Living & Writing In Alaska

...Or how seasonal changes affect writing in Alaska

Dec 05, 2023

Winter in Alaska

It’s a fantastic time of year for some people; for others, it is a time of reflection and, for many, a time for hiding in the dark, hoping for spring.

For me, it’s the time of year when my wife and I return to discussions about leaving Alaska.

Don’t get me wrong, I love Alaska - in the summer when it’s warm, the grass is green, and I can get in the car and go places.

But winter is when I have to wake up extra early to see if I have to clear snow off the car or dig out the driveway before heading to work. It’s when I’m most reminded of my age, my asthma, and the cost of missing days of work because I can’t get the car out of the drive.

It’s also the time of year when I’m least productive with writing because of the time spent dealing with the effects of snowfall, sub-freezing temperatures, and reduced sleep.

How I’ve tried to write in winter

In the past, I’ve used the late summer months to start writing an outline. Then, when November hit, I participated in National Novel Writing Month and tried writing as much of the story as possible in 30 days.

I’ve been happy with the amount of writing I managed during those attempts, but I could never connect what I’d written with the end of the story as I saw it.

Why? Because I never had a complete outline with all the dots connected. And when you’re trying to write a thriller, let alone a genre thriller, that makes the job much harder.

So, this year, I’m doing things differently!

Doing NaNoWriMo has proved that I can write quickly when I know where the story is going. It’s also established that I must understand how all the dots connect. And to date, I still don’t have a completed draft for “Of Wolves & Men”.

So, I’m spending this winter going through the existing drafts and working out what I liked and what I really want to keep.

Then, I’ll build a complete story outline, which I will use to write my new draft.

So, I aim to create the draft between now and the end of December 2023. Then, start writing the next draft in January 2024.

And I’ll be reporting my progress every month to keep myself accountable. And then, once I start writing the draft, I think I’ll start posting unedited teasers so you know I’m doing something.

Ways you can help keep me productive

Comment on my posts
- I love feedback, whether supportive or critical.
- Lets me know you’re reading these posts
- More importantly, tells me what you, as readers, are thinking.
Check out my existing stories
- “Of Wolves & Men” builds on these stories, the featured characters, and the setting.
- Last month I gave away “Under A Hunter’s Moon”, and I know at least some of you picked up your copies.
- Leave reviews… Again, it lets me know you’re reading my work, and what you thought of it.
Buy yourself something to show your love of books, from my online store.
- I just added a collection of urban fantasy-themed bookmarks (see the store update below).
- Order early to get the best chance of receiving before Christmas.
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