Putting words on the page is only part of being a writer. And if you’re like me, you can only sit at your computer for so long before you find yourself staring blankly at the blinking cursor. So let’s talk about ways to stimulate your writerly soul without writing a word.

1. Read: Nothing helps you internalize successful writing like reading. You may or may not realize it, but you’re absorbing the rhythm of well-crafted sentences, scenes, and stories. As you develop your own story, it helps to have published works that serve as examples of aspects you’re trying to include.

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2. Shop: Provide yourself with the office supplies or computer programs that will help you get organized. Think of it as creating the structure for success. Whether it’s buying a corkboard to display your plot planner or a calendar to create to-do lists and deadlines, equip yourself in ways that will make the process manageable.

3. Critique: When you help a fellow writer by reading their manuscript, you reinforce good writing for your own projects. You may find elements of a critique partner’s WIP that force you to take a closer look at your own strengths and weaknesses. Just being mindful of what makes or breaks fabulous writing keeps those rules in the forefront of our own minds.

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4. Go to the Bookstore or Library: Perusing the shelves of your local bookstore or public library can accomplish several things. Seeing what’s selling can help stimulate your own ideas. Depending on the book level or genre you want to write, it’s an easy way to thumb through similar titles and study openings, layout, sentence structure, chapter length, and more. Read book jackets and internalize how you can use that type of a preview for your query letters.

5. Research: Whether you want your story to include a scuba-diving character or to take place in Venice, Italy, researching is a great way to immerse yourself in your story. Researching can stimulate ideas for conflicts that naturally tie into your character’s interests or the history of your setting. Another benefit of research is that it helps you envision the world for your story, making it easier to immerse yourself in the shoes of your characters.

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6. Grab a cup of coffee with a writerly friend: Just talking about your WIP can help you commit to a turning point, or figure out that there’s a character that’s doing nothing to contribute to your story. Having another writer ask you questions will help you hone in on aspects you may be overlooking, while reinforcing elements that are working.

7. Attend a conference: There’s no better way to meet other writers, hear inspirational presentations, or get feedback on a manuscript. Another benefit of going to a conference is that it gives you a gut-check—Are you on the right track with your writing? Do you know what agents and editors want? Have other authors experienced the highs and lows you’re going through? Conferences are filled with writers just like you, reminding you that you’re not alone in this business.

8. Move: Give yourself permission to step away from the screen and go do something else. Successful writers and illustrators often talk about the benefits of doing a daily physical activity. Walk around the block, busy your hands with knitting, or hit the gym. Even if you’re thinking about writing during these breaks, you’ll come back to the chair with greater focus.

What tips do you have for non-writing activities that make you a better writer? We’d love to hear what works for you. Please post your energizing activities to comments!

Happy Writing,
Marissa