Things I Like About Autumn

In all the seasons, there is something to be enjoyed. Summer means no school (yay–for the kids at least.) There are picnics and beach trips and swimming. Spring is the time of renewal, of rain and beautiful growth and pastels. Winter brings Christmas and the New Year, plus sledding and ice-skating and hunkering down until it’s over (the introvert in me rejoices.) But there is something special about autumn. It’s the tail to spring’s head: everything is winding down, getting ready to sleep, but the world is crisp and burgeoning with color.

Here are a few things I am looking forward to this coming season:

– Color change

Although it’s not predicted to be as lovely in Ohio as it has been in years past, the changing of leaves is fun, if you pay attention and look for it. Yellows burst among the browns, and reds rear their fiery heads. Gone are the lush greens, which is somewhat sad, but so it must be every year. It’s a reminder that life is short, beautiful, painful, and maybe just a little bit magical.

– Wood smoke

This smell makes me think of camping. People will light their fireplaces in the coming months, or they’ll ignore fire ordinances and construct bonfires that will burn into the small hours of the accompanying morning.

– Apple cider

Mm! This beverage reminds me of childhood hayrides to gather pumpkins from a large, open field. A tractor would tote us around, we’d snag the best orange gourds we could find, and, noses pink and dripping, we’d haul them back. Hot and spiced apple cider, along with white powdered donuts, would be waiting for us at journey’s end.

– Cooler sleeping weather

It’s hard to sleep when the summer nights are hot. Fall brings with it a chill that means extra blankets and cozy burrowing. The cats might even jump up more frequently for cuddles.

– Anticipation

I always start Christmas shopping around this time of year, sometimes earlier. I know that the holidays are just around the bend.

– Halloween

While it’s not my favorite holiday, it’s fun to see my niece and nephew dressed up and trudging from house to house for treats.

– Thanksgiving

Friends, family, and feasts!

And there’s a “little” event that most writers know about: National Novel Writing Month (AKA, NaNoWriMo.) The goal is for writers of all ages all around the world to write fifty-thousand words in thirty days or fewer. It’s fun yet challenging.

What about you? What are some things you’re looking forward to this fall?

Keep your nose in a book,
Beth

P.S. Don’t forget: Those who pre-order The Goblets Immortal and email me will receive a bookmark, a signed bookplate, and a mini replica of the sword that appears throughout the book.