A writer for all seasons

Okay, I admit it, it's been far too long since I last posted here, and the change in seasons may indicate why. We had a particularly wickedly hot summer where I live, so all available energy went into the work priorities I had, and interrupted my intention of carrying on here. At least that's my excuse. :)

But I have to say that I'm re-energized now. You see, Fall is my favourite season, and it's also the busiest in my business. I don't know why it is, but it's been the trend now for several years. Probably has something to do with the end of summer, with everyone getting back into the groove, ready to hunker down and get things accomplished.

For me, I love being busy in the Fall. It keeps my mind off the days getting shorter. I actually find myself much more energetic. That may sound funny to those who relish hot summer days, but not me. Even though I was born on a very hot summer day, that time of the year is just not my bag.

I love when summer turns to Fall, especially early on when there is a whisper of coolness in the mornings. Strangely enough, I can often be found at the computer very early on these days, yes even with the light on at 5am. I seem to get more accomplished then, even though I've never been a morning person. In the summer, I often take time off during the height of the heat in the afternoon, and return to work in the later evening. In the spring, any old time of the day seems to work, and in the winter, as in the Fall, mornings seem to be my most productive time of the day.

What I love about being a freelancer and able to set my own work schedule is that I can change my work times based on seasonal influences and my body rhythms accordingly. So I can be writing a press release or a sales page at 6am on a blustery winter day, or be working on web copy or a newsletter at 7pm on a sweet-smelling summer night. Makes no different, I still get the job done on time - but in my own time.

I couldn't have imagined this scenario a few years back when I was working full-time in offices or working on contract outside my home. Sure, there would be a few things I'd work on at home in between meetings and appointments, but the bulk of my days would still be spent at an office.

For the past 12 years now, I've only had to commute from the kitchen to my home office a few steps away. No traffic snarls, no nylons to wear, no bad weather to contend with. Ah yes, to be able to make a living from home is the life. A particularly good fit for a writer. :) I still operate with the same professionalism and decorum as I did in my outside-office days, but am much happier and comfortable in this atmosphere.

Okay, enough said. I'd better get back at it. The late summer sun is climbing higher in the sky. I have tea in hand, a Fall pot of butternut squash stew simmering, enveloping the house in its aroma, and a cat sleeping by my side. What could be better? It's a perfect day in the writing life.