Warm Days, Cool Inspiration: Writing in December

There is something magical about this time of year. It is not just the holidays, though they bring their own kind of joy, but the weather feels perfect. It is the time of year when you can go outside without worrying about bugs, light up the fire pit, and simply enjoy nature in its purest form.

One of my favorite rituals when I am in the mood to write is making a warm hot toddy. With a notebook and pen in hand, I sit outside, surrounded by the calm of the season, and let the inspiration flow from everything around me.

I remember when this writing journey first began. The idea for Sequoya and MD came out of a random moment, a spark during a late fall chat on the back deck with my brother. That evening, I grabbed my journal and started jotting down fragments of their story. At the time, I never imagined that a year later, those notes would transform into a fully published book. It was an incredible experience to breathe life into these diverse and complex characters.

For months, I sat outside and wrote. At first, my thoughts felt scattered, but slowly the pieces began to fall into place. The story began to unfold, and the connections between the characters became clear. I do not know if it was the magic of my imagination or the soothing sounds of the wind, the crackling firewood, and my sleeping dogs nearby, but something about being outdoors helped me get lost in the world I was creating.

I will not say that the outdoors are perfect year-round, but this season has always been my favorite. There is something about the crisp air, the quiet nights, and the sense of reflection that makes it a perfect time to dream, to create, and to write.

Here is to hoping the next big idea is already brewing.