The Pittsburgh Writer If you’ve spent any time in the blog-o-sphere, or even in any of the online writing communities of Twitter and Reddit, then you’ll know you’re not alone in being in a “writing rut.” The majority of us can’t travel for inspiration. Or do that once planned visit to research in the largest library in the country (my derailed plans from last year – thanks ‘rona).
Here’s the cold hard truth: you have ambitions, yes. But perhaps it’s time to step away from that computer/writing space/etc. and get out of your head. Do something mindless. Do something you used to love and try doing it again. Don’t know what to do? Here’s a list of Fifty Things To Do That Have absolutely Nothing To Do With Writing:
- Ride a bike
- Go ice skating
- Walk the dog (or cat?)
- Redo that troublesome closet
- Buy yourself flowers
- Plan this year’s garden
- Learn a new skill
- Cook a favorite meal
- Take a hot shower/bath (seriously)
- Declutter your workspace
- Visit a local home improvement store for project inspo
- Fix that thing that’s needed fixing for a long time
- Zoom with family or friends
- Start a blog
- Go through your old stories
- Watch soap-making videos on YouTube
- Get lost in social media (but not too lost. Save your sanity!)
- Reread a favorite novel series
- Try outlining your own work-in-progress for the first time
- Conduct interviews for your characters
- Offer to edit a paper or two for students you know
- Support small businesses in your area
- Find a local charity and see what they’re volunteer needs are
- Try your hand at freelance writing
- Learn how to use a graphics design program
- Build “mood boards” for your characters, or theme boards for inspo
- Have a “binge” day – eat the food you want, watch the shows you want
- Snuggle with your snuggle buddy
- Splurge on all those teas you’ve had your eyes on
- Find a new genre of music to listen to
- Learn calligraphy
- Consider caring for fish. Or plants?
- Make a #WIPAesthetic to visualize a character’s emotions
- Have a movie night where the film’s themes match your own WIP
- Pick a random topic and research research research
- Learn needlepoint or knitting
- Join a local writer’s group
- Plan your spring farmers’ market trips
- Clean out the basement or attic (or both)
- If you can, offer to shop for a neighbor
- Redesign a space in your home
- Power wash your drive/walk/siding
- Clean out the gutters (you know it’s probably time)
- Make a purchase from that shop you’ve been eyeing for a long time
- Donate to a food pantry
- Pick back up an old family tradition
- Create a playlist for your work-in-progress
- Go for a run/walk
- Find all those things you know relax you and just RELAX
- Write letters (yes, old school snail mail)
Looks like SOME of the suggestions have something to do with writing. Writing doesn’t always have to be a chore: constantly drafting, especially when stuck. I used to do needlepoint but often got frustrated and never completed them. Thus, wasting money. A few weeks ago, however, I decided to try again. This time, I bought a pattern where I don’t have to count my stitches. Why do I still enjoy it? It’s really freed up my mind, doing something mindless. You don’t always have to write at warp speed. Slow down. Give yourself a break. And perhaps, perhaps, you’ll find some story inspiration along the way!
