Happy Insecure Writers Support Group Day. IWSG is the brainchild of Ninja Captain Alex J. Cavanaugh.
Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds! Thanks, Alex, for starting this group and keeping it going. We are rockin' the neurotic writing world!
A huge thank you to the awesome co-hosts for this month Lee Lowery, Ronel Janse van Vuuren, Jennifer Hawes, Cathrina Constantine, and Tyrean Martinson!
February 5 optional question - Has a single photo or work of art ever inspired a story? What was it and did you finish it?
My answer: nope. Well, not yet. I'm curious to read what others say.
If you've been hanging around the IWSG world for the past few years, you probably noticed that I really don't like February. Never mind Valentine's Day, never mind Hubs' birthday, or any other celebration. February in Michigan is blah. Worse than blah. It's gray, gray, gray. It's downright depressing.
Last year, we got away for a week to the sunny Alabama coast. What a pick-me-up. This year, we're staying home while Hubs goes through cardio rehab following his heart valve replacement. By the time he's finished, Spring will have arrived. So, what can I do to prevent the February blues from setting in and spoiling the good time I'm having finishing my current WIP?
Double up on Vitamin D
Get out in the sunshine (whenever it appears)
Turn on my "happy" lamp
Change my attitude
If I can't get to the sunshine, I guess I'll have to make some. My daughter gave me the lamp that imitates the benefits of sunshine. It really does work.
Attitude is the chief way of getting through the February gloom that descends each year on the Great Lakes states. As much as I love Lake Michigan in the summer, it's murder on the mood in the winter. So I have to accept that and move on. Not let it take over.
This month, I'm going to finish THE SPY (An Outer Rim Novel), the science fiction romance I've been dogging around on for over a year. I wrote myself into a corner and couldn't see my way out. So I didn't bother opening the file--other than for snippets each weekend with the Weekend Writing Warriors. The encouragement and comments from the participants is spurring me on. So far this month, I've written 5k words. I'm on a roll. LOL Only 20k to go. Stay tuned to see if I make it.
Click here to find others on the Insecure Writers Support Group Blog Hop. Or go to IWSG on Facebook to see who’s blogging today.
I live in Michigan too and know what you mean about February and the winter in general. Hope you get your story finished.
ReplyDeleteWork on that story and ignore the clouds outside!
ReplyDeleteThat happy lamps sounds great! I remember how blah I would get when we lived in less sunny climes. The lack of sun really can impact on your mood.
ReplyDeleteLook outside, quick! There's sunshine midstate . . . for a minute before the weather warning kicks in. I just invested in a desktop "grow" light for mood and am doubling down on my Vit D. You concentrate on finishing that book I can't wait to read! February is my favorite winter month becuz it's so SHORT!
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteMy sister lives in Lansing, Michigan and she and her husband are dissatisfied with the weather. They are moving to Knoxville, TN.. They went down for about two weeks and fell in love with the city.
All the best and I hope spring comes soon for you.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange
February does have that chill factor! Good luck with finishing up your project. Hey, you can stay inside by the fire and write. February has some good things going for it--it promotes indoor activities like finishing writing projects.
ReplyDeleteI have a friend who swears by her Happy Lamp. I don't know about the attitude change, though. I have the same attitude, only in the summer months, because it's too hot, too bright, and too sticky. I seldom miss an opportunity to complain. I'm an odd cold-weather, gray day lover.
ReplyDeleteWishing you good progress with The Spy!
I've always wondered if those lamps really work. I was skeptical but glad to know I was wrong! It's great one is helping you.
ReplyDeleteGood luck finishing up the WIP!
I talk about the HappyLamp in Keep Writing with Fey (my upcoming sequel). :)
ReplyDeleteWriting always helps me when the doom and gloom try to take over. I also suggest bananas and chocolate. Both can perk a person up. :-)
ReplyDeleteAnna from elements of emaginette
My son had a 'sun' lamp a few years ago, used it every day during winter. It did help him. It sure works.
ReplyDeleteGood luck on that last 20k. And finding sunshine!
ReplyDeleteI live in Buffalo, where it seems we rarely see sunshine in the winter. Today was pure gloom. So, I understand how you're feeling. I hope your husband is on the mend, and I hope we'll both be seeing sunshine soon!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by my blog.
ReplyDeleteWe are having unusually warm weather in eastern Virginia. I'm worried what our summer will look like if this is our winter.
Best of luck finishing your book.
I wish you and your husband well, Diane. I need to get out in the sun when it appears, too. Gosh, it's been gloomy lately here in New Jersey. I need to find a happy lamp and keep the light burning always. All best to you, my dear!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you had a getaway for a break from the gray. At least, the days are getting longer...And just think how happy your heart will be when you see the first robin and the many signs of spring! No matter you'll get another blizzard a week later!! LOL...Happy to hear your husband is recovering well. Hang in there. Soon you'll be mowing grass and complaining of the heat!!!
ReplyDeleteGood luck finishing your draft, Diane. I totally understand. February is one of the worst months for weather here too. It was -44C today. Unbearably brutal, and I can't wait until this season is over.
ReplyDeletehi
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