John Keats’ wistful description of this time of year has been utilised so often and by so many that it’s almost slipped into the arena of clichés. Yet what is a cliché but an example of someone who’s said something so succinctly we all borrow and steal their phrase time and again?

As the first leaves start to turn gold and fall from the tree, a faint dread grips me. While the rising fragrance of the woodland and the crimson encroaching on the greens please me aesthetically, it’s what they lead to that fill me with dread. The long, endlessly long, dark and cold winter.

Last year winter stretched right until May, which was fairly dispiriting even for people who unlike me aren’t mainly solar powered. When it came, summer was truly gorgeous and exceptional, but far too short – I’m not ready to say goodbye!

And yet, Keats was right, this is a season of fruitfulness, for writers no less that farmers.

Change is always a good instigator of creative ideas, and even the change in seasons can be valuable, if only in prompting a change in focus and pace.

As the days get shorter, and the weather less inviting, staying in to write seems more inviting than ever. Snug woollens and a laptop definitely seem like a good match, and if all else fails there are always fingerless gloves to help out.

It’s also a good season for reading – discovering new exciting writers and reacquainting yourself with old favourites. And if the writing gets stale, few things help better than a crisp cold country walk or run enjoying the sight of the changing leaves.

Here are a few others that might help

Reasons to celebrate autumn

Fewer people about to disturb thoughtful strolls and runs
Less sun-glare on the laptop screen
Foraging for autumn berries

The splendour of crimson leaves
The pleasure of cuddling up on the sofa as rain lashes the window
Fewer festivals, fetes, barbecues and other distractions
More dreamtime…