Heather Ainsley
ECB Publishing, Inc.
October is a month full of change. The leaves on the trees turn gold and flutter down to rest in great heaps on the ground. The summer plants that were once so vibrant wilt and whither as they enter their dormant stages, preparing for the long, cold months ahead. Summer wardrobes are reluctantly swapped for sweaters and long sleeves. The world transforms from a sea of green into an ocean of orange, gold and yellow as the month of October creeps up and settles us in for the winter ahead. These changes bring with them a great surge of inspiration, nostalgia and comfort for many, and no matter what the season brings, October is certainly a time for contemplation. It can also be the perfect time to pull out a pencil and get a little creative writing done.
The changing of the seasons has stirred inspiration into poets and authors for as long as expressive writing has existed. Autumn brings with it a magnificent contradiction, as the abundance and beauty of ripening crops and fruitful harvests clashes with the presence of decline, death and decay that is an inevitable part of the changing seasons. As the days slowly get shorter, and the intense summer sun slowly grows distant and dim, it seems as if the world slows down as well, and many writers seek quiet repose in the sudden stillness that takes over the world outside. As anticipation grows for the upcoming new year, memories of the previous year stir up much emotion, making autumn a prime time for creative writing. Fall brings to mind the natural cycles of life, the ebb and flow of time, and the inevitable journey we all must take into whatever future the new year brings.
“I hope I can be the autumn leaf, who looked at the sky and lived. And when it was time to leave gracefully it knew life was a gift.” ~Dodinsky
In addition to the contemplation of life's cycles of seasons, October can bring to light the things we had forgotten, memories that fill us with regret, and a fear of the uncertainties to come. Autumn is known by many to be a time of high anxiety, as it preludes the dark and dreary months of winter that can often be harsh and unforgiving. As everything slows down, we often miss the bustling distractions of summer. This apprehension can also be noted in autumn writing, as writers transcribe their uncertainties into poems, novels and short stories. It is helpful to sit with feelings of doubt or disquiet, and writing can be an excellent way to diffuse tension. A journal can help organize and process difficult or complicated emotions or situations, and you'll have the entries to look back on later.
“I long to forever hold you in a place autumn has never met; a golden, summery dreamworld far from the path of death.” ~Angie Weiland-Crosby
Autumn is a time of great beauty, and in this beauty we are reminded to capture the essence of “now.” The golden glow of fall leaves lasts for only a short time. Eventually, the bright, festive colors of fall are muted, fading to greys and browns as they decompose. Trees will soon be bare, autumn fruit will be collected, and before too long, the cold silence of winter will quiet even the most cheerful of songbirds. While writing during October, writers may infuse their work with a sense of urgency; a necessity for paying attention to fleeting moments. Autumn writing is often full of imagery, as writers struggle to capture and preserve that which is destined by design to fade. Be sure to use descriptive words to help paint the image for your reader. Note the color of the leaves, the whisper of the wind and the smell of the air around you. This will help to capture the moment, and bring it to life in your work.
“Anyone who thinks fallen leaves are dead has never watched them dancing on a windy day.” ~Shira Tamir
In some ways, October writing is some of the most scenic and sentimental of all. It can encourage people to look ahead to the months to come, spend time with moments passed, and can also serve to remind individuals to be present wherever they are. If you are looking for a creative way to pass the tranquil hush of an autumn afternoon, consider picking up a notebook and write down the things you see, the scents on the air, and the sounds around you, and describe how they feel to you, what they remind you of and what they entice you to do. Pay attention to the fleeting moments that come and go this October, and live in the moment, even if just for a moment.