Summer writing can be difficult. You might even end up with WRITERS BLOCK!
Deep in July, are you feeling it? I know I am. There are so many plans and people to see, beaches to lay on, pools to lounge by, burgers to barbecue, but the urge to write is still there. During a lull in the activities, you find yourself thinking about your WIP. (I’m going to stay away from world events today. This summer, world events and things like a television show being canceled, are taking up more mental space than summer activities.)
So, here are some things that I and other writers I know do to keep writing even when summer activities get you distracted.
Join a writing group: During the year, I meet with a group of writers multiple times a week. This summer it’s been more difficult, but I’m managing one a week. Meeting with a writing group gives you time to write, as well as time with other writers. I’ve always found encouragement being with writers, giving each other the energy to keep moving forward. Keep talking to them, even on days you don’t meet.
Jot down a sentence or two: It can be at any time, have a pen and paper ready, a pocket-sized notebook, or the app you like best on your phone. Use your environment, like the hot, summer sun, for any genre. “The sun’s heat could melt the flesh off my bones.” Or “A bead of sweat dripped down between her breasts, catching the eye of the man across the table.”
Get a prompt book or subscribe to prompts: Write to them. Even if only for 10 minutes. Those 10 minutes could be what you need to keep your juices flowing, to make sure you maintain your creative spark. Also, I’ve always loved writing to prompts. You never know what will come of them.
Create your own space: Whether it be in the corner of your living room, a room of your own, or sitting in the shade of your patio. Even if all you add is a little sculpture of a typewriter, a small stack of notebooks, or jar of pens, claim the space. When your household sees you there, tell them you need some time to write. Make it comfortable for you and your words.
Attend an event: You can check out Destination Ontario Literary Events, if you live in Ontario. The Writer’s Union of Canada has a list of events across Canada. Look for book launches, author signings or events at the library. Find something bookish and absorb some of that energy.
Read: Writers need to read. In and out of your genre. Read a book that will inspire you or read a book that you can enjoy on the beach. Let the words fuel you. Even if no writing gets done, summer is a great time to read.
I hope this helps. This advice isn’t just for the writers out there. Anyone following a creative path or a path that isn’t their “day job”. Take some time to squeeze past the block of summer, but don’t put pressure on yourself if you can’t. Summer doesn’t last forever. The kids will be back in school, and the cottages will be closed before you know it. Enjoy the time and weather while you can.
Links:
Writer’s Union of Canada - Canadian Festivals and Reading Series: https://writersunion.ca/get-published/directory-resources/festivals-series
Ontario Literary Events: https://www.destinationontario.com/en-ca/articles/literary-events-ontario
What I’ve Been Reading:
The Perils of Lady Catherine De Bourgh, by Claudia Gray
Kingdom of Ash, by Sarah J. Maas
What I’ve Been Watching:
Murderbot
Superman
K-Pop Demon Hunters
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds
Star Trek: The Next Generation
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
Lucifer
The Rookie
I don’t note this every time, but I watch a few late night shows, including The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. I also watch Late Night with Seth Meyers, The Daily Show, and Last Week Tonight
What I’ve Been Listening To:
My Anti-Anxiety mix, which includes Lorde, Hozier, Taylor Swift, Leon Bridges, Chance Peña, Billie Eilish, Noah Kahan, Adele, Harry Styles, Stephen Sanches, Kacey Musgraves, Julia Micheals. (I don’t know if it helps, but I like the mix.)
Also some Bad B*tch Energy at times when I need to feel more pumped, which includes Beyoncé, Doechii, Megan thee Stallion, Nikki Minaj, Ice Spice, Salt n’ Pepa, Foxy Brown, Lizzo.
Learn about the land on which we reside:
Great tips, Loni.