The Days of Summer

Summer is officially here (well at least in my part of the world) and with it comes scorching hot weather, kids out for vacation and a slight case of restlessness. I live in the desert so when I say scorching hot, I really mean it. Perhaps the heat and wildfires littering my state only compound the restlessness. After all, it’s not like I’m going to go hiking in 112 degrees Fahrenheit.

Still, summer brings with it a ton of great memories, books and movies. Not only the books and movies that hit theatres in the summer but even the ones based in summer. Ever heard of Dirty Dancing, Dazed and Confused, The Sandlot, Stand By Me or Come September? Those a just a few great movies set in the summer. What about books? Have you heard of The Great Gatsby, Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, or Breaking Dawn?

When I think of common summer characteristics or themes that run through these movies and books, I think of humid summer nights, lazy days and socializing. There is a sort of mischief and freedom to the atmosphere that tempts us to rebel against formality and structure.

 

As writers, we can use the summer for inspiration, not only for the plots of our works, but also for the personalities of our characters or the settings of our stories. Sure we have a gazillion other things going on (jobs, kids, obligations, etc.). That’s life. Still it’s important to let your mind go at times and come up with fresh alternatives.

Happy writing to you all. As you read this blog, I myself will be deep into the mindset of vacation, letting a beautiful beach setting inspire my next work.

Filed under: Toni Kelly, What inspires you?, Writer's Life