Fall is one of my favorite times of year. Please welcome Jordan K. Rose and her views on the changing seasons!
I live in New England where we experience each one of the four seasons. Rainy spring weather rolls into glorious sunny summer. Autumn slides in with the last of the beautiful beach weather fading into October’s changing red, gold and brown leaves. Then winter hits. It literally slaps its way in. Temperatures drop. Snow falls. Doors and windows slam shut and the sun rises and sets so fast you’d think we lived in Alaska.
If you’re like me, you notice the changing of each season. Even the subtleties like the scent of spring showers washing away the last of the frozen mounds of snow or the combination wardrobe every woman pulls together as she grumbles her way from sleeveless tops into bulky sweaters as October tries to hold on to Indian Summer while November elbows its way in with temperatures hovering in the forties.
Over the years I’ve realized that I’m my most active at the changing of the seasons, when everything is in flux. The unsettled atmosphere makes it difficult for me to sit still. I have to get things done. I clean the house and plan for holidays or family events, even if they’re months away. Ideas for future books or current storylines pop into my head every time I turn a corner.
The atmospheric tumult, however smooth or disastrous affects me and everyone in my path. My husband and dog experience the upset with things getting turned upside down as the need to clean hits. Things get moved. New systems are developed and any complaining, or in the dog’s case, following me around, ears drooping and moping, are not tolerated. Change must happen.
Thankfully, the seasons turn fairly quickly. There’s only so much activity one woman and her household can tolerate. After that, it’s a quick trip to the psych ward for everyone, including the mopey dog.
Over the years I’ve realized that my life is seasonal. For example, although I love the summer months, they are the least productive for me because I bask in summer fun- the beach, cookouts, fairs.
It’s the cold, dreary months when I’m most creative. The months when I can’t sit in a bathing suit and listen to the waves on the beach, when I can’t bear the thought of leaving the house because I don’t want to freeze my toes off. Late autumn through to mid spring is when I’m at my keyboard rapidly trying to get my characters’ stories onto the pages.
Oh, yes, I write all year, most everyday. But in the summer months with the windows open and the ocean calling me I don’t spend entire weekends writing. I don’t want to miss out on all the fun. So I write in the morning and at the end of the day each day. And enjoy the summer.
In the winter I write and write and write. So even though all the lovely warm weather is ending and we’re heading into blustery cold, dark months, I’m elated. It’s writing season and I have plenty of characters with lots and lots to share!
What about you? When are you most productive?
After trying her hand at many, many things – from crafting and art classes to cooking and sewing classes to running her own handbag business, Jordan finally figured out how to channel her creativity. With an active imagination and a little encouragement from her husband she sat down and began to write, each night clicking away at the keys with her black Labrador, Dino curled up under the desk. A few short years later she’s entered the publishing arena with no plans to ever turn back. Jordan’s a member of RWA National, and the New England (NEC), Connecticut, and Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal (FFnP) Chapters. Visit her website at www.jordankrose.com.
Jordan’s novel, Perpetual Light, will be released in winter 2012 by Crescent Moon Press. A reincarnated woman must trust the husband she condemned three hundred and fifty years ago to help her defeat a power-hungry vampire hell-bent on ruling the world. As a Pharo of Redemption Lucia DiComano must destroy Samuel, a master vampire who’ll stop at nothing to possess her powers. But centuries of avoiding this task have weakened her. Now, in order to save all of creation she must rely on Vittorio, the man who holds the key to her soul, the very same vampire who changed her destiny
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I love the change of seasons, however, autumn is my favorite. For me, writing comes to me when I have an idea for a story. Once I begin writing, it seems to flow from there. The change of seasons doesn’t seem to matter in my writing. It does, however, impact what I read. During the summer, I would rather read something light and during the winter will opt for something with a little more weight to it. Even though I’m writing daily, I still try to read one book per week. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the beautiful seasons in New England.
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts, Gerri! I envy you being able to read a book a week. I don’t seem to have nearly as much time for reading as I’d like.
Autumn is my favorite also. I’m from Massachusetts originally and there’s nothing better than apple picking on a crisp fall day, then baking a delicious apple pie. But I also love snow. Wish I was in New England right now! As for writing, I probably do write a bit more in the winter because there’s more time hunkered down inside.
Hi Gerri.
Thanks so much for stopping by. I never noticed if the seasons effect what I read. In fact, I’m pretty sure they don’t. It’s funny how the changing weather impacts on each in different ways. Enjoy the last of the leaves. In New England we’re getting a storm this weekend that’s predicted to leave 5-8 inches of snow! It’s a good weekend for cuddling up with a book. Jordan
Hi Cindy. Again, thanks for having me and for adding those gorgeous pictures. It’s definitely a hot chocolate, beef stew sort of weekend! Jordan
Great post!!!! Now that it’s fall here in the desert, I can enjoy being outside again and writing while out on my patio. Love that. Scents of oranges blooming and growing on our trees makes it even that much better. 🙂
Can’t wait to read your book!
Hi Lynn. How funny that as the weather gets cooler you’re heading to the outside to write while many of us are taking cover inside. Enjoy it. I’m jealous! Jordan
I love every season except the full heat of summer.. dislike sitting in an air conditioed house all the time, though it does allow for lots of writing. lately. I tend to run behind on the season changes. still hoping for a little fishing this year, but with two books coming out in the next few months i’m buried at my computer. RC Bonitz
Hi RC. Thanks for stopping by. I hope you do get some fishing in before it gets too cold. My husband caught a 20 pound bass 2 weeks ago. It was great eating. Good luck with the upcoming books. Jordan
So what does a freak snowstorm in October do to your writing? Hope you’re digging out ok. 😉
Hi there Mia! I’ll tell you I’m certainly happy to stay in the house and write! Thankfully, we only had a couple inches and it’s mostly gone. I gave in and switched the clothes over. No denying- the cold weather is here! Keep warm. Jordan