Spring-like Writing by Allison Symes

Image Credit:  Images created in Book Brush using Pixabay photos.

I associate spring with new life, a world reborn, light overcoming dark winter, and energy as I see growth around me. How can this apply to our writing?

It can apply to the mood of our writing. Spring is generally upbeat. So our writing can be upbeat. Some of the most positive stories are about characters who overcome darkness and come into the light. 

 

 

There is no room for twee writing, ever. Something has to happen so your story is a story. A tale where Character A overcomes the situation they’re in will keep a reader hooked and you too as you write it. It is always a good sign when you want to find out what happens! 

I say that as someone who plans their characters and what I must know about them. I don’t plan out every detail. I give myself manoeuvre room, space for creativity to kick in, and a “live” character will take you on their journey with them. You’re the first who wants to see what they’re capable of after all.

 

I might know my character is brave but will that trait make them show courage or will it make them reckless? I want to find out.

We see many fallible people in the Bible, whom God uses for His purposes. Have you got a purpose for your characters? The answer should be an emphatic yes. There must be a point to your characters. Why must you write about them? What intrigues you about them should intrigue a reader too.

 

Also, a good story, regardless of length, should have an energy of its own. It is its own self-contained world and readers should be able to lose themselves in what you have created. I know. No pressure then! This is where I’m convinced if you get the character right, the rest follows. 

 

Name a story you remember from your childhood you have not re-read. I suspect it will be the character(s) you recall.That is how it should be.

I can’t say I write more during the cheerier times of year, and spring is one, the other is autumn.

Equally beautiful but just in a different way. Beauty in nature, being able to get out and about to appreciate some of it, means I come back to my desk refreshed and ready to write). I know my mood lifts from the spring  as we get the lighter evenings back again. A mood lift can do wonders for your writing.

Focusing on cheerier pieces of writing too (short or long) can help lift the mood. Writing to entertain is a valid thing to do. If you entertain yourself, there is every likelihood your writing will entertain others and that is so worthwhile. Who knows how being taken out of their cares while reading your story will help your readers? We plant the seed - and the idea of it being an upbeat one appeals to me a lot. 

Happy writing - in every sense!