Sourdough Starter

I made a sourdough bread starter this morning, using a recipe from one of my favorite magazines. I love homemade breads, especially sourdough. I have seen many folks on TV work with their sourdough starters that they have had for years. I am going to give this a try. With winter coming on and the house being a little chilly, I am concerned whether this culture will stay alive and produce sourdough as the recipe states. Just one of those "trial and errors" that I am hoping to learn from. Hopefully, by this time next week, I will have a loaf of bread baking in the oven.