Seasons of Writing

Understanding the Ebb and Flow of Writing by Debbie Roome
I love the verse in Ecclesiastes 3:1 that states, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.” (NIV) Do you sometimes feel like your writing is fresh and bursting with promise while other times it is dead and dry? It happens to all of us and looking at the natural seasons can help us gain a perspective of why this happens.

Spring and Writing
This is the season of writing where new ideas are birthed, new projects are conceived and stories begin to grow and develop. It is a time of freshness, hope and inspiration. Thoughts are nurtured in your heart and vision abounds.

Summer and Writing
As spring gives way to summer, ideas mature and blossom and stories are captured on paper. Projects grow and strengthen and life is evident in the words you write.

Fall and Writing
This is the time of harvest when fruits mature and stories are sent forth to touch lives. Projects that once brought excitement may lose their appeal and there is a sense of ageing and decay as winter approaches.

Winter and Writing
Winter often feels like a time of waiting. Everything appears stiff and cold and there is little life or inspiration. Nature is resting and words won’t come. Everything you write feels pointless and dry ... and then the first signs of spring appear and the cycle begins again.

I’ve learnt the best thing to do is surrender my writing to God. Unlike the natural seasons, writers may find the winters short and the spring and summer long. We all need to rest at times and if you’re in a dry season, take time off and relax. Feed your soul with the Word of God, read inspiring books and indulge in creative activities ... and one day you’ll catch a hint of spring as the tendril of an idea pushes forth.

Debbie Roome works as a freelance writer from her home in New Zealand. Visit her at Debbie Roome or read some of her work at Suite 101 , Take Root and Write and Faithwriters.