We’re all trying to be better writers, aren’t we? But not everything we do makes us better writers.

I mean, binging on Netflix, eating an entire plateful of cookies, or taking a nap all probably won’t help you develop writing skills or work your way through that plot problem you have in your book.

There are far more distractions to our writings that are harmful than helpful, and we writers are notorious for finding the harmful ones.

But enough about what won’t help you. I want to focus on what will—and how you can make those things help. Because if you are going to watch Netflix instead of writing, make sure you’re taking notes (mentally at a minimum but preferably physically).

1. Read

This really should go without saying, and the fact that it’s number one says something, right? Because all writers should read. And I’m guilty of not reading enough, really, but getting caught up in my own little written worlds. But squeeze in 15-20 minutes a day, and you’ll be amazed at how much you can read and how little you’ll miss scrolling through Facebook or Twitter.

Read widely within your genre. Read books that yours compares to. Read popular books, unpopular books, highly rated books, low-rated books. Read them all and see what has been done, what hasn’t been done, and how you can change both of those things in your own writing. Read so that you can take calculated risks in your writing.

2. Do writing exercises

Write flash fiction, a writing prompts, poetry, describe a setting/object, etc. Something different that you don’t normally do, where you can let go and not make it “fit” anything.

This is always surprisingly reenergizing for me. Merely flexing your writing muscles by doing an exercise that you don’t ordinarily do can invigorate you to work on your WIP again or else inspire you toward something new. It can even inspire a passage in your current WIP. And no “extra” writing is ever wasted.

3. Pick up a non-writing or reading hobby

Sometimes you really just need to step away from your writing life. Sometimes your brain can’t think of another word, whether it’s been a long day, week, or you’re simply burnt out on your WIP entirely.

In cases like that, I suggest giving your brain a rest and working your fingers in a different way. Pick up knitting or crocheting. Learn the guitar or piano. Or maybe pick up a pencil and learn to draw. You could even try to sketch out your own characters. Let your mind wander, and you might just stumble upon something fantastic, too.

4. Go on a run/walk/exercise in some fashion

We writers like to neglect our bodies. But our bodies are just as important as our brains. When both are well, they work together excellently to allow you to write (whether through pencil, keyboard, or dictation). But when your body is ill or working harder than it needs to, even your writing can suffer. It might take longer to think of those words, it might make your back ache after fifteen minutes in a chair so that you can’t write more than that at a time. We must take care of our bodies just as much as our brains.

And the best thing is that exercise can unlock all sorts of doors in your brain that lead to clearer paths on your WIP.

[Want to know where your book is falling short? Get a free book coaching sample.]

 

5. Try writing a different way or location

If you typically type, try dictation—or even just brainstorming aloud; if you write at your desk, try a coffee shop or a standing desk; or if you write on your laptop, move to your iPad.

One of my favorite places to write is Starbucks. Right now, I’m actually typing this in a Starbucks with my daughter playing games on the iPad beside me. It’s a fun change of pace for her (even though we’ve lately been doing this every morning lately), and it’s a way for introverted me to get out of the house and be around people and have some of the entertainment requirement for my daughter relieved from my shoulders.

However, when I’m alone and have no distractions, writing at home can sometimes be the absolute worst for getting stuff done. There are too many distractions that I can create. But if I go to a coffee shop or the library or Barnes & Noble with the intention of writing and a goal of getting something done, then I feel guiltier about not working. (And the laundry or dishes can’t be done from the shop, so…)

6. Experience something new

One of the best things for your writing can be simply seeking out a new experience. Maybe it’s as simple as entering a building you wouldn’t ordinarily go into. (A mechanic’s or a bar.)  Go in and people watch (don’t loiter. At least try to have a reason to go). Or go bungee jumping or learn to ride a motorcycle. Take notes if you want to (record what you do and how it makes you feel). Be open to new experiences.

7. Read a genre you don’t ordinarily read

I know I already said “read” up above. But this feels a bit different. Because when we go to choose our next book, we look for something that is comfortable and natural. But sometimes the uncomfortable or unnatural can be the exact place you need to be.

When I’m in a reading or a writing slump, I find this to be a great place to go. Read not just what you usually read, but pick up something you wouldn’t normally read. Maybe it’s a book club book (book clubs are good for a lot of things)! Or maybe it’s a non-fiction book about something you’re interested in (even mildly), or maybe it’s a genre you usually despise but have heard good things about this book (for me that might be sci-fi. Sorry, sci-fi lovers, I just have a hard time with the genre). But as you read, feel free to look out for what is done well, what’s done poorly, and even what you might try yourself.

8. Watch movies

Wait, what? Okay, as I suggested above, watching TV can be beneficial to your writing—if you aren’t just binging on it and vegging out. After all, they are stories.

If you watch movies or a TV show with the idea of deconstructing the plot, identifying the plot points, and seeing what works and what doesn’t regarding characters, the intensity of the plot points, the pacing of the movie, the scenes, the dialogue, etc., then you can walk away from your TV break with armor for your own story.

 

9. Go on vacation

If you can’t vacation, take a hike in a different setting than what you’re used to or else play tourist in your own hometown. I bet you’ll learn something, maybe even something you can put into your current WIP or a later one.

10. Talk to someone you wouldn’t ordinarily talk to

Sometimes eavesdropping on a conversation can lead to a conversation being placed exactly into your WIP with very little alteration. Sometimes talking to a stranger or a person outside your comfort zone can lead to same thing.

All these things have one major thing in common: they get you outside of your typical writing day and mix things up.

So the next time you’re stuck, stop staring at your computer. Instead, go seek out a different experience, a hobby, a change of writing pace, a change of writing method, or experience another story in some fashion.

 

 

Kelsie Engen loves to read and started her blog to share that passion with others of like mind.