Cultivating a Creative Winter

There's no doubt that this is going to be a long. hard Winter. I'm not necessarily speaking to brutal cold and snow - which is already never welcome, in my case; but the ominous fact that the Pandemic numbers are already spiking right now, and I can sense that it's likely going to get much worse before it gets better.

As such, there's going to be a lot of time spent inside, yet again. Perhaps like we did back in the Spring. I am mentally preparing myself for this, and that my free time is open to possibilities, particularly as I look to maintain this blog and beyond. I have a few ideas on how to spend that time here and cultivate my craft as the Winter months loom large. 

Book Recommendations/Reviews - I would love to delve into reading fiction again, especially if it's an author who has created a recurring character. I have been craving the desire to get lost in a book and tuning out the real word for a while. I started thinking about Sue Grafton lately, and how I sorely miss her and her Kinsey Millhone/Alphabet mysteries. I started reading those when I was in college, and up through - Y is for Yesterday - which ended up being Grafton's last one before her death. It was unexpected and not known to the public that she had been ill. I read that she was having trouble creating a final novel of closure for Kinsey, and it's an oddly fitting way for it to end, that there is no end, other than what the reader creates in their own mind. At any rate, it I'd love to experience that connection to a long-read character again, and potentially craft recommendations and reviews as well. 

Exploring More Creative Formats - Thus far, this blog and the whole Non-NaNoWriMo project has been focused on aspects of everyday life and therefore non-fiction pieces, and that's totally fine. I'd love to delve into the creative side more, but I am finding myself feeling stuck when I attempt it. It's been so fucking long since I had that desire or mindset, that it's taking some effort to bring it back. (Being an IT minion for 8 years takes a serious, beleagured toll.) I might try to sprinkle some more creative elements into the blog and before the November exercise is over. I just need to find my footing somehow and roll with it. Revisiting and reviewing some contests again - and truly making myself commit this time - might also be in store. 

Non-Credit/Free/Virtual Courses - This one might be a tall order to fill, but still worth checking into all the same. Assuming these three requirements actually coexist in reality and outside of the depths of my imagination. Given the state of things, I am sure the virtual option isn't too hard to pursue, but the other elements might not actually be in my favor. I'd also have to consider the time/effort needed to devote, given that there is also a full-time job and household to attend to. But I'd seriously consider this as a tool and method for expanding my horizons and pursuing writing as a more serious and permanent fixture in my life. 

These are the main areas I can think of and that I'll be focusing on this Winter. I can't wait to share more and any potential updates here and as they come to fruition! I'm never a fan of the bitter cold and early darkness, and any distraction and time spent creating as result, is a very good thing! Stay tuned!

Fighting to keep the darkness at bay and moving toward the creative light this Winter. ❄️💙