September

Dear Writers, 

Welcome to September, the season of transformation. What an incredible time to write. What potent fuel for creativity. As fall takes hold, the earth around us enters into a state of flux. What does it mean to wither and die back in order to re-emerge come spring? The smells of autumn--earthy, spicy, full of decay and melancholy--herald something else, as well: the rising red, gold, and pink flames of the maples, the maroon and amber of the oaks, the yellow of goldenrod. Such a show they put on as the rest of nature folds in on itself. Let this be an inspiration to you for this week's writing assignment. First, spend a few minutes (5-10) each day, ideally in the morning, but we must do what works!, observing the outside world, describing it in your notebook. Be precise and specific, writing as a naturalist. Don't make a story of it. Just capture what you see. Collect at least a page of these descriptions. Then, think of a time (or times) when something in your own life ch…