Write2Ignite

Spring is a time of rebirth, renewal, and growth: green sprouts poke out of dormant dirt, the sun tarries longer in the sky, and birds tweet from awakening trees. As writers, it’s a joy to create alongside the waking wonders of spring.

Here are 5 tips to help us get into the swing of spring in relation to our writing:

1. Observe

Heading outside and looking at our broad surroundings, we might see houses, trees, cars, streets, mountains, fields, or more. How far can we see? Is it quantifiable, such as half-a-mile? Is it four houses down? From this panoramic view, let’s zero in on one small spot. Maybe it’s a tree in our yard. Or a bush. A bird. Mine is a lilac bush sporting swollen tips. Several branches are streaked green, while others grasp the brown of winter.

Observations beginning with a larger view and narrowing onto something smaller gives us the macro versus micro view. This is needed in our writing because readers need to have a sense of the world about them, while also having specifics to help land them in a time and place.

2. Listen

Sounds of spring differ from the sounds of winter, yet some things stay the same. Right now, wind howls about my house like a hungry coyote looking for his supper. Windowpanes rattle, branches scrape against siding, and the wind itself moans as if calling out to someone. This wind doesn’t change with the seasons; it’s a regular occurrence. Yet, as leaves begin to once again form on trees, they will whisper against the force of the wind. As the wind subsides, birds will call out a song of praise.

As we write, we need to listen to changes. Excited characters need cheerful and delighted words. Sad ones need words of pain or sorrow.

3. Breathe

This may sound ridiculous, of course we need to breathe! However, in winter when the air is crisp and cool, stepping outside may elicit a gasp as we adjust to the cold. In spring, as the sun warms the earth, we may step outside and take a slow, deep breath. If fresh rain has recently fallen, then we may breathe in the clean air as we smell the rain.

Breath is important as writers. Whether we’re experiencing the cold of writer’s block or the warmth of resolution, paying attention to breathing is necessary. Slow, deep breaths are gifts, especially after sitting at our computers, raining down words. May we enjoy calm moments in between the showers.

4. Bloom

Flowers can’t bloom in winter. The necessary components aren’t available: warm temperatures, plenty of sunlight, water (not snow), and decent soil. Then, as flowers bloom, some open overnight, while others stretch out their petals one at a time.

We need to bloom, too, and this means planting ideas and seeing which ones take root and begin to bud. Keeping an idea notebook has been a game changer for me. Some ideas I jot down are seeds that I don’t see any way to plant—yet. Other ideas seem warmer, and they grow with regular consistency. As we let our ideas bloom on the page, we will see ourselves grow.

5. Trust

When a seed is planted, something is happening, even when we can’t see it. If spring seems to be slow coming, we have faith that God is doing something.

What happens in creation is a lovely reminder of the intangible change that happens in us. We may not always see what’s happening inside of us as we continue to write, but seeds are breaking open and growth is likely imminent.

God can shower His blessings on you, so that you always have what you need to do good. 2 Corinthians 9:8 (paraphrased)

Does your writing process change in the spring? Do you notice any blossoms in your writing life right now? Please feel free to share!

Marci Whitehurst is a former educator, theater and speech coach, author, rancher’s wife, and mother of three who lives on a cattle ranch in Montana. She delights in sharing God’s Light and Life through stories, poems, and blog posts. You can reach her at www.marciwhitehurst.com