, I choose a few short writing sessions over a two hour mega session. I tell myself that even though I may not feel inspired or particularly creative, I can at least try to write (or revise) for twenty minutes. And then, if it’s a slog, I can go do something else for a bit. Just knowing I’m not going to try to punish myself into a marathon session (which I find so easy to do in the summer), helps me target something shorter, like ideas for a new scene, or creating a profile page for one of my characters. And the reality is that much of the time, when those twenty minutes are up, I’m now fully immersed and just keep working.
Rewards more often
I’m big on giving myself earned rewards, especially when I accomplish my heavier goals. Like for example, after completing a hefty revision, I bought myself a new notebook and new pens with sayings about writing on them. I ordered a writer themed tote bag after finishing the 2nd round of publisher’s edits. In summer, my rewards are simpler: Go to the beach to read for an hour or have coffee on an outdoor patio with a friend or take a lunch and have a picnic somewhere. But in winter, without those outdoorsy options, I often choose more tangible rewards.
Enjoy more reading time
Since the months with nicer weather encourage outdoor activities, I find that I have a lot more time to read during the winter. I love reading in my genres (suspense/thriller/horror/mystery) and am inspired by the works of other authors. And yes, I do read outdoors in summer, but not to the extent I read in the winter.
So which do I prefer: Winter or Summer writing?
To be honest, they both have their pros and cons. It’s more about making the different seasons work for me.