Seasons of Writing #ISWG


Badge for Insecure Writer's Support Group

It’s the 1st Wednesday of the month again. That’s when I take part in Alex J. Cavanaugh’s Insecure Writer’s Support Group. The awesome co-hosts for the December 2 posting of the IWSG are Pat Garcia, Sylvia Ney, Liesbet @ Roaming About Cathrina Constantine, and Natalie Aguirre! Today I will share about what times and seasons of the year I am most productive in my writing as I answer the December 2 question:

Are there months or times of the year that you are more productive with your writing than other months, and why?

This question has interesting timing because lately I have been motivated to write more. Every weekday I write about my job. One of the unfortunate side effects of turning your passion into your profession is that you sometimes push what you love to do aside in favor of doing what you must. It doesn’t mean you don’t enjoy it. But it is important to occasionally check in with yourself.

Self-Check-In Questions

  • What unfinished projects have I forgotten about?
  • Have I done any “useless,” but fun writing lately? By the way, writing is never useless, but you know what I mean.
  • What can I quit, so that I can take more time to write? This is where we hit all of the things that aren’t bad, perse, but which are better in moderation (Television, videogames, golf, or other ways of passing time without a real payoff).

But, now that I am settled into my job, I feel as though it is time to find that balance that I forgot was lost.

Times and seasons of the year when I feel more motivated

I am especially productive at the changing of the seasons. Each fall, I think back in time to when I was a kid returning to school, after the summer break, and all of the emotions that conjured up. In the springtime when all of nature seems to be renewed, so is my desire to write.

Memories Stir Motivation

There are also specific months that stir thoughts that beg to be written down. October is a month filled with memories of my husband, specifically our wedding anniversary and his Cancerversary. I become very aware of marking the passing time and the grace we had been given.

Spiritual Writing Seasons

During the Advent and Lenten seasons, my spiritual antenna is raised especially high. I seem to meditate on the love of God even more than at other times of the year. For years I kept a journal. I could think of no better way to begin each entry than, “Dear God.” My journals became compilations of prayers. Although, I am embarrassed to admit that I stopped doing that not long before my husband died. I suppose I could add, “Have I been writing in my journal?” to my list of self-check-in questions.

I used to write a lot in the summer during the camping season, but I haven’t been camping since my husband died. Perhaps, I should go again and write the great American novel. I will let you know how that turns out.

When do you write most?

What Are YOUR Thoughts?

Please share how your writing world is doing in the comments below. I appreciate my readers as well as the writing community. To show that appreciation, I use Comment Luv. Just leave a comment below, and your latest post will get a link next to it. Thank you!

About Heather Erickson

I am an author, writer, and speaker and homeschooling mom of 3. Since doctors diagnosed my husband, Dan, with stage IV lung cancer in 2012, I’ve focused my writing and speaking on helping cancer patients and their families advocate for themselves and live life to the fullest, despite their illness. My goal is to help people face cancer with grace. My books are available at Amazon.com:

The Memory Maker’s Journal 

Facing Cancer as a Friend: How to Support Someone Who Has Cancer

Facing Cancer as a Parent: Helping Your Children Cope with Your Cancer

I also blog about living with cancer at Facing Cancer with Grace.

 

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One comment on “Seasons of Writing #ISWG

I guess this was the reminder you needed. Sometimes that’s all it takes.

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