I’m not embarrassed to admit that for a long while, I’ve really enjoyed watching Hallmark movies. Or any feel-good films featuring picturesque scenery and clever banter. Happy endings are non-negotiable. Even if they’re predictable, too alike, too rosy — I enjoy all things rosy.

My husband is a fan of action and sci-fi films, and a few detective shows. Because he’s wonderful, he likes to watch my favorites, too: movies from the thirties and forties, and carefully selected, newer TV comedy shows and flicks, and a couple of PBS mini-series. We add Hallmark type films to the list because we can safely go to sleep at night with simple, pleasant thoughts in our heads.

The big draw for these films is that they’re not only pleasing to the eyes and mind, but the cast members come in all ages, shapes, and colors. Several times I’ve caught myself with a smile on my face during the movie. I do poke fun at them sometimes, and a few films are a bit cornball, but most are enjoyable.

The typical Hallmark heroine is a smart, professional, well-dressed, perfectly made-up female, who appears to own her own expertly decorated home. She could be experiencing a slump or be without a job. Or she’s made a poor choice in dating the wrong man and a breakup is in order. But as these movies unfold, the appeal often grows. Family is an important factor; what I love is that even family members who didn’t get along find a way to appreciate and forgive each other. Since real life doesn’t always go smoothly, it’s nice to experience it vicariously.

Hallmark movies provide reminders and examples of positive behavior: a woman who took her husband for granted realized the vital role he played in her life and rekindled her love for him; the heroine’s initial immaturity blossomed into maturity when she took over temporary responsibility of her nieces. Ultimately, who doesn’t love a happily-ever-after with plenty of eye candy and people who mostly treat each other kindly? Count me (and my hubby) in.

Here we are, autumn is beginning and change is in the air. IMG_9129

I recently read that as the days grow shorter and nights longer, many feel a sense of sadness. Yet, another article reminded me that we have the ability to create our own joy, any time, any place. Is it that easy? I think so. It’s a matter of turning the mind to where it should be, rather than to where it wanders. A few simple suggestions:

– Try a change of scenery
Indoor or outdoor, change can be good. An art gallery, a mom & pop shop, a toy or book store, can captivate and trigger a change in mood.

Outdoors, take a walk in a different neighborhood, in a park or by the beach or a lake, if possible. I happen to live near a California Mission; a lovely place to visit with gardens…ah yes, a garden can be a big mood lifter. So can gardening. After I buy a plant and bring it home, I’m not always quick to transplant it, but once I start the process, it feels wonderful! Nurturing, helping it along, and watching it grow are all sweet mood lifters.

– Gratitude is a surefire way to invite joy in. Lifts may be fleeting at first, but after a little practice, the sweet after-effects of a full heart can linger. Writing in
a gratitude journal or simply sitting quietly and contemplating all there is to feel grateful about, sincerely grateful, will make a difference.

– Take a walk down memory lane, (focusing on good memories, of course). Do you have a tangible photo album or a photo library on your phone? Take a look and recall the best of times.

– Do something kind for another person, whether it’s reaching out by phone, email, or letter, or keeping them in your heart and prayers.

– Watching or reading something uplifting and joyful helps, too.

What do you do to give yourself a lift?

For those days when the writing is not going as planned, switching direction may be helpful. I write in different genres; that helps me flex muscles I didn’t know I had, giving me a different perspective, which can be satisfying! Writing prompts can also help crank the engine. Here are six prompts to start with:

1. Find a photo that is intriguing. Write a story around it. Two talented mystery authors tried this regularly on the Sleuths & Sidekicks website, to great success! They left me always wanting to know more.

2. For character development, reflect on a good friend (or not so good) in your life. Write about qualities that make them special to you (or make them repelling). As you may have noted, this may assist in creating villains, as well as heroes/heroines, and even sidekicks in your story.

3. Consider how you have changed in character. Have you gained new insights that have altered your perspective? I did and used it in my latest, MURDEROUS MEANS, to give my heroine, Corrie, insight into a murder suspect’s behavior and motivation. It was enlightening!

4. Think about a favorite memory or a favorite location, and how it shaped your life. Write it down. Every location in my SoCal Mysteries is a location that impacted me in some way. And I weave favorite memories into my stories as well. No one else can relate, but I enjoy inserting bits and pieces of myself in my novels. It’s my little secret.

5. Nearly every night we experience something: dreams. Dreams can be outrageous, distressing, or creative. Try writing about your dream to stir up creativity.

6. What about the silver linings or blessings in your life? Writing about them can be inspiring and uplifting. That type of writing really jumpstarts the creative juices, making one feel that anything is possible. Because it is.