It’s a beautiful day outside.

For many, such a statement would be commonplace. However, I live in a city renowned for its dull, overcast skies and foggy nights. Tingles of guilt for having not spent every moment of daylight outdoors begin to creep in, as the desire to write is supplanted by a need to ‘live’ and interact with others.

As you may have surmised, I’m very much a ‘winter writer’ despite my best efforts to the contrary. While I do aim for consistency and routine, to varying degrees of success, it would be fair to say my most productive months fall between September and May. The quiet, tranquil and dreary atmosphere which wraps its tendrils across this stretch of the year helps me to feel cosy at my desk.

No remorse, simply a cup of coffee and my books.

As gloomy a lifestyle as this may sound to some, particularly those not familiar with the creative process, I take solace in the knowledge that ‘writer melancholia’ is a common state of mind. Tales of authors producing their best works as shut-ins during the long, dark nights are easy to find.

That’s not to say I’m a recluse, by any stretch. In fact, I do try to ensure I go out to museums and see people to remain somewhat grounded. However, when the sun begins to show its unfamiliar visage as May approaches, I, like most of my fellow inhabitants of this locale, can’t resist the urge to spread my wings.

As a result, I use the spring and summer months to focus on cultivating my sources of inspiration. Whether that entails trips abroad or idle days spent at a local park, my Kindle Scribe is constantly gaining new pages with diagrams and brainstorm charts to help with subsequent works.

In particular, visiting my local museums and seeing what exhibitions are taking place helps reinvigorate my desire to write. Meeting new people through swimming several days per week also sparks ideas concerning how to convey a natural, organic style of dialogue between my characters. It’s often as though all the rambling ideas pent up inside my head become sorted out as I take time away from staring at Scrivener.

If it was an old plasma monitor, I’d be worried about ‘burn-in’ at this point.

Obviously there is a bit of balance required, as I can’t just forego writing during the warmer season altogether. Likewise, a brisk walk through the snow in mid-December can provide its own form of creative motivation. Nonetheless, I just felt like writing this post to express my overall sense of balance when it comes to the writing process and how I keep the flame of imagination kindled.

On that note, I’m off to the pool. Until next time,

Best wishes,

C.A. Fitzroy