As Hurricane Beryl made its formidable presence known along the Texas coast, the reality of living—and writing—through a hurricane hit home with a forceful impact. Living in Houston, Texas, means we’ve seen our fair share of storms, but each one brings its own unique challenges and experiences. Hurricane Beryl was no exception, taking an unexpected detour straight through our city, leaving millions without power and WiFi.
Writing during a hurricane is an experience like no other. The howling winds and pounding rain provide a dramatic backdrop, but they also bring interruptions, power outages in triple-digit heat, and a sense of uncertainty that can make focusing on writing a challenge. Yet, as any writer knows, stories don’t stop for storms. Here’s how I learned to navigate my writing life through Hurricane Beryl—and it wasn’t easy.
Embracing the Atmosphere
Even though Beryl was only a Category 1 hurricane, its winds were strong enough to bring down 100-year-old trees, and our city is surrounded by them. The raw power of nature can really fuel your creativity, giving your descriptions of chaotic or intense scenes an authentic edge. I used the flashlight from my mobile device in previous hurricanes, and luckily, this time we had a power generator to keep most of our appliances running. As Beryl’s winds howled outside, I became more attuned to the sounds and sights around me. The patter of rain against the windows and the occasional crash of a falling tree limb all became part of my writing environment. The experience even inspired an idea for a future cozy mystery series about murder during a hurricane.
Planning for Power Outages
With power and WiFi down, staying connected to the world and accessing digital resources became impossible. This is where old-school methods came into play. I turned to my bullet journal and a couple of notebooks I had around the house, embracing the tactile experience of writing by hand. There’s a certain freedom in knowing that a blank page won’t be interrupted by a power surge or a dead battery.
It was hard to actually sit and write at a slower pace in my notebook because on my laptop I’m pounding away so fast my thoughts can keep up; however, writing by hand made me more intentional. I ended up working on my character profiles and sketches, and I even handwrote the beginning of the outline for book two.
Adapting Your Routine
Hurricanes don’t just disrupt the physical world; they shake up our routines. In previous hurricanes, I couldn’t write at all—my attention was entirely on surviving the storm and possible flooding. However, this time I found pockets of time to focus on my writing, even if it was only for 20 minutes.
With kids home from school and everyone adjusting to a powerless household, finding quiet moments to write required flexibility. I woke up early to catch the calm before the storm (literally) and carved out writing time whenever I could, even if it meant waking up a couple of hours early to write before anyone else was awake.
Finding Inspiration in Community
One of the most heartening aspects of living through Hurricane Beryl was the sense of community that emerged. Neighbors helping neighbors, sharing supplies, and offering support in any way they could. This resilience and camaraderie became a source of inspiration for my writing. The characters in my stories found new depths of courage and compassion, mirroring the real-life heroes I saw around me.
Navigating PTSD and Stress
As Beryl’s winds howled and the rain pounded down, I found myself grappling with more than just the immediate storm. The knots in the back of my neck and head weren’t just from the current stress—they were echoes of Hurricane Harvey. Back then, we lost everything, and that trauma left a mark I didn’t fully realize until Beryl hit. The subconscious fear of déjà vu was real, and it was paralyzing at times.
To relieve the stress, I recognized it and took some Tylenol, used my foam roller for a deep tissue massage, and got into bed. Relaxing helped. When I woke up, the knot was gone, and I put my notebook away temporarily. Recognizing and addressing the stress allowed me to refocus and continue writing.
Losing Focus and Finding It Again
My routine was shattered by the constant distraction of watching the news, keeping up with weather reports, and the fear of falling trees. The triple-digit temperatures only added to the physical and mental strain. Writing took a backseat as I prioritized safety and staying informed. But in the quiet moments, when the storm paused its relentless assault, I found my way back to my words. It wasn’t easy, and it took me a few days to get adjusted, but it was necessary.
Writing is my passion, my escape, and my way of making sense of the world. Even in the midst of a hurricane, staying connected to this passion was crucial. It reminded me that no matter the external chaos, there’s always a calm center where creativity thrives. Hurricane Beryl tested my adaptability, but it also reaffirmed my commitment to my craft.
Looking Ahead
As Houston begins the recovery process, I’m reminded of the resilience of both people and stories. The aftermath of Hurricane Beryl will undoubtedly find its way into my writing, adding layers of depth and authenticity. Whether you’re a writer, reader, or simply someone navigating the storms of life, remember that every challenge brings with it the seeds of new stories and new beginnings.
Writing during a hurricane is an adventure I won’t soon forget. It’s a testament to the power of creativity to weather any storm and emerge stronger on the other side. So, here’s to the stories that come from the heart of the storm, and to the writers who brave the elements to bring them to life. Stay safe, stay inspired, and keep writing.
As always, I’d love to hear your experiences and tips for writing through the storms, literal or metaphorical. Share your stories in the comments below, and let’s weather this journey together.
Stay cozy, Tish