Writing In The Winter

How to make the most of this cozy season

Hello, friends, and welcome to another post by The Kindness Cafe! Today I’m going to be talking about writing in the winter — more specifically, the ups, the downs, and the tips and tricks that will help us become better writers this season.

There’s a lot to get into, so let’s get started!

Pros of Writing in The Winter:

Winter is a great time to write because it feels like I can devote more time and energy to my drafts instead of procrastinating and finding other things to do (especially outside!) Here are some of my pros for writing during the winter:

• Focusing on writing is easier.

I find that when I sit down to write in the winter, it’s easier for me to crank out a few hundred words than it is during the summer, when I’m more tempted to go outside and soak in the sunshine. Winter always helps chase away the writing slumps, since I have more time on my hands.

• It’s easier to implement light and coziness into writing routines.

Since it gets dark earlier and I don’t always write on the computer, having other light sources is really helpful (and necessary!) I have a candle, twinkle lights, the overhead lights, and a lamp all in my space. The more light the better!

• Drinking hot beverages and eating snacks is a must.

Because it’s so cold outside, I find that having a hot beverage next to me while I’m working helps me focus. Sometimes it’s hot water, sometimes it’s tea, and once in a while I have hot cocoa. I like to mix it up every so often so I’m not drinking the same old thing.

I also like to have a snack with my drink: usually apples and cheese, but sometimes I eat a slice of homemade bread or have a cookie. Variety is nice!

Cons of Writing In The Winter:

• School. (Need I say more?)

School can be an epic time sucker. It’s hard to balance homework, classes, extracurriculars, and chores with writing. It can be even harder during the winter, when our bodies naturally want to rest and hibernate until spring.

• It’s freezing (cold).

If you’re not in a space with lots of light, it can get cold. My desk is the coldest part of the house, which can make it hard to concentrate…a lot. Thankfully, that’s why I have plenty of light downstairs when the sun starts going down and the temperature begins to drop. I also keep a fuzzy blanket downstairs when I get cold.

Tips and Tricks to Squeeze In Writing Time:

1. Plan ahead.

While it can be tricky to make time and effort during winter, planning ahead is key (or otherwise you might get distracted!). For instance, I get in a small amount of writing at the beginning of the day. If there aren’t any plans for the evening, I try to write then, and I always try to make some time to write on the weekends.

2. Use incentives.

If you really don’t want to write, plan a “perfect” writing session. Do all your favorite things – wear your favorite sweater, make your favorite drink and/or snack, make the room feel cozy, play your favorite music, and then just settle down and write. I find this is so much fun when I’m not feeling productive, and I tend to write more words than I would otherwise.

3. Try a writing challenge.

Writing challenges are super fun and a great way to get the words flowing. I tend to do writing challenges in November and January – although I also do personal writing challenges every month, tracking how many words I can write.

4. Be proud of your words, whether it’s 1 or 100!

The biggest, most important step is to be proud of your work. You wrote, even if it was just one word, one sentence, or one paragraph. I know it’s easy to get into the depths of self-doubt, but you’ve got this.

How do you tackle writing in the winter? Do you have any tips or tricks? Comment below!

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