Writing takes a special kind of creativity and tons of work. Writing means continual learning - everything from correct grammar, to researching your story topics and locations, as well as learning the tools of the trade from characterization, to correct flow of a fictional work, to dozens of other rules and implied rules of creative writing. Then one must also understand the differences in writing different genres, as well as learn the ins and outs of how to get published: whether working with a traditional publisher or learning all there is—every nut and bolt, and there are many—to self-publish a book. Then add learning all the ways to market, how to use social media and build a website, or put together a mailing list to start a newsletter, it’s enough to make one dizzy.
Hence, the excitement about the coming of spring, where getting outside on a beautiful day to take a walk is paramount.
Fresh air is good for you. Sunny days, and vitamin C,
and walking the neighborhood are good for you. And there is no longer a hidden,
skim of ice lying under dead leaves and pine needles to slip on.
But the best thing about getting outdoors on a beautiful sunny day, or on an overcast day that may produce a spray of moisture, is that it is good for your mental health.
And as a writer, what is good for my mental health,
after a long winter, is communing with nature, clearing my head, breathing deep
the scents of spring, waving hello to a neighbor, hearing the laughter (and,
yes, screeches) of the kids on the playground of the school behind my house,
and watching my neighbor’s yards transfigure from the deep browns and grays of
winter, into the lush variety of greens that appear almost in front of my eyes. Spring shoots on new growth on trees, blades of grass fighting to appear
against the weight of the brown or black soil, and those tiny shoots that are
identifiable as a variety of plants that will soon cover our gardens in bright
colors of every shade.
And this clearing my head and concentrating on the
growth and metamorphosis around me, also helps to clear my brain, and allow the
ideas to percolate just below the surface. Those creative ideas begin to push
up through the packed soil of my brain, grow, and blossom into new ideas.
The power of getting outdoors, wandering at a snail’s
pace or powerwalking at top speed, while watching the transformation from one
season to the next clears the mind of clutter. And allows the ideas to sprout
and grow.
What
inspires you as the season changes from cold to warm to hot?
Starlight Grille
A Serenity
Harbor Maine Collection
Welcome to Serenity Harbor, Maine, a
small coastal town where the Starlight Grille is a favorite meeting place. This
sweet, with a touch of heat, collection includes a new bonus short story and a
Starlight Grille recipe.
The Legacy of
Parkers Point
Two lives, one legacy—the lure of
Parkers Point. One runs from … One runs toward …
Grayson Mann runs from a professional wound so deep he changes his
career. Lauralee Adler runs toward a family connection, and a chance to save a
family business and find her father.
Welcome Home
Coming
home means second chances to open your heart, find understanding and love, and
resolve the past.
Is Jim the one man who will understand and
help Maurie heal from past mistakes? Will Maurie fill the space left from Jim’s
long-ago loss?
Come Dance with
Me
Improvisational jazz musician meets
buttoned up English teacher—will the Christmas lights sparkle or shatter before
the dance ends?
Sam’s mission to rescue Ashley from childhood
fears has her running the other direction. Can what is done out of love tear
apart a relationship, or forever cement a love that is true?
Moonlighting
A blast from the past, a ten-year old
matchmaker with a valentine wish, an omission, and a villainous man…
a recipe for disaster? Or love against all odds?
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Starlight-Grille-Serenity-Harbor-Collection-ebook/dp/B07CN8JV2Z/
Books2Read
books2read.com/u/3yDjWe
~ cottages to
cabins ~ keep the home fires burning ~
Delsora Lowe writes small town sweet and
spicy romances and contemporary westerns from the mountains of Colorado to the
shores of Maine.
Author of the Starlight Grille
series, Serenity Harbor Maine novellas, and the Cowboys of Mineral Springs series, Lowe has also authored short
romances for Woman’s World magazine.
Her new novella, The Love Left Behind, will release in late fall, 2020.
SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:
Author website: www.delsoralowe.com
Facebook Author page: https://www.facebook.com/delsoraloweauthor/community/
Amazon Author page: https://www.amazon.com/Delsora-Lowe/e/B01M61OM39/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
Books2Read Author page: https://www.books2read.com/ap/8GWm98/Delsora-Lowe
BookBub Author Page: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/delsora-lowe-93c6987f-129d-483d-9f5a-abe603876518
Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16045986.Delsora_Lowe
Instagram: #delsoralowe / https://www.instagram.com/delsoralowe/
PHOTO CREDITS:
Author at Work: free
writing book clip art - Google Search
11 comments:
Oh I love spring and getting outside. Planting, walking, taking photos. Such a great time of year. And really helpful for my mental health and creativity.
Loved your photos! Fresh air and sunshine always help my imagination take flight.
Me too, Jennifer. Funny, the photo I took of the crocus is from last year, and it finally just bloomed yesterday. Good to see buds and flowers after a long winter. And good to get back in writing mode again.
Luanna - yes, sunshine is so important And we've had a lack of it this spring. But today, after heavy winds and rain, the sun just popped out - YAY! Made my day. Now back to editing a Christmas story - which is always strange working on in the sunny seasons.
Lovely post, Delsora. I love the coming of spring as much as you do. I find all the seasons spark creativity for me, but most especially the springtime. In Southwest Washington state, it has been unseasonably cold, with snow and hail this past week, but temperatures are inching up. All of nature is an inspiration to writers, but I agree, especially springtime.
What a timely and inspiring post! I was walking this morning, pondering my new project, er, plotting my new project, and had the same feeling. You've inspired me as well. Thanks!
I agree, Dari - all the seasons are inspirational in their own way. I think spring and fall seem to have the biggest impact. Whereas winter seems to ease out of fall and summer seems to ease out of spring - at least to me :-)
I love to ponder new projects on a lovely day, especially as the green is just starting to appear after a long, brown winter. Hope you came up with something fun for your next project, Susan!
Delsora, I'm late to the party and very glad I made it! Summer is my least favorite time to walk because of the heat and I don't like to get up early just to walk. So spring, fall and winter are my best walking seasons. I do pop up from my computer and stroll or powerwalk around the block when I either don't know what comes next in my story or I know what comes next but haven't exactly figured out how to put that idea on the page. I always had my answer or several ideas by the time I got home. You always have such amazing pictures. One of the reasons I look forward to your posts.
Judith- I agree that walking is a great way to figure out new ideas and tease out an idea that has taken root and needs to grow. I must have a zillion photos on my phone of the same flowers, which I take over and over each spring. Looking at them always cheer me up mid-winter.
OMH I love these pictures, sosos much!
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