It’s pouring rain as I’m writing this, although the weather may be sunny and dry by the time you read it – or even by the time I finish writing. But it’s been cloudy and gloomy since early this morning, and our weather forecast says it’s going to be that way all day – not that I go by the forecast when I’m planning my day.

Still, I like it when I can stay home on rainy days, and not just because it keeps me from getting all wet as I run errands or go to various meetings and appointments. There’s something calming and soothing about rainy days, even when they include a little lightning and rolling thunder.

A friend of mine, who’s also a writer, said recently that she enjoys this kind of weather because a rainy, foggy day makes a cozy day for writing. I completely agree.

There’s a scientific explanation for this. Several, in fact. One has to do with negative ions that are released when it rains, which leads to people feeling more comfortable and relaxed. Another is that the sound of rain is a type of white noise, the kind that blocks out other distracting sounds and can put you in a more meditative state. This is a very conducive state of mind for writing.

Writing isn’t the only activity that a rainy day is perfect for, of course. Curling up with a cup of coffee and a good book is also high on the list. So is taking time to dream about the future and all you’d like to accomplish in the weeks or years to come. And it may be a good time to start writing down some of the steps you’ll have to take in order to turn those dreams into reality.

I used to say, only half joking, that I did my best writing while I was still half asleep. Whether it was my column, blog, or a story I was working on, I always found that the words flowed more naturally and easily first thing in the morning, before I was fully awake. There’s something magical about the quiet, early-morning hours. Cloudy, gloomy days are like that, too.

It’s stopped raining now, and the sun is trying to peek out from behind the clouds. It’s time for me to get up and away from the computer and on to other things I need to do today. But the forecast is for more dreary weather in the coming days. I’ll plan to get a lot of writing done.

June 12, 2023
©Betty Liedtke, 2023

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