Winter is known for its gray days and cold weather, which is often hard for writers to overcome. It's hard for me--right now, while the snow is falling outside and there's not a hint of sun, I'd like nothing more than to take a nice, long nap. But I write through--I have to because I'm a writer. So, what do I do to keep on writing through the long, cold, gray winter days? I use some of my favorite products that help my mood stay sunny and my brain stay awake.
1. Keurig Coffee Maker: (pictured here) My husband surprised me with this yesterday as one of my Christmas presents. I saw one at my friend's house, used it in the fall, and I couldn't stop raving about it. If you aren't familiar with these coffee makers, you can make one cup of coffee, tea, or cocoa at a time with this machine. You use K-cups for your grounds, and there's no mess. It is absolutely amazing. So, when I start to get drowsy in the winter, I can now easily and quickly make myself a little coffee. While I'm waiting for the cup to brew, I can do a few stretches to help my "sitting" and "writing" muscles.
2. Honeywell Space Heater: Not that you have to have a Honeywell space heater--any space heater will do, but I love this one because it has a thermostat. It shuts off when it reaches the temperature that you want. It also shuts off if it is picked up or knocked over, like when my puppy, who likes to lay right in front of it, gets too close and hits it with his leg. I'm not sure how my brain works; but when my body's warmer, I write better. I just do. So, this heater helps me write through the winter blahs.
3. Bath and Body Works Wallflower Fragrance Bulbs: Smelling something good helps me feel more energetic when the day is gray. Maybe it's because my sense of smell is trying to make up for my sense of sight and tired brain. I love candles; but sometimes, they make me nervous when I'm shuffling a bunch of papers around on my desk. So, I also like these Bath and Body Works Wallflower Fragrance Bulbs that you plug into the wall, and they fill your office or living room (where ever you write) with any smell that motivates you. I like tropical, fruity smells--coconut scents remind me of suntan lotion, which reminds me of summer!
LuAnn also just talked about getting motivated for 2010 in her great blog post on Christmas Eve. If you are feeling the winter blahs, read "Maintain Motivation in 2010," and use some of these tips, too.
How about you? Do you have some sure fire way to work through the winter blahs and keep writing?
Happy Winter Writing!
Margo Dill
http://margodill.com/blog/
"Read These Books and Use Them"
3 comments:
I live in California so I seldom experience weather-related blahs. Any day that it's not sunny out is usually met with interest and curiosity. Of course, drop the temp below 70 and we California weather weenies will scream bloody murder.
I find the gray, snowy winter much more enjoyable -- or at least bearable! -- if I schedule regular, intentional escapes for myself (reading time, long hot baths, etc.). But I'm also more productive in my writing if I don't try to hide from the season entirely: heading outside for a walk most days over my lunch hour does me a world of good.
I was glad to see that there is something written by a mom who's child has Sensory Dev. Disorder. My grandson also has it, and now I know I will be looking for her book at B&N or Amazon so my daughter and I can read up on her ideas and suggestions. Thank you for sharing it.
Claire Seim
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