5 (Actually Useful) Things to Do When You're Not Writing
'Cause we're guessing if you're reading this, you're not writing right now...
Ahoy Workshoppers,
November is traditionally the month of writing a frankly ridiculous amount of words — however, since many of us absolutely are not doing that and subsequently feel all the FOMO and guilt about it, we thought today we’d give you a special Forever Workshop permission slip:
You don’t have to write today. Or tomorrow. Or this week. Or month.
(A truth: even if you’re not writing, you’re still a writer.)
Because, actually, a lot of the important creative problem solving happens when you’re not writing.
Sometimes you need some time away from the page to fill your cup, so you have the brainspace to figure that shit out.
And there are plenty of things you can do to encourage that magical subconscious process that have nothing to do with writing at all.
Here are just five of them:
#1: Immerse yourself in (other) stories
Read, read, read, read, read. Books, lit mags, graphic novels, articles, poems, everything. Reading has always been the best method of improving your writing by osmosis. (Plus: reading is sexy af.) Consume those words. Absorb them. Let them percolate until you’re ready to create some of your own.
Or, if your TBR pile doesn’t appeal, nom down some quality stories in other mediums instead: movies, TV shows, music, theatre, improv, D&D livestreams — feed your soul with stories and fill your inspiration meter to the top.
#2: Get arty and/or crafty
All art is good art. And any creative activity is a beneficial companion to (not)writing, especially if it engages your problem-solving brain: painting, scrapbooking, fibre-arts, scribbling chalk drawings on your driveway — whatever gets the happy hormones flowing and gets you in touch with your crafty side.
The simple act of creation will give you a boost while you let your writing WIP rest (guilt-free) for a while. (Bonus: it’s much more satisfying than doom-scrolling).
#3: Use the downtime to develop your skills
Psst, hey kid, you want a writing workshop? <opens trenchcoat>
A little reading, a little theory, a little writing exercise, ooh, a prompt or two… Workshops are a super low-pressure way to stay connected to your WIP while you’re totally, definitely, absolutely not writing, right?
And if you find yourself having a creative epiphany while you learn some new skills, well, we really can’t be held responsible for that…
#4: Think, dream and do… nothing
Y’know, it’s ok to just daydream about your story instead of writing it? Maybe go for a lil’ walk. Have a nap. Do a little (gentle) introspection on what might be getting in the way of your writing at the moment. But don’t beat yourself up about it. Your ideas aren’t going anywhere. So if what you need right now is to do abso-fucking-lutely nothing at all, then let the soft animal of your body do just that.
#5: Talk it out
Look, talking about writing is my second favourite thing to do after actually writing, and luckily I get a lot of opportunity to do that, because… uh, yeah.
And the best people to talk to about writing are: writers. Because sometimes just brainstorming plot problems or getting excited about your WIP with like-minded folk can be far more productive than sitting alone in front of a blank page.
So talk to us — and talk to each other — that’s exactly what we’re here for:
Join the Community Corner Chat:
What’re you (not) writing at the moment?
What’s working? What’s got you stuck?
And what’s YOUR favourite not-writing activity?
This article is simply brilliant because it's so true! Some of my best ideas occur when I am not writing - but doing other "things". And paying attention to the subtle messages that fall on your lap. Thank you for sharing this.
I love that you included arts and crafts! I've been crafting and sewing a fair amount recently, and often feel like that's irrelevant to writing, but you're right--it's been so restorative!