So… why did I decide to call my blog “The Writing Season”?

I am a writer.

I am a writer. That is, I identify as a writer 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. I know, in the core of my soul, that I was made to write. Perhaps you feel the same way.

But I don’t write every day. Not creatively. Not in the way I need to. I am steadfastly dedicated to my job, my family, and many social obligations. I am useless without 8+ hours of sleep. I struggle with depression.

I know. It sounds like a list of lame excuses. I know that truly dedicated writers will make the time to write. And for a while, this was incredibly frustrating for me.

I hated constantly making excuses to myself, wondering whether they were legit, whether I was just lazy, whether I was wasting my time and my talents. I read a lot about work-life balance. I asked for help.

And I found it.

Everything in its season.

I have a very wise friend who shared with me the idea of seasons.

“Maybe this simply isn’t the right season, Sarah,” she said matter-of-factly, when I complained that I couldn’t keep up with my schedule and write creatively every night at the same time.

I remember feeling astonished. I remember thinking that a true writer needs to write every day, and every day I didn’t write was yet another day I was behind. I was setting myself up to never “catch up” with where I thought I should be.

But thinking of my time in seasons — in digestible chunks, with a definite beginning and end — somehow made things okay again. I could take the time to make a plan. I could deal with my depression, and clear up some other things I that were taking up my time. Hand in my resignation for a couple committees. Rest up.

Then start fresh in my new, dedicated writing season.

The impossible conditions.

“Whatever you’re meant to do, do it now. The conditions are always impossible.” ― Doris Lessing

I have found that it’s important to balance my passion (writing) with realistic expectations. While I can’t expect to write 1,000 words every night after a 9-hour workday and a church council meeting, I can’t wait around for the perfect conditions (…retirement? winning the lottery?), either.

The conditions will always be impossible. But I’m giving myself a season in which to indulge myself in creative writing. I’m giving myself time and permission. And you can, too.

Enter the writing season with me.