Embrace Winter Writing: Ignite Your Creativity

As we welcome December and the start of winter, it is a time to embrace hope in our writing. For many, winter can evoke feelings of dread due to the cold and darkness. However, it also brings the beauty of snowflakes on evergreen boughs. It brings the sparkle of Christmas decorations and the festivities of joyful celebrations. As we settle into winter, we find comfort in the warmth of the fire. We also enjoy a trip to the coffee shop. There, we feel inspired to devote a morning to ourselves.

For me, the first snowfall framed by a flawless blue sky offers a magical moment. It reminds me of winters as a child growing up in Pennsylvania. I recall the joy of sledding and a day off from school. When I came inside, my diary and notebooks were waiting. I attempted to write a poem, a description of the woods behind my house. There, icy-encased monkey vines glittered in brilliant light.

Writing offers the hope of understanding and appreciating our humanity and those around us. It serves as a comforter and friend on a cold winter’s day. It is a touchstone to our past and to the present and maybe a path to what lies ahead.

Unfortunately, I often hear people say writing feels more daunting than hopeful. Writing should be healing. Questions arise: Am I good enough? Am I an untrained writer? How much catching up must I do to make my writing shine?

Writing can indeed be intimidating. Yet, comparing ourselves to other writers is an exercise in futility. Instead, the goal is to bring a unique voice, perspective, experience, and life to the world of storytelling.

We may still hear that nagging voice of doubt. It asks, “Can I truly express what I want to say on the page?”

Ultimately, the dedication to writing is what matters. With determination and a willingness to believe we offer something of worth to our readers, we conquer half the battle. As Hemingway put it, “Writing can be hard, but it doesn’t have to be lonely.”

Ways to do this include:

As American novelist and poet Charles Bukowski once said, “A writer is not a writer because he has written some books. A writer is not a writer because he teaches literature. A writer is only a writer if he can write now, tonight, this minute.”

Another way to validate your work is to publish it. As writers delve into their own insecurities, feedback from readers assures us that what we wrote has merit. This happened to me when I began publishing my memoirs. I still remember readers telling me that my stories touched their own lives. I met readers at book signings and open mic readings. I also connected with them through my church, our Women’s Writing Circle, and the local libraries.

I invite you to give yourself permission to write during this season of hope. Embrace winter writing and ignite your creativity. Let our words guide us as we welcome in winter.

I invite you to share your own experiences about winter and writing.