Winter writing blues

Sunset at 4pm in Eton…but the swans don’t suffer from SAD!

The hardest part about living in the Northern hemisphere is seeing the sun set at 3.30pm, which is the case for all of us in the UK as we approach the solstice. Add to this endless grey days of no sun and what happens to the creative flow? It stalls! Does SAD affect writing output? It can do if the winter blues win over productivity.

So, what’s my solution to keeping the writing going through the dark depths of winter? Here are a few ideas:

Gingerbread latte!

1) Coffee, coffee and more coffee! I’m sure there are some out there, but I haven’t yet met a writer who writes uncaffeinated. The good thing about winter is all the yummy seasonal varieties available. Eggnog latte anyone?

2) Crimbo get-togethers. Catching up with friends, especially at drunken work parties might yield some juicy story ideas or conversation snippets for short fiction.

3) Snow. Ok, I will admit this one is hit or miss with me since I enjoy it only when I don’t have to commute in it, but a blizzard can make a romantic setting for fiction. Or if that isn’t your cup of tea, what about a horror? Check out the Japanese folk tale of yuki onna (the snow woman), a good creepy winter yarn!

And remember everyone, keep popping those Vit D tablets to keep up the seasonal fun!