WRITING AND THE WEATHER

/ D.L. Finn, Author

Hi SEers! Denise here to talk about the weather and writing. Do you have a season where you are more productive writing? When fall and winter hit, I am full of ideas and more motivated to write, except around the holidays. I call it the cozy factor.

The mood from the weather seeps into my writing. The gloomy settings or winter storms are an excellent fit for many of my stories. When writing a love story set in the summer, it might be easier to write it in the summer for inspiration. Not that it couldn’t be done any time of year, but the outside influence might work better for creating a story.

Some people dislike the winter and love summer, while others prefer the cold over the heat. When someone is happy, the creativity might flow more efficiently when the setting is pleasant. I dislike the heat and thrive in the cold. I love fluffy socks, warm fires in the hearth, rainstorms, and watching it snow. I’m inspired. Poetry can be written in any season because I offer what I’m feeling and seeing, but stories are different.

An exception to that is I get in the mood for Christmas around July. So that is when I’d write a story about it. Right after the holiday, I’m burnt out and need a break from the festivities, so I won’t write about it.

I’m ready to create Halloween stories several months ahead of the holiday but have no interest in writing about it once it passes. Hard to create scary ghosts when festive decorations promote goodwill. Although, “Nightmare before Christmas” combines the two holidays nicely.

Another exception to my writing is that while I’m shivering in a cold house, I might fantasize about a tropical setting and use that in my story.

It’s a matter of knowing what time of year works for us to write and when it is easiest to use specific settings. Of course, being able to write year-round is ideal.

While the weather may inspire us when or what to write, it can also affect the characters and readers.

Here are some ways the weather influences a story:

  •  Offers a way to weave in imagery. Weather can show the character’s emotions and the potential danger they are feeling. Snow can reflect the icy chill they feel inside or the hot summer and how out of control a passionate relationship is.
  • It can reveal what the character must deal with outside their problems. The character could face a crowded summer vacation spot or a cold, lonely house in a snowstorm.
  • Can add to an already tense situation if a person is trapped because of a storm or fire. They must battle those conditions while a killer or marriage is falling apart.
  • It can be used for comparisons. It’s a beautiful sunny day outside, but the character feels a storm brewing inside.
  • A sunny or stormy day can offer a murder, but the setting brings a tone that changes how the characters might approach it. They have to dress differently or might be on vacation or at home.
  • The seasons symbolize different feelings. Winter is cold with chilling winds, and when some animals hibernate. Fall is a time of change and preparation. Summer is associated with childhood and fun, while spring offers a time of rebirth. These can be a background for the character.

The weather can affect many aspects of writing. It is a part of the writing recipe, but first, you need to be in the mood to cook.

Is there a time of year when you are more productive writing? Does the weather creep into your stories and set the mood or type of story you write?

98 thoughts on “WRITING AND THE WEATHER”

  1. I don’t write as much in the summer unless I’m broken from the heat by a trip. By August, nothing gets done. Autumn is my favorite season, and I do well during its reign, and feel cerebral. I ended up getting a gloomy room where I am, so I’ve had to adjust. I like that it is smaller than an apartment. I like to be snuggled wherever I am due to trauma. I do more science related work in the winter when everything is sharper, especially the stars.

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    • It sounds like the seasons effect you. Autumn is my favorite time too. Being snuggled or cozy I find beneficial too. You are so right everything is much sharper in the winter.

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  6. Where I am we don’t have have profound seasons like you do. But I naturally find myself writing more in certain spaces of the year. I would stop everything and just write. The weather doesn’t do much about it but I think it’s just it.

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    • The profound weather tends to distract me but I think the longer nights push me to write more. That is great you can stop everything and just write! Sometimes that’s all we need.

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  7. Hi Denise, a lot of people from the Northern Hemisphere seem to like to write during the winter time. That makes sense as your summers are short and your winters long. Here in the Southern Hemisphere our summers are very long. I think that is a contributing factor to the lack of a culture of reading here. People prefer to be outside all the time. I like to write in the mornings, the time of year doesn’t matter, but I write much better in the mornings.

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  9. This is a very great topic about the weather and how it influences a story and inspires writers to write a great story. I love the first bullet point that the weather offers a weave in imagery , for instance the weather can reveal the characters emotions such as the storm shows that the character feels angry, furious and that anger can be dangerous just like a bad storm can be dangerous to humans. As for me, the best time to write lots of blogs and creative content is during the summer because the weather favors mother nature, the sun is up and as a Fashion Blogger, I get to come up with concepts and research ideas for outfits and how to dress comfy yet stylish during the hot weather, I also love winter but Sumner makes me productive in my blogging🔥🔥👏

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  10. I think that weather not only influences how often I write but also what I write. Most of my romances have been written in the summer months, horror, ghostly tales and dark fantasy almost invariably in the autumn and winter. It sets the atmosphere. Recently I have been writing a new novel called “Under Dark Skies” lol- you can imagine how cheery that is. The weather almost always plays a part in my stories, so I decided to see what difference it made when incorporated into each chapter so with only a basic outline I commenced. I did this more as an exercise rather than with the intention of releasing anything. If the sea was rough then it had to be in the story, If the sun shone then it had to in the tale.
    Now, from the title, you will have realized that Scotland is a pretty dismal place in the autumn.

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    • I like how you are tapping into your surrounding setting and weather. Romance in the good weather and darker tales in the darker months sure. Creates that needed mood. What a good experiment to use what is going on outside. Yes, that title does say a lot about the weather! Ours here is sunny and warm, not much to it right now.

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      • Sunny and warm…. Oh, I wish it were so. Rarely in the West of Scotland is it “Sunny and Warm” and tonight is no exception. A heaving, scurrying wind blows rain and hail against the rain dappled windows small slivers of melting ice run from them to be whipped away in the gale. But do not concern yourself as it is warm inside, the candles radience exuding warmth and light, keeping the chill night outside. It is full dark now and soon the days will last only a few hours, the darkness forever. Lol- the next chapter will be cheery methinks.

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  14. A thought-provoking post, Denise. The weather can certainly influence a story. Like you, I prefer writing in the winter months. It’s a time to hibernate, and hibernation is good for productivity. 🙂 As you point out, weather can definitely be a catalyst in moving a story forward. And in some cases, the weather can be the antagonist (man against nature.) Thank you for sharing your thoughts on it! I enjoyed the post.

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  18. Per usual, you’ve made some excellent points, Denise. I suppose I haven’t thought much about it, but looking back, I’d say I’m more creative during the final seasons of the year. Many of my story ideas involve those colder days. It helps that fall is my favorite time of the year. Also, I love that you mentioned Nightmare Before Christmas. It’s one of my all-time favorite movies/stories. Thanks for sharing all these helpful tips, Denise!!

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  19. I write year round, though I am most productive in the colder months. I chalk that up to staying indoors more often. The weather can certainly inspire a setting. I’ve written a scene or two based on what was going on outside my window. Another fine post, Denise.

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    • Yes, having to stay indoors does offer the time to write more, I agree. It’s hard to tune out what is going on outside, and eventually it might make its way into the story. Thanks, Beem 🙂

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  20. I can write different seasons any time of year but I am most productive in the autumn and winter. I spend more time at my keyboard during those seasons, and am inspired by the coziness of my writing room, even if I’m writing summer scenes. I love weather!
    Fun post, Denise!

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  23. For me, it’s an interesting cycle. I like to exercise outdoors when the weather is nice. I love everything about being outdoors and seem to have the most clarity and creativity when I’m being active. After I get home, then I’m ready to write. When the weather is uncooperative, and I’m trapped indoors, I often see that as an opportunity to devote myself to writing for an extended period.

    For sure, writers are missing opportunities when they don’t include the weather in their settings.

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    • I am always inspired when I can get outdoors and walk or when I’m more motivated ride my bicycle. Even excercising indoors helps but not on the same level. The cooler weather had the same effect on me to get more writing related work done. Weather can sure add that extra layer to a story as a setting, Pete, especially the extremes.

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  24. I write pretty much year-round and use whatever season fits my story. Every season has its good and bad. Spring can bring soft rain or a deluge. Winter can be a blanket of white with crisp air, or it can bury you in a blizzard, so I use weather to create the mood I want for my story. I do tend to write more when I hibernate, though. I love holing up in the office during January and February. Great post!

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    • That’s great you can write any season. Yes, every season does have its good and bad but really can add a lot to the story. There is something about being about able to hibernate and write. It gets our full focus. Thank you, Judi 🙂

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  25. I’m twice as productive in winter, Denise. Once the new year hits and things slow down, I can focus without a gazillion distractions. I like using weather as one of the obstacles my characters have to deal with, and for setting the mood of a scene. Great idea to have it reflect (or contradict) a character’s feelings or state of mind. Thanks for the informative post. 🙂

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    • It is a great time to write, the beginning pf the year when things slow down. It is fun to use weather as another obstacle for characters 🙂 Sometimes the weather can be a perfect mirror of feelings or lack of them. Thanks, Diana 🙂

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  26. I tend to write all year. I remember writing a Christmas concert in July and it doesn’t seem to put me off my game. I have used the change of seasons to relay the passage of time. I used weather as a tool in my latest. It slowed everything down and added tension.

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    • That’s great you are able to keep writing no matter what the season. For me its too hard to write about Christmas during that season, too busy. Using that storm did bring a lot of extra tension and grief to your characters in your latest story, I agree! Made for some fun reading.

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  27. I need for you to inspire me to write that collection of Christmas stories! Can’t seem to think about Christmas in July. I’m a warm weather person, so I tend to be more productive in the summer months, especially when it’s too hot outside to do anything. Fall is usually good for me because it’s my favorite season. January is my worst month. When it’s cold, all I want to do is hibernate!

    I do incorporate seasons and the weather into my stories. My first published novel was set during a severe drought we had in 2011.

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    • Not sure if I can inspire you but love Christmas themed movies. I watch them year round but they put them on TV in July, so I watch. The sales catalogs come right after and I start shopping and planning for it early. I enjoy the anticipation of it, at least until I go into Halloween mode. Its a strange mindset but seems to work for me…lol. Then its right back to Christmas. I wonder if NaNoWri would be a good time to write that Christmas collection? I wrote mine in end of spring to be a short story but it became a novelette. I’m with you about fall, its my favorite time of year. Droughts do offer a whole set of issues to deal with within a story which is very relatable and adds that extra layer.

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  28. The weather is critical for whatever I’m writing. I use it to first ground myself and then the reader in place and time, in addition to the uses Denise has noted. I’ve had a tendancy to describe whatever weather is outside my window when I’m writing, which can lead to snow in the summer and such. Once I realized I was doing it, I now identify the month a particular chapter is taking place at the top of the draft. Gotta avoid those whoopsies!

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  29. I used a storm to great effect in my second book The Glade. The weather featured large in that spooky tale. Ironically, I wrote it through the summer! My other books haven’t relied on weather too much, but I think it is a great tool for both setting and characterisation. My writing schedule doesn’t tend to be affected by the elements—most likely because I spend much of my life indoors. I use music to set a mood, usually.

    Great post, Denise. Thanks for sharing 💕🙂

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    • I remember that storm you used so effectively. It does add to the spooky factor for sure. It can be a great tool to use to set certain moods. It was a big part in my last book, with the mention of the drought too. That shows when I started writing it, at the end of fire season…lol. Music is another great tool to inspire too. I have used that too to set a mood, so many options there too. Thanks, Harmony!

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  30. Seasons do impact my writing, but I’ve found I can override what’s going on outside by manipulating things inside. Putting a fake fire on my TV and playing Christmas music in the background can get me in the mood to write about winter, even in 100-degree summer days. And putting on my pool playlist and a beach scene on my television can inspire me to write a summer scene in the middle of a blizzard. Sometimes I’ll write with nothing on at all and the blinds closed so I can envision any season I want. There’s no doubt the weather can influence me, but I need the lead-time to write for winter in summer and vice versa, so I have to overcome the weather if I want to release my novels in the season in which they’re set.

    Excellent post about seasons and settings, Denise.

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    • I have done the very same thing. If I am freezing it is quite easy to imagine sitting on a warm beach. Or when its really hot out to remember a snow storm. I carry the memories with me of the seasons to write about them with nature sound recordings to add to it. I like how you use a fake fire or sumner playlist to set your own mood, Staci. I do like when I can write during the real weather, if I’m not surviving storms, it can be very inspiring, like when they turn our power off in high fire danger or the snow piles up. But we work with what we have. Thank you, Staci 🙂

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  31. I love your post, Denise. I’m working on a manuscript now that includes fall weather. But reading your post, I started thinking about the snowstorms I’ve been in, and as well, a hurricane and tornado. Hmm, now I want to include more weather! As for when I write, as long as I have electricity and time, I can write almost any time. 🍂🌞🍂

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    • Thank you, Gwen 🙂 There is something about fall weather, it’s a favorite time of year for many, myself included. All that weather offers so many opportunities and challenges to weave into an already interesting situation for characters. Having experienced them makes all the difference in writing them I think, or at least being around them. Having the time is the biggest challenge for me, I’ve learned to work around to not having electricity, although reading my handwriting isn’t easy. Growing up where the weather was mild, I really pay attention the storms now.

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  33. I find it easier to write in the winter. I tend to write early in the day, and if it’s dark and cold outside, there are very few distractions. Of course, if it snowed or is snowing, clearing that mess takes precedence. I do need to pay more attention to including the weather in my stories. Thanks for some good advice. I hope you have a nice cool fall day.

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  38. Weather does play a part in my writing because, as you say, it can have an impact on a character’s mood and behaviour. I don’t need to be in a particular season to write about it, but I couldn’t write about celebrations just after they’ve passed. I love Christmas carols but it feels plain wrong to sing them even a couple of days after Christmas! I’m one of those people, like you, who prefers the cold to the heat – I could never write a novel set on a tropical beach at the height of summer because it’s beyond my experience! Thanks for this, Denise. xx

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    • Weather can be such an important part of writing in so many ways, Alex. I completely agree that it is wrong to sing carols after the day passes. I go right back to my regular music. I can enjoy tropical weather for a vacation but not living there. I’d miss the cold weather or nights at least. I’ve never dealt with a tornado or hurricane so that is outside is what I’d try to write about. Xo

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  39. An interesting post. It’s not something I’ve really thought about. I’ve not been in the mood to write this summer in the heat. My study receives the afternoon sun, and gets very hot, so I don’t much feel like going in there. Now it’s cooling down, I will probably get more done.
    It’s more about the time if day, for me, I think. I know many writers get up and are productive first thing in the morning, but that’s not me. I can’t settle to writing until I’ve done all those jobs that need doing. Somehow, it seems wrong to be vacuuming, dusting or ironing in the afternoon!

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  44. Interesting, Denise, and not something I’ve thought about before – but I guess I do use the weather to create a contrast with emotions in characters. I must admit, though, the seasons don’t affect the genre or the style of my writing. Which tells me I live inside my head most of the time. Oh dear!!

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    • Thank you, Judith 🙂 It is fun to use weather as a contrast. Living inside your head isn’t a bad thing, we all do what works best for us 🙂 You are lucky to be able to work anytime!

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  46. I can see how how the darker days would be good for your writing, if you love gardening. You can embrace the ideas then, and then create later. You have a good schedule that works well for you. Happy creating and gardening, Audrey:)

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  47. I’m a gardener, so in spring and summer I’m busy with that. I started writing seriously one November, long before I ever heard of NaNoWriMo. It’s easier to focus on writing when dark comes early. Spring and summer weather can inspire ideas, though.

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