A Writer’s Summer

As we roll into summer, I thought it might be nice to take a look at the many ways a writer can benefit from both the chaos and calm that the season has to offer. Being born and raised in California myself, summer has meant many things- relaxing days at the beach, cranking the air conditioning just a little bit higher (hello 100+ degree days), and slapping away hungry mosquitos while (trying) to enjoy an evening outside. For writers, however, summer can become a time of procrastination, hesitation, or straight up pressure. What should a writer do with their summer?

Live a little

Whether you write nonfiction or fiction, your experiences work their way into your words. They bring color and depth to an otherwise flat canvas, creating worlds and wonder for your reader. This is why, even if you’re on a deadline-perhaps especially if you’re on a deadline- I recommend that writers go out and live their lives. Creativity does not flourish in a vacuum. The world needs your words, but it also needs you to enjoy writing them, and to feel inspired. Go do something that makes you forget that plot hole you just can’t figure out how to fill, or helps you remember the joy you want the reader to find again. Then come back to your desk, refreshed, and ready to dig in again.

Treat yourself

Okay, so maybe this one is a little self-indulgent- but as a writer, you’re doing hard work. And some treats or fun things feel especially indulgent during the summer. Perhaps you write better with a watermelon smoothie on your desk. Personally, I’ve always found an iced coffee with extra creamer to be just the ticket to get the words flowing once again. I’m just saying, I’ve never known anyone to be grumpy while enjoying a popsicle or drinking a milkshake. So, do with this what you will. And, if the writing isn’t flowing with the above, chocolate is always a safe bet.

Manage your expectations-and then do the work

If you have children and they’re home over the summer, this adds a special kind of chaos to the mix. As all of those wistful social media graphics remind us, we only have so many summers with them as children. That being said, no one wants to look back on their summer and wish they had met personal goals that truly felt reachable, with better planning. If this is you, go into the summer with an intention to make memories that matter, but also set aside a little time (maybe a week? An hour every day?) to focus on a goal you would like to meet for yourself. No one is happy with a parent (or grandma or grandpa, aunt or uncle) tied to their desk while everyone else enjoys the pool, so plan to have all the fun you want with some dedicated writing time-because that matters, too.

Relax- and actually do it

There are always some writers that look at summer as the time to write an entire book, get an agent, or meet a deadline they’ve had months to work toward. Put another way, they are going to do it all. If this works for you, then by all means, go for it. However, there is something to be said for following the natural rhythm of things, and embracing fun. Doesn’t it feel as though summer is the season of celebration? So maybe, just maybe- this season is a time for writing a little, but more inspired than ever, because you’ve lived a lot.

How do you plan to spend your summer?