IWSG: Shine On!

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Wednesday, December 02, 2020

IWSG: Shine On!


Our Insecure Writers Support Group question for December is a timely one, considering the daylight hours are getting shorter and the sunlight more scarce: “Are there months or times of the year that you are more productive with your writing than other months, and why?”

I’m, at heart, a tropical people. I need my shot of Vitamin D therapy to get the ole brain pan moving. I’m up and at ‘em the minute the first rays of light hit the sky and close up shop when the sun goes down (which is around 5:00 PM, lately!). So, for me, since my writing time is early morning, my creativity is at peak performance during the longer days of summer. That daylight recharges my creative battery (along with several cups of coffee!) so I can be at the keyboard before 5:00 AM during spring and summer but still buried under the covers and cats at 7:00 during the winter hours. I do my best plotting out on the deck soaking up UVs (properly SPF screened, of course!). Something about basking in the sun, surrounded by growing things in bloom relaxes worries and lets imagination roam free. Ahhhhhh! 


Since I’m chapters deep in a new book (a romantic suspense for a change of pace from paranormals), I need that extra kick during these drab going into winter days where gray is the new blue. It’s time to get out that SAD desktop mood lamp/light therapy box to feed the melatonin and serotonin to keep the seasonal blahs away. Writer friends toted them last year, so I caved in my office hibernation cave and found . . . it really works!

So fire up those lumens and let me get back to work . . . right after I make the rounds to discover your productive secrets!

Happy Holidays and Happy Writing!!


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!

Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time.The awesome co-hosts for the December 2nd posting of the IWSG will be Pat Garcia, Sylvia Ney, Liesbet @ Roaming About Cathrina Constantine, and Natalie Aguirre!

Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!

Twitter hashtag is #IWSG

20 comments

  1. That's great the mood lamp works.
    Here it is just too humid in the summer for time outside. But I do hate that it gets dark so early now.

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    1. I'll take mild depression over soggy! Thankfully we only have it for a week or two (if we're lucky). Then the sun can stream into my air conditioned office!

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  2. My boyfriend has a Sad lamp that he lets me use in the morning when I'm at his house, like right now. Hoping it keeps my mood upbeat this winter. And I'm a morning person too but have to use that time for my contract writing job.

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    1. You'll love the lamp after you get used to the brightness (Don't look into the light, as they say!). Thanks for co-hosting today!!

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  3. I wrote about those SAD lamps in Keep Writing with Fey. :D They really do work wonders.

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    1. Once you find the right placement for them, they're awesome.

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  4. hi,
    I am an early morning person too. I write my best until four in the afternoon. Then I take a four hour break. If I desire to write again, I go to my office and write from 8 to however long I want to write in the evenings.
    Wishing you luck with your new manuscript.
    Take care and have a Merry Christmas and a safe passage into 2021.
    Shalom aleichem,
    Pat G @ EverythingMustChange

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    1. Thanks, Pat. I can't wait to get 2020 in the rearview.

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  5. I like to write first thing in the morning. I'll have to look into the SAD lamp!

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    1. Do your homework to find out how many lumens work best.

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  6. I have one of those happy lights and I turn it on full blast to shine on me while I'm walking on the treadmill at 5:30 AM. It certainly helps give me a boost during the day. That's fun that you're stretching your genre limits! I hope it works out well for you.

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    1. I never thought of using it while exercising! Great idea.

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  7. You & I are so much alike. LOL I need my sunshine, too. I need to dig out my "happy" lamp and fire it up. Enjoy your new story. Can't wait to read it.

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  8. I'm a fall/winter/moonlight gal, with second shift being in my natural body rhythm. I'm much more energetic in the afternoon and late evening. Hubs has always accused me of being a closet vampire. But seriously, there is nothing better than cuddling with the kitty on a chilly morning.

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  9. Totally get it about being solar-powered! Though I don't necessarily write a lot in the summer (because I'm out doing stuff in the sun), I do like to be up early when the days are long! I haven't got a light box, but I'm going to put a lot of Xmas lights around my livingroom/writing room.

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    1. It's not just about light for the light box, it's the type and brightness that makes the difference (though I'd never say no to more X-mas lights!!)

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  10. I wish I could be up and at 'em at the crack of dawn. These days, I'm going to bed about the time you're getting up! The sun just slows me down. Another great blog!

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