Here’s another of my favourite wintertime songs. Sorry the visuals aren’t much; there were surprisingly few versions to choose from on the old YouTubes.
That’s by Thomas Weelkes, whom you may know as the composer of such popular hits as “Hark, All Ye Lovely Saints Above,” and “O Care, Thou Wilt Dispatch Me.”
I don’t have much to tie this one in with writing, except to say that the Madrigalians sing it sometimes, and singing helps keep me writing happily and well. Singing is Old Nappy to my writing’s Black Stallion.
Suddenly realizing that a) that’s a pretty obscure reference anymore, and b) “Old Nappy” is not exactly a pleasant-sounding name for anyone, even a horse. OK then! Thanks for reading. I’ll be over here in a corner, gazing upon other horrors from the catacombs of my brain.
Rachel Hartman 
Hey, I always appreciate a Black Stallion reference! Although it’s true the full name, Napoleon, would be more dignified.
I couldn’t remember what Nappy was short for! It really has been a long time. I’m kind of astonished that was still in my head.
I remember Nappy! What an interesting metaphor—and you’ve made me think about how much I enjoy singing, and wonder why I’m not doing it much anymore, and wonder how it might affect the rest of my creative life if I took it up again. Hmmm.
Thanks!
I just want to say that “Hark, all ye lovely saints” is a good one, and “To shorten winter’s sadness” is fun despite not allowing a lot of time to breathe (as I recall). And more importantly, I’m really enjoying reading a fantasy book with early music! It’s refreshing that you know what you’re talking about (from the conductor needing to rehearse starts and stops to shawms and crumhorns to gay organist characters). I’m actually only halfway through Seraphina, but hoping I can get my hands on the second book this week.