Glistening and juicy, just asking to be turned into jam
It’s a wonderful time of year here; monbretia and fuschia line the roadways, blackberries are ripe for picking and the skies get moodier as the sunny days are tinged with a slight chill in the mornings. Autumn is becoming visible in the auburn-tinged ferns and wilting ivy. But most importantly, the crazy pace of the summer (tourist) season is slowing down so it’s freeing up more time to write.
This autumn/winter, my schedule looks like this so far:
- September: Prepare novel for submission, complete picture book text for submission, nature poem for Rialto nature competition, attend Cork International Short Story festival and the Penguin publishing day in Dublin (prize for Penguin/RTE Guide short story competition).
- October: Write first draft of book for 5-8 years & draft of book for 8-12 years (to see if the ideas work).
- November: Write first draft of new novel (undecided – YA or adult)
- December: and rest!
The ivy is dying back, offering beautiful colour to hedgerows
I love the quiet mornings in autumn/winter when I can light a scented candle, treat my feet to soft slippers and write solidly for an hour or two before anyone stirs.
It takes a bit of getting used to as the days draw in and cool down – and sometimes it takes a bit of extra effort to haul myself from under the duvet – but I feel very lucky to have the opportunity to switch to a slower pace of life.
And although writing can be a lonely pursuit, I love having a blog because I can connect with other writers and nature lovers, and we can share what’s happening in our lives.
So what I’d really like to know is – what’s your favourite thing about autumn and winter? And if you’re a writer, what are you working on?
E.R.Murray 
My favourite thing about autumn and winter is the peace that settles over everything. I love the colours of the changing season, and I really like the cool days and the invigorating wind. Winter has always been my favourite season! I’m working on draft one of my second novel for 8-12 year olds right now, hoping it’ll be ready for revision by the end of the month and submission to agents before the end of the year; after that I’ll be looking for more competitions to enter before I start into my next project. No rest for the wicked. 🙂
Hi Sinead! Yes, the peace is wonderful. Not many people say winter is their favourite season but I have a deep love for it too. I’d love to know more about your 8-12 year old book & if you’d like a reader – how about we swap a few chapters? Mine won’t be ready until October but I’d love you to cast an eye if you have time – and would happily do the same!
What a wonderful idea! I’d love that. I’d say October would be the best time for me, too – the more drafts I do, the better! 😀 Thank you, Elizabeth. I’d love to swap some work with you, whenever you’re ready to share. My email address is on my blog, if you want to get in touch.
Hey Elizabeth. Autumn seems to have come too soon this year, and I plan on doing some walking on Offa’s Dyke path before settling down to a new project. Like yourself not completely sure yet what that will be. Have fun at the Cork short story festival, I looked in on it last year and really enjoyed the bits I saw. And many congrats re prize for Penguin/RTE Guide short story competition, I somehow missed seeing that – so pleased for you.
Thanks Lane! I’m really looking forward to the festival. I wrote their blog a few years ago and love how the Munster Literature Centre guys run their festivals. There’s a real intimacy & respect towards writers & writing. Your walking adventure sounds lovely – and the smell of a new project? Always wonderful 🙂
The respect a side-effect of readings in a chapel? Tho you get that at Bantry too… Anyway, hope you have a great time, would like to drop in but cannot get away this year.
A tip: heard this & immediately thought of you, Elizabeth. Mercier Press considering stories for children aged 9-12 – just sending on the off chance…
I’ve been watching your gardening and kitty adventures with interest, and often with a smile, dear Liz. If you could only see my backyard! It’s a wilderness, a “cold rain forest” all of its own. Which tells you that I SUCK at gardening!
Writing-wise, I’m working on my fifth Stone Series novel, with a deadline at the end of the year. It’s coming along well!
Sounds great! I’m halfway through the first draft of my fantasy novel & hoping to have a presentable 10k for the Irish Writer’s Center Novel Fair by October 16th…and then to chat with people about it at the World Fantasy Convention at Halloween.
Good luck with the novel fair Charlene – it’s an excellent opportunity for writers. Keep going – you’ll get there!