Why Are All My Stories Set In Springtime?
As I was thinking about the topic for this month, I realized that almost every single one of the manuscripts I've ever written has been set in the spring.
I know. I couldn't believe it either. I'd never realized before how much of a role spring plays in my stories. So, of course, I had to try to figure out why. Here is what I came up with.
1. Spring is a time of rebirth! The minute that spring smell is in the air, I can't help feeling more motivated and optimistic. Spring is a great time to try out new things and take on new challenges. It's the perfect time for characters to embark on adventures and to really shake things up.
2. Spring means summer vacation is on its way! Whenever I set a story in the real world, my characters are always making plans for summer vacation. I think this goes back to the idea of embarking on new adventures. The characters are looking forward to new chapters in their lives. (Hehe, chapters. Did I mention that spring is also the time for puns?)
3. Spring is the beginning of warm weather! I must admit that I've never been a "weather writer." I rather throw killer unicorns at my characters than killer snowstorms. That's probably why I like setting my stories in relatively mild weather, so my characters can roam around and get into all kinds of mishaps without needing to bundle up or worry about frostbite.
So there you have it, the top three reasons my stories tend to be set in spring. Now the question is, since it is spring and the time for change and adventure, will I step out of my comfort zone with my new project and set the story in a different time of year? We shall see...
How about you? Do you find yourself setting your stories in a specific season? Are there any "weather writers" out there? Anyone know any good puns?
I don't know why I find this awesomely funny. I see you writing about spring because you are so optimistic (which you touch on in this post).
ReplyDeleteI think of writing about winter time as similar to living through winter: much bundling has to happen before leaving the house. And it's just not that fun about writing about putting on heavy clothes and hats and mittens...
It's enough to make a protag stay at home. :)
Ha, exactly. If my stories were set in the winter, the characters would just be sitting around drinking hot chocolate. :-)
DeleteThat's interesting. Mine cover all the seasons. But also, my stories usually run for longer time periods, meaning 3-6+ months. Only a few are one month or less.
ReplyDeleteInteresting point! My stories tend to cover much shorter periods of time (a few days to a few weeks) so it makes sense that the seasons wouldn't change much.
DeleteEach season brings with it a drastically different mood. My current WIP is fall to winter, which--now that I think aobut it--makes sense becuase it's about things changing and becoming serious, not rebirth and hopeful expectation...
ReplyDeleteOh that does make so much sense! There is a somber, serious tone that comes in when you head into winter. How interesting!
DeleteI've been out of school now for eleven years...and I have yet to find ANYTHING that feels like the first day of summer break...Great post, Anna!
ReplyDeleteExactly! I don't think that "It's finally summer vacation!" feeling every really goes away.
DeleteI've books set in the summer, in a winter snow storm and going throughout the school year, so I guess I'm into weather diversity.
ReplyDelete