October Inspires Writers

Hello October and hello to my readers. I am back from a week's vacation. We met three couples whom we've known for many years for an annual get-together where the men play golf and the women just play--in shops, restaurants and tourist spots. This year, we were just north of Oxford, MS at a very nice golf course that also has cottages that were made to accommodate eight people. 

Now, it's back to the routine things and a Kansas Authors Convention coming up this next weekend. Guess who is Convention Chairman?  More on that another day.

Today, let's think about what we can write regarding October and the activities it offers. The poster above gives us several thoughts and, surely, you can think of some others. 

Halloween pops up in the first photo. Have you thought about writing something regarding decorating for this holiday? Or just decorating for fall? You crafty people could give some nice hints. There are craft websites where you could submit an article like this. Halloween is far enough away that perhaps you could still be accepted. If not, keep what you have written for next year and submit early. Halloween stories for kids and grown-ups come into play this month, too.

The photo in the top right shows the best of this month. Fall color! Those who live in a place with four seasons look forward to the changing of the leaves. The lush green of summer slips into the reds, oranges and golds of the season. When I see some of the spectacular shows the fall trees and bushes display, I feel like writing poetry. Perfect for description and emotion. Give it a try when the trees turn in your area.

The photo of the street lamp and the bare tree brings thoughts of the shorter days we will begin to have. How about writing a memory piece about coming home when the street lamps come on? Summer days allowed us to be outside much longer. Dusk and darkness creep up much sooner this month. Do you remember staying after school for an activity, then walking home when it was nearly dark? Maybe you walked on the grassy area layered with fallen leaves just to hear them crackle as your feet smashed them. 

The bottom left picture calls out to me. What is better than spending a chilly fall afternoon or evening with a book? You might write a personal essay about the places you have read books in different seasons. In summer, we can find a shady spot outdoors. In October, we can curl up with an afghan and a book inside. 

The final photo on the bottom right is most definitely a reminder that changes are being made. Instead of iced tea and lemonade that we've been enjoying all summer, we switch to hot drinks like the cup of chocolate we see here. Or a cup of peppermint tea. Write about the foods and drinks we enjoy in fall. This topic cries for a memoir piece of your mother's kitchen on a fall day. Or of a visit to Grandma when the leaves have turned and Halloween approaches. Maybe she always made a special treat this time of year.

Look around you as you go about your daily routine. Notice the changes in the retail shops and grocery stores, the magazines and more. Let the season inspire you to write. You've most likely turned the page on your calendar today. Did you find a lovely fall scene? Don't just admire it. Write about it!