TL;DR: Writers share the outside pursuits that feed their work, reading, travel, games, music, and more. The lesson: a full life off the page makes for richer writing on it.
Writers do not fill the well by writing alone. Reading, travel, games, music, and time spent living all feed back into the work. I asked a group of writers which hobbies support their writing and how, and their answers are below. Together they argue that a rich life away from the desk is part of the craft, not a distraction from it.
What Hobbies Do You Have That Support Your Writing?
Here are their responses, in their own words.
S. A. Schneider
I don’t know if my hobbies are directly related, but seem to be common with writers. I enjoy reading, which should be obvious. It’s hard to say you’re a writer if you don’t read. I did get away from reading due to life – kids, work, etc – but have made an effort recently to make sure I was reading more. The interesting thing is that I notice the writing differently. It is sometimes difficult to fully immerse myself in the story instead of analyzing the words, grammar, plot, characters, etc. While that may take away from my complete enjoyment of the story, it does help with my writing as I learn from the reading.
I also enjoy games – mostly card games but plenty of board games. Collectible card games and deck builders are my favorites. Board-types games are more in line with the European type of game instead of things like Monopoly and Parcheesi. We try to have family game nights, but with so many kids it becomes crazy and we miss out a lot. We get together with others for game nights when we can.
Tammy Arlene
I enjoy road trips and especially love visiting National Parks. This hobby helps me in writing in two ways. First, I am exposed to many different people and situations that I would not be if I stayed home. I am an avid explorer, people watcher, and even more—a listener. This helps me create more vivid situations, characters and realistic dialogue. Although, I have to admit, some real life events I see and overhear are pretty unbelievable. Secondly, my hobby is invaluable to my writing career is exploring outside. This opens my imagination in so many ways including giving me a sense of peace and calm that I simply can’t find indoors. The simple act of walking and wandering in open spaces and breathing fresh air is calming and relieves day to day stress so I can focus on creativity.
Coincidently, as I write this, I am returning from a trip to the redwood forest and ocean in northern California. I carry a small notebook with me when I wander, and ideas seem to be floating all around me as I relax and explore. I captured as many as I could in my trusty journal—hopefully you will be able to enjoy them with me in the near future.
www.tammyarlene.com
https://www.amazon.com/Coming-Home-Welcome-Whisper-Creek-ebook/dp/B07JL46MQR
Facebook: @tammyarlenewriter
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/tammyarlenewriter
Paty Jager
I have two hobbies that help me with my writing. One is sewing. I make book bags that I give away with the books people buy at events I attend. And the other is walking. When I walk, I either listen to a book on tape or I dictate a book I’m working on. It just depends on how behind I am on a project as to whether I’m dictating or listening.
The common thread
Read these answers side by side and the individual voices begin to agree. That is the point of a roundup. No single writer holds the whole answer to what hobbies do you have that support your writing, but the collected experience of many working writers gets closer than any one of us could alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hobbies help with writing?
Reading, travel, games, music, and any pursuit that exposes a writer to new people and experiences. Writers say these activities feed ideas, sharpen observation, and refill creative energy.
Why do hobbies improve writing?
They expose writers to new perspectives, experiences, and language, and they recharge the creative energy that constant writing depletes. Life off the page becomes material on it.
Should writers make time for interests outside writing?
Yes. A well-rounded life supplies the raw material and the perspective that writing draws on. Time away from the desk often improves the work done at it.
