5 Hobbies Every Writer Should Have
Have you ever sat there just staring at a blank screen trying to tell your brain to communicate with your hands to just type something? Anything! Of course, you have! You are a writer, and this happens to every writer sooner or later.
Well, to help with those dreadful writer’s block moments, I compiled a list of hobbies that could not only help during those writer’s blocks but maybe prevent them from happening in the first place.
Why Hobbies Matter For Writers
Mental health
Ok, ok, maybe it can’t be summed up in two words so easily. Though, it isn’t a lie. Countless studies have shown that hobbies can lead to reduced stress, less anxiety, more focus, plus a bunch of other goodies. Seriously, you can google “Hobbies and Stress” and see for yourself.
Why is that, you ask? Well, one of the many reasons is the break in the routine. We can easily get wrapped up in our day-to-day routines with little to no change. When you add a hobby into the mix, you are challenging your brain to break from the normal and flex a bit. Much like working out. If you were to do the same workout day after day, you would sooner or later stop seeing the benefits from the workout and would need to increase the intensity in one way or another.
New Point of View
Being able to see your writing from a new point of view can be crucial for its success. As a writer, we get wrapped up in world-building and can sometimes get too close to the work to see what could or needs to change for the audience.
Just like a painter stepping away from their canvas for a bit, writers also need to step away and place their thoughts and brain power into something else. Something else like a hobby. Working on a hobby will take your mind off of the writing and come back with fresh eyes and a new perspective. I like to think of Sherlock Holmes and his violin when it comes to my hobbies. Not that I am calling myself Sherlock Holmes.
The Hobbies
Drawing and or Painting
A classic among many writers. Especially those in the fantasy business. Fiction writers love to escape to other worlds. I mean, it is pretty much the entire reason why we do what we do. However, this isn’t limited to just fiction writers. Humans in general love escapism and have been doing so since the beginning of our existence.
The imagination of a human is pretty impressive, and then you add the years of training that a writer has. The countless hours of world-building and creation. Drawing and or painting is a natural step for many writers. It provides another outlet to imagine and create the worlds we daydream about all day long.
The great thing about drawing or painting (drawing especially), they are relatively inexpensive to get into. Anything from items already lying around the house to fifty dollars can get you started. You can create your own book art, ideas, and storyboards, or even just use it as an escape from the thousands of words you stare at each and every day.
Caligraphy
Computer screens can bog a human down. Staring at a screen all day has been proven over and over to cause fatigue. Not just in the eyes, but in the mind and body as well. Though, how else are we going to write those stories that must be told? Well, the classic way. We write via longhand.
If you are anything like me, when I write longhand, it looks like I purposefully went to med school to ONLY learn the worst penmanship possible. Each time I write, I think to myself that I wish my handwriting was better if not for those who may read my notebooks in the future, but at least for me and my sanity.
Well, calligraphy is an amazing hobby that is not a common one at the moment. There is so much beauty in calligraphy, so much patience, and hidden talent. I envy the novels I stumble upon that have beautiful and elaborate lettering.
It could be a fun and unique way to present stories or even portions of stories. Also, think about when you sign your books. How cool would it be to have a unique and picture-perfect signature for your fans? I mean, I think it would be cool.
Language Learning
There is a reason J.R.R. Tolkien is considered one of the greats. Sure, the massive world that he built, the millions of individuals he has inspired, and the near-perfect storytelling have something to do with it as well, but we can’t rule out the languages he created.
Learning a new language actually seems like the perfect hobby for writers. After all, isn’t our entire craft built around the foundation of the written word? When we learn a new language, it isn’t just new words or the root meanings of words we learn, but we learn an incredible amount about other cultures, their history, and their lore. To be honest, learning a new language is a never-ending well of inspiration and ideas.
Music Creation
If I were to use J.R.R. Tolkien as an example yet again, we can easily see how music can inspire and build worlds. He not only placed lyrics and songs into his works, but his entire universe was built by music.
Though, I don’t want to rely purely on J.R.R. Tolkien. I have found that music is an escape all on its own. Not just listening to it, but playing an instrument. When I have a serious case of writer’s block, I pick up my guitar and pick away for thirty minutes or so. This allows my brain to focus on a different task while creating a sense of calm and relaxation.
I should also mention the act of writing music. If you are a writer and want to really challenge yourself, try writing a song. You can just start with lyrics to understand the difficult but rewarding challenge this can bring.
Fiber Arts and or Crafts
Ok, so this one I may be a little biased. I love to knit and I love working on crafts. While there may not be a direct link between writing to fiber arts and crafts, I personally believe it is a great hobby to have while being a writer. It allows a completely different form of creative expression and skills. Not to mention there are great payoffs for a finished project.
If you are really eager, you can find ways to combine writing and crafts. Creating your own bookmarks, knitting book sleeves, crocheting pen holders, scrapbooking your writing and publishing journey, creating artifacts and props from your stories, and bringing them to life. Finding the connection can bring a whole new light to your writing and give you a much-needed break from the screen when needed.
Summary
There you have it. A list of some wonderfully beautiful hobbies that any writer can and should try out. Of course, these aren’t the only hobbies out there, but these are hobbies that I have found to be useful in my writing journey.
If you are curious about Hobbies and Writing, sign up for my newsletter as I often talk about my hobbies and writing together, along with a few other things.
