Isabel Allende challenges this zany idea of using leisure to fuel creativity rather than strict discipline. What sorcery is this? Who does that!?! How does one produce anything without fierce and focused determination, carved out daily writing quiet time, and of course coffee? I’m actually not jesting as much as I want to be.

Looking back, I have taken many a road trips to beautiful mountain landscapes to achieve this rare blend of leisure, and creative fuel. But the thing is, in the winter, I have zero motivation to be out in nature. And thus I rely on schedule and a stricter writing mantra than in the summer. It’s a strange thing to think about, yet it’s true. Yes, I know I could employ the whole go for a drive technique that often stirs up imagination, but without a warm destination, I talk myself out of it. And thus, I have this immense conflict of emotions bridging leisure with writing.

I write with more passion in the sunshine and fresh air. But, I cannot do these things if I am even the slightest bit cold, so until I move somewhere warm all year round (not something I have any desire to actually do) I am stuck with seasonal schedules. And admittedly I think this is why I have struggled to get the ole podcast I keep mentioning recorded. The winter months simply don’t support my random creativity like the sunshine. Maybe what I am really saying is that I am addicted to the D. The vitamin D, get your head out of the gutters! Ok, maybe that too, but that is a whole other post.

That’s all for now. Stay tuned next week to see what randomness comes out of my brain during my year long writing challenge venture. And for those on my Patreon, fuelling me with coffee and beer money, thank you!