The end of summer is nigh. Nights are cooler. Colors are changing. The days start out cloudy but then revert to summertime for a few brief hours.

But it won’t last. Soon we’ll be locked down in months upon months of gray, cold, dark. And to that I say “yay!” There is no better time or place for a writer than winter in Seattle. It’s too miserable to go outside. The rain is the perfect music to write by.

Fall in Seattle is also invigorating. The trees turn giddy yellow and scarlet, the apples are delicious, the air is golden. But it’s tragically short. One day the trees are aflame with color, the next everything is dull and gray and there’s nothing to do but go inside and pour your heart out on the page.

At least that’s what I’m hoping will happen to me this summer. I’ve been rather morosely blocked on my current novel but reading this interview with writer Lori Witt on the Nanowrimo site yesterday perked me up. She averages 5000 words a day. Five – effing – thousand. And how many words of fiction have I written recently?

Next to none. (Though I have produced two travel articles this month, which is pretty good for me!) Granted, she is a full-time writer but still. It just reminded me that blocked or not, being a writer is about WRITING, and I better get my metaphorical pen moving again for my own peace of mind if nothing else. Besides I don’t believe in being “blocked.” So forget I ever said it.

I do have a bunch of appearances coming up in the fall and winter so be sure to check this page for details. I’ll be teaching a class at Hugo House in the winter that’s geared toward beginning writers so stay tuned for info about that!

Meanwhile, enjoy the end of summer.