Writing Season

Fall is not about pumpkin spice.

Now that I have your attention . . .

For me, Fall signifies a prelude to my beloved Winter. Once Halloween passes, it’s a literal and figurative rush toward the holidays: choosing new side dishes for Thanksgiving; the madcap month of baking and watching Christmas movies (yes, even some Hallmark selections) in December. Then Winter Solstice kicks off the few precious weeks of my favorite season of hygge, that also includes my birthday.

A few years ago, I tapped into the idea of living more in tune with the seasons instead of the Roman calendar. I loved the idea of not disquieting my Winter with the manic energy of New Year’s resolutions, starting my new year in Spring’s time of rebirth, working diligently through Summer, and harvesting the fruits of my labor in Fall.

But even with that new rhythm (which was a vast improvement), something still felt off for me. Call it something as simple as temperature. 

Generally speaking, I don’t enjoy the heat of summer, especially where I live in the San Fernando Valley. When others are doing all sorts of outdoor activities, I’m comparatively inactive (except for walks on the beach when I can get there).

 When cooler temps arrive, I come alive. I resume my 5K walks again. I bundle up (yes, we can have chilly nights in Los Angeles) and write on my balcony with my outdoor lights twinkling over my head.

I’ve also realized that while I love to be cozy and drink hot tea and cocoa by the gallon, Winter is not a restful season for me in the way some might prescribe it to be.

Rather, the quietude makes Winter the absolute best time for me to write. So, this December I’ll be baking fewer cookies, but preparing them with a lot more joy, and re-watching only my favorite Christmas movies, so that come Winter Solstice, I’ll be ready to launch my Writing Season. When’s yours? I’d love to hear, and if I can help you find it, let’s talk!