The passing of the autumnal equinox signals the approach of dark, windy days and long winter nights. For many, diminishing daylight triggers Seasonal Affect Disorder (SAD) and they experience symptoms of isolation, blue moods, sometimes deep and disabling depression. I don’t suffer SAD, but I wonder if, in our personal calendars, we all have “seasons” of gloom.
For the last fifteen years, my year has been structured: research and outlines in October and March, first draft in November and April, additional research and “fix” in December and May. The remaining months are devoted to revising, polishing, and developing new ideas. Except for August.
Writer SAD
In an email thread among Wisconsin Sisters in Crime the prompt was whether September and the start of school jump-kicks creative activity. Sean Patrick Little (AFTER EVERYONE DIED) wrote, “My writing isn’t seasonal, but I have noticed that I get into [an] ‘I should give up’ funk after one [of] my books comes out. …the voices of doubt start screaming instead of murmuring, and I find it more difficult to get to the keyboard…” (09.01.2026).
Tracey S. Phillips (BEST KEPT SECRETS) added, “September used to be a favorite time of year… A new outfit for school, seeing friends, productivity and learning. Alas, I have a different relationship with this month now. … September is not a month I want to remember” (09.03.2026).
My life changed forever, painfully and irrevocably, many times during the month of August. I do not want to remember it but, apparently, my body does. Every August, memories creep from the shadows and wrap around my shoulders like weighted blankets. Although many good things have come from bad, those difficult days replay in physical and emotional ways: fatigue, listlessness, apathy, insecurity, and envy of those who seem to always land on the sunny side of life.
Remedies for Writer SAD
I try to quell SAD by cleaning grime from cabinets and doors, organizing closets and junk drawers, journaling, listening to music, walking trails, baking bread. Sometimes, these activities help. Still, in every calendar year, there’s always August.
Is there a month or time in your year that triggers personal or creative SAD? Are you willing to share in the comments? Thanks! : ) Lee
The time of the year that is the most challenging for me is January and February. Not because of anything bad happening in my past. Simply because it’s dark, the holidays are over, and it’s so cold! I generally want to escape the midwest and go somewhere the low at night is in the 60’s and the high during the day is in the 80’s or higher. In January, I find it hard to be productive because I want to wrap in a blanket and sit with my cat, which results in my eyes and body getting heavy and my ambition being sapped away. This continues through February. The winter gets so very long! Then March comes, and spring is on the horizon, and my motivation, like the dormant flora, starts to stir and spark and wake up!
❤️