The December-February “days of doldrums” are hard for many writers. The instinct to hibernate, to find a safe place, away from the world during the dark days of winter, is a psychological reality. Seasonal depression effects several million people each year. It effects every profession. Some people burn out, drop out, and consider a new vocation.
For some writers, depression is a daily norm. Some seek medical help. Some go it alone. One factor effecting a writer’s psyche, and, to be honest, a writer’s income, is the search for happiness. Happiness comes when everything in life is as it should be.
Happiness is the ideal we strive toward. But a writer knows a truth that eludes many others:
People often mistake contentment for happiness.
Contentment is the realization that while life isn’t perfect, there are enough good things to keep us going. A good cup of coffee or hot chocolate, a good story, no matter the genre, can give us the contentment to face each day.
Writers feel emotions deeply. We channel those emotions into our tales of love and woe. We help people find contentment when happiness eludes them.
The life of a writer has ups and downs, disappointments and successes. It is a noble profession. A writer uses their gifts to share some hidden part of themselves. They pour their emotions onto a page so others can benefit.
For all of this, during this days of doldrums, take heart. You are needed.
This month, my day-time employer lost five nurses to burnout. As such, I’ve worked thirteen out of the last fourteen days, including three twelve-hour days and one that started at 6:15a.m. on a Tuesday and ended at 1:00 a.m. Wednesday morning.
Nevertheless, in the past two weeks, I’ve written three short stories and entered two writing contests. As I’ve stated before, writing is often an act of will.
Once the contests have been concluded, and the prizes awarded, I will be posting my short stories here for your enjoyment.
I hope this has been of some small inspiration. And, despite the cold gray days and cold dark nights, whatever you do, keep believing in yourself, and keep writing.