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I've got the winter blahs.  Not that our winter has been that hard -- less rain   and more sunshine than usual, but I've still got the blahs.  Part of it is the season, Christmas is over, Easter is a long way off; part of it is the grey skies and the fact my husband has been working out-of-town a lot.  But I think my blahs have a lot to do with being tired of the same-old, same-old.  So, I'm resolved to shake up my routine.
         For years I've set a daily word count for myself, even if the words aren't great, I figured words on the page were better than a blank page.  I usually write at the computer, or long-hand in a coffee shop.  I keep writing forward, not "wasting" time with rewrites and editing until I'd reached "The End".  I gave myself the weekend off.  I bribed myself with coffee and chocolate to achieve my daily quota of words.  It's a good routine.  One that has served me well.  But, I've got the blahs.
          Julia Cameron The Artist's Way fame recommends artist's dates as a way to fill the creative and spiritual well.  I haven't taken myself on a date for a long time, so this month, I resolve to go find some fun and different places to visit or things to do in order to give my blahs a jolt.
          I'm also changing my writing routine.  Instead of a word count for the day, I've divided my day into hourly blocks.  So many hours for new writing, so many hours for re-writing, so many hours for research and so many hours for reading.  That last one is really exciting.  Like most women, I can keep myself busy all day long with household chores, family commitments and volunteer work,  never mind trying to  wedge writing time into my schedule.  Reading has always been left to the last.  Maybe ten minutes before I fall asleep.  Now actually scheduling an hour or so of reading time during the daylight hours is like winning the jackpot.  And, since reading is on my schedule, I don't feel guilty about neglecting my chores in order to indulge my habit.  The blahs are in serious trouble!
          Just like the weather, I believe writers go through seasons.  Sometimes we're brimming with new ideas and new life.  Other times we hunker down by the warm fires of our imagination and add depth and layering to our stories.  Sometimes we get the blahs.  Each season has its own gift.  I'm glad for the blahs since they encourage me to hunt for something new, push me beyond my routine, force me from my comfort zone. 
         Three cheers for grey skies.  They hold the promise of  electricity.