by Kendra Levin
A few years ago, my friend and I joked that there should be a National Don’t Write a Novel Month. In fact, we even created a Twitter account for it and spent the month of November that year tweeting about all the things we were doing instead of writing a novel.
Writing is hard. Writing a novel in a month is even harder. And while NaNoWriMo and Tara’s own PiBoIdMo are fantastic ways to light a fire under your butt and get words on the page, it’s just as important for writers to spend time…well, not writing.
So this year, if you’re feeling creatively fried, emotionally exhausted, distracted by the election, or just plain burnt out, try spending November replenishing yourself artistically.
Consume culture. You already know how important it is for writers to read—and not just the genre or age category you write, but all kinds of books, articles, and other content. Go see an art exhibit, a dance performance, or a concert. Play a video game. Go to a movie you wouldn’t normally be interested in. Try art forms and genres you don’t expect to like and see what happens!
Explore your world. On the way home from the gym, your job, your kids’ school, any place you visit more than once a week, try a new route. Always go to the same gas station? Try a different one. Instead of walking, running, or riding your bike wherever you usually go, head to the next town over and investigate a neighborhood you’re not familiar with. See what inspiration is hiding in the world adjacent to you.
Learn a new skill and bring new people into your life. Join a club, a meetup group, or a casual sports team. Find an activity you’re curious about that’s different from anything else you do and give it a try. Go to a place that you know attracts people with different interests than you and see if you can make a new friend.
Read your journals. If you keep a journal, you have a potential goldmine of material in the experiences you’ve had and thoughts you’ve recorded. Go back and look at what you wrote this year, last year, five or 10 years ago, or even in high school, and see what you find that intrigues or surprises you.
Make non-writing art. See what it’s like to express yourself without words, and without the pressure that can come with doing your primary creative focus. Collage, draw, paint, compose music. Make a silly video on your phone. Create a whole story just using gifs. Don’t worry about it being good. Make art with no agenda and have fun!
Meditate, be present, nurture your spirit. If you love the idea of meditation but never seem to make time for it, now’s your chance. Take a contemplative walk alone, ideally in nature. Attend a service of a religion you don’t practice, or visit a place that is sacred or spiritual to you. Spend time alone without plans and see what you gravitate toward or where your thoughts take you.
This year, let the month of November be an opportunity to find inspiration, challenge your preconceptions about yourself, and rejuvenate your psyche. By the end, you’ll be ready to roll up your sleeves and write, or to take on the next challenge life brings: the holiday season!
Kendra Levin helps writers and other creative artists meet their goals and connect more deeply with their work and themselves. She is a certified life coach, as well as a senior editor at Penguin, a teacher, and author of The Hero Is You. Visit her at kendracoaching.com and follow her @kendralevin.
And Kendra is giving away a free 30-minute Skype coaching session to one lucky writer. Just leave a comment below about your favorite way NOT to write. Winner will be selected randomly later this month. One comment per person, please. GOOD LUCK!
Check out Kendra’s new book THE HERO IS YOU, released today!
118 comments
Comments feed for this article
November 1, 2016 at 8:36 am
kirsticall
I can’t wait to read your book, Kendra!
November 1, 2016 at 8:38 am
Lucky Jo Boscarino
Favorite way not to write: indulge in self-doubt and believe all those negative thoughts and excuses…
November 1, 2016 at 8:39 am
Carolyn Rohrbaugh
When I am not writing I love looking for things to write about.
November 1, 2016 at 8:42 am
Dana Wu
The best excuse for not writing is kids… just too much going on…. but for those of us with kids, it is true… time flies…. and not just when you are having fun. This cliche reminds us to take the time to observe and listen to our kids and their friends, and read what they are reading.
November 1, 2016 at 8:42 am
Michelle Kogan Illustration, Painting & Writing
I love your line at the end “rejuvenate your psyche” and all the nature and visual outlets you suggested, thanks Kendra! And thanks Tara for inviting Kendra!
November 1, 2016 at 8:43 am
Lotus Ivak
Hi Kendra! Thank you so much for the wonderful thoughts. I am looking forward to trying out some of these ideas. My favorite way NOT to write is to draw things I see especially if I am in a new setting. A chandelier here, a rocking chair there because like you said, its fun to make art without an agenda. Congratulations on your book!!
November 1, 2016 at 8:44 am
Sue Heavenrich
Thanks, Kendra! These are great suggestions. One of the things we writers need to remember is to “refill the well”. One of the habits I want to get back to is taking a weekly “artists date” – and starting with a Not Writing Anything Month is perfect. (because I know in a week I’ll really really be itching to write). Love your take on us doing our own hero’s journey – can’t wait to read your book.
November 1, 2016 at 9:00 am
Melanie G
Get Grounded:
Spend solitary time reigniting the spirit by enjoying experiences that are often put aside. A barefoot walk across a grassy field can restore energy… A hand-dug hole for garden plants can foster growth… A palm-to-trunk exchange with a majestic tree can connect vibrations…
November 1, 2016 at 9:07 am
Michelle O'Hara Levin
Oh I have many ways not to write- decluttering (distinct from cleaning, which is not a favorite activity), walking the dog, reading. All of these “avoidance behaviors” actually do clear some kind of space in my mind that makes room for more writing – or that’s what I tell myself.
November 1, 2016 at 9:08 am
rosiepova
Ha! This is just what I needed. For me, reading is one of the ways I’d like to rejuvenate. Next on the list: watch a movie, get a massage, get my hair done. If only I can stay away from social media, the rejuvenating process would be much smoother 🙂
November 1, 2016 at 9:17 am
Wendy Greenley
I don’t get the NaNoWriMo concept. Either you want to write, or you don’t. Nobody gonna tell me when to do it, cause I’m a renegade like that, lol. I like your reasons, Kendra, to justify my rebellion.
November 1, 2016 at 9:18 am
Kelly Vavala
Wonderful and Inspirational thoughts Kendra…thank you for sharing!! My favorite thing to do while not writing is READING!!! I read anything I can get my hands on! I had a head trauma back in 1992 and the neurologist told me that I am trying to fill in the gaps of “lost things”!! This is all good, as I am rapidly refilling what was lost with all the things I like…. rather than the things we HAD to learn lol Thanks again for your wonderful insight!
November 1, 2016 at 9:18 am
Rebecca Gomez (@GomezWrites)
Excellent advice!
November 1, 2016 at 9:22 am
lindaschueler
These are all fabulous suggestions! Thank you so much. And the book looks great too.
November 1, 2016 at 9:25 am
laurenrbarb
Great advice! Even in cooler weather, I go on outdoor adventures–I garden, do outdoor work, or walk.
November 1, 2016 at 9:26 am
Melissa Stoller
I’m printing this one out!! Thanks for the great tips, Kendra. I love to not write by taking a long walk on the beach! Look forward to reading your book.
November 1, 2016 at 9:29 am
Rebecca Snyder
Refreshing words of encouragement to be a wide-eyed kid again, thanks
November 1, 2016 at 9:35 am
Kenda Henthorn
I love to listen to music on a long trip. Studying the lyrics, the rhythm, the story arc, choruses and refrains actually does a lot to help me with my own story structure, from rhyming picture books through middle grade novels. Music is such an excellent writing motivation for me!!!
November 1, 2016 at 9:39 am
JEN
I pull out my bow and arrows and go to my little archery range in the backyard. Something about shooting targets clears the mind.
November 1, 2016 at 9:40 am
JEN
When I get burned out, I pull out my bow and arrows and go to my little archery range in the backyard. Something about shooting targets clears the mind.
November 1, 2016 at 9:51 am
Lauren Kerstein
When I feel burned out, I garden (although I am still writing in my head since I can’t seem to turn my brain off) or I read.
November 1, 2016 at 9:53 am
storyfairy
My favorite way not to write is to do non-writing art.
November 1, 2016 at 9:54 am
Kathy Elstad
For me, I love to snuggle up on my comfy couch, with a quilt, on my screened porch where I am surrounded by nature. I love to sip a cup of tea an read from an inspirational book. A few cookies would be great too 🙂
November 1, 2016 at 9:58 am
laura516
If I need a break from writing, I like to knit, crochet, and cook. But not all at the same time 🙂
November 1, 2016 at 10:00 am
hmmmmm
Hear hear — thanks Kendra. The writer and the non-writer (who does the sorts of stuff you describe) are definitely two sides of the same coin!
November 1, 2016 at 10:09 am
W.R. Miller
Visiting the zoo and sketching the animals.
November 1, 2016 at 10:11 am
Beverly Patt
I discovered this too one month – maybe it was even November! – and feeling glum, went into a yarn shop. I must have touched every skein of yarn in there! The colors and feel of all those beautiful yarns revived me and I came out with a bag of yarn, a pattern and a refreshed, rejuvenated attitude!
November 1, 2016 at 10:14 am
angie9091
My favorite way to not write: hiking up a mountain.
My most common way to not write: laundry.
November 1, 2016 at 10:16 am
Beverly R. Marsh
Two of my non-writing but inspirational activities are attending spin class and working in my butterfly garden — ideas sometimes find me when I’m least expecting them.
November 1, 2016 at 10:16 am
Sylvia Mary Grech
My way of “not to write” is to take a long walk in the park, and trying to figure out what to do to fill my time.
November 1, 2016 at 10:20 am
Frances G. M. Kalavritinos
Kendra, I’ll look forward to reading your book–it sounds like something I really need! I avoid writing by not doing it. If I don’t write, I don’t have to feel the fear.
November 1, 2016 at 10:23 am
anisioluiz2008
Reblogged this on O LADO ESCURO DA LUA.
November 1, 2016 at 10:25 am
Ink Bottle Studio
Sewing, usually making a quilt, to use that part of my creative brain is one way I “don’t write!”
November 1, 2016 at 10:27 am
Kristi Veitenheimer (@kdveiten)
Favorite way to NOT write–indulging in a Netflix marathon!
November 1, 2016 at 10:28 am
Lisa Healy
My favorite way not to write is to photograph. Not be be cliche, but “a picture is worth a thousand words.” I like to move in to my subject, fill the frame and capture what I see by writing pictures with visual images. Photographs are so prolific. They capture the heroes within them and mark moments that breathe life.
November 1, 2016 at 10:32 am
Celeste Henriquez
Yes, I struggle with balancing my writing with other creative outlets that I love and nurture me, too. Thank you for this reminder. I can’t wait to read your book! Plus life coaching is awesome!
November 1, 2016 at 10:33 am
Teresa Robeson
I’ve committed to doing NaNo this year but I’m also going to do some of the things Kendra listed because being creative is a way of life! 🙂
November 1, 2016 at 10:35 am
writersideup
I’ve always had trouble with the whole “novel in a month” mentality. I can’t imagine I’d do it, but if it works for some people, that’s their thing. A few bestsellers came from it, but I would think that a lot of that writing would require a lot more revising lol
Great post, Kendra! 😀
November 1, 2016 at 11:14 am
angkunkel
Thank you for this post! I tend to get really gung-ho at the beginning of November and burn out mid-month. I’m accepting the fact that my world with kids way too fast as it is— creating crazy pressure to write just results in more writer’s block! Slowly down and observing always restores my creativity. Now if my type A personality would just settle down and recognize that . . .
November 1, 2016 at 11:21 am
Katie Giorgio
Great concept…thanks for sharing. I’m really good at not writing…spending time with my kiddos is my favorite way to not write 🙂
November 1, 2016 at 11:31 am
David McMullin
Great advise, Kendra. I have so many more ideas when I am out exploring.
November 1, 2016 at 11:43 am
Deslie English
I liike this idea. I might make it into a daily mini-writing vacation! Thanks for all the suggestions.
November 1, 2016 at 11:47 am
Christine Pinto
Hi, Kendra! Thanks for letting it be okay that I may not to do my NaNo this year. My favorite way not to write this November is choreographing a play for 50 elementary school kids! I’m thinking this will re-energize my connection to kids and how they see the world. So, still connected to writing. Thanks again.
November 1, 2016 at 11:47 am
Gretchen McLellan
My favorite way not to write that I can do year round (unlike cross-country skiing) is baking killer c-cubes, my name for chocolate chip cookies with dark chocolate chips, oatmeal, and walnuts. I recently learned a new trick on public radio to make my cookies even better. I’m getting in the mood to start a batch right now. Yum!
Thanks for the post, Kendra and Tara.
November 1, 2016 at 11:49 am
Lori Dubbin
When I take a break from writing, I take long walks or read in a different genre. Your suggestions are wonderful and I look forward to reading more in your book. (I also like to refresh, rejuvenate, and get inspired by reading Tara’s blog, which is happening right now! :))
November 1, 2016 at 12:06 pm
Johnell DeWitt
Yes! If I’m having creative block, I have to get away from the keyboard. Thanks for these ideas.
November 1, 2016 at 12:11 pm
Claire Bobrow
My favorite ways to not write are to read, visit a museum, walk my dogs, bake, and hang out with friends. Oh, and take an online class!
November 1, 2016 at 12:22 pm
Jennifer Rumberger
Congrats on your book birthday, Kendra! My favorite way to NOT write is to read or watch a movie. Going for a walk or something outside is a great way to relax too.
November 1, 2016 at 12:23 pm
Ali Pfautz
Great thoughts! I like cozying up with a book and my dog at my feet. 🙂
November 1, 2016 at 12:25 pm
Mary Wagley Copp
My favorite to NOT write is to bake! Or to take a walk in the woods with no playlist except what nature offers!
November 1, 2016 at 12:35 pm
Janet Frenck Sheets
Playing hockey is my favorite way not to write. But my favorite way to be inspired to write is to read picture books. There’s so much talent out there!
November 1, 2016 at 12:41 pm
Katey Howes
My favorite way not to write? Napping! Though that might not qualify, because I often wake up with the perfect line in my head.
November 1, 2016 at 12:49 pm
Gregory E Bray
I’m very proficient at not writing. 😉 Great article!
November 1, 2016 at 12:55 pm
meganleewrites
What a great idea! With 2 small children, I am always so focused on writing when I have a spare minute. It is so frustrating when those few moments are not as productive as I hoped. I think focusing on not writing will give my brain the rest it needs to let the creativity flow. The two things I do to not write is bird watching or taking a nap. Both seem to quiet the mind and refresh the soul. Here’s to not writing this November! (unless I get a great idea of course)
November 1, 2016 at 12:57 pm
Rebekah Lowell
I live in Maine, near the rocky coast, so my favorite way take a from writing and illustrating and to recharge is to go walking in wildlife preserves, especially the one near me that has a loop around Timber Island. At low tide, we can cross on foot. I always feel like a burden has been lifted after spending time at the ocean.
November 1, 2016 at 12:58 pm
Rebekah Lowell
*take a BREAK from writing–it should have read.
November 1, 2016 at 1:23 pm
wolfgangworld
My favorite way not to write is to go for a walk with some paper and a pen in a bag. When on the move, like a freaking miracle, I’m suddenly flooded with ideas. I pull out the paper, write down the idea, and keep going. I’ve written ideas on water cooler cone cups, receipts, anything with a blank spot on it.
November 1, 2016 at 1:31 pm
Lizabeth Pirstl
Walk through fall leaves. Kick through fall leaves. Crrrruunch through fall leaves!
November 1, 2016 at 1:37 pm
Cathy C. Hall
I pretty much find a way not to write at least once each day. I call it “resting my eyes” but you might call it “napping.” 🙂
November 1, 2016 at 2:04 pm
Mary Uhles
I’m SO glad this post appeared today as I was struggling with the guilt demons for goofing off instead of writing or illustrating. Just today my favorite way to not write appears to be surfing the internet for a new set of brush pens;) But now I will shop on guilt free!
November 1, 2016 at 2:41 pm
Stephen S. Martin
So it is B.I.C. but H.B.S. (Hands By Side)
November 1, 2016 at 3:04 pm
Laura Rackham
I take a walk, I take a nap…but the writing and painting continue i my brain. Not such a bad problem to have:)
November 1, 2016 at 3:06 pm
Elizabeth
I like to NOT write by drinking coffee, walking, and crafting:)
November 1, 2016 at 3:16 pm
Lola
My favourite way not to write is making up stories with my children on the way to school. We turn everything we see into something else to fit our stories. So some mornings we cross a jungle and say hello to all the animals, other times the Pirates have obviously been around and the fairies have left many clues. The possibilities are endless. Anything is ok and nothing gets written.
November 1, 2016 at 3:19 pm
Kris Wrucke
Super good advice!! I’ve started upcycling furniture and it’s improved my writing! Now I do some of my best writing with painty finger tips! I can’t wait to try some of your other suggestions.
November 1, 2016 at 3:59 pm
Dorothy Wiese
My favorite way not to write is to travel. Although I could write while traveling, I don’t want to miss anything. I may take time to jot down notes. Otherwise it’s “go until I drop.” Thanks Kendra, I’ll see you Saturday at Prairie Writer’s and Illustrator’s Day.
November 1, 2016 at 4:02 pm
expressdog
My favorite way NOT to write? Yoga or long walks. Thanks, Kendra, for this wonderful reminder to nurture our creative selves! I look forward to reading your book!
November 1, 2016 at 4:04 pm
danielle hammelef
My favorite way not to write is to read book blogs. I read author interviews, success stories, book reviews, etc. I loved, loved this post and need to remember that every second in life is a chance to learn something new.
November 1, 2016 at 4:32 pm
Linda Mitchell
This is so comforting….I could weep. Thank you for this wonderful post. I put a lot of pressure on myself!
November 1, 2016 at 4:50 pm
Leslie Z.
Read, read, read! Walks in the park & visits to the Met. Great time for a great post!
November 1, 2016 at 5:03 pm
bevbaird
I have to create and take part in art challenges. Right now I am taking part in both NaNoWriMo and AEDM – for this is am creating art tags with writing quotes to inspire me for writing.What a fab. giveaway! Yes I do read as well – as much as possible.
November 1, 2016 at 5:04 pm
hethfeth
Today I am not writing. After assisting with a classroom lesson on magnetism with a group of scientist volunteers in my child’s classroom, I went to Penzey’s spice shop to buy dried toasted onion flakes and sample lots of marvelous spicy scents in smelling jars.
November 1, 2016 at 5:26 pm
Lucy Staugler
My favorite way to NOT write is to settle on my comfy couch with snacks in hand eagerly watching the Lifetime Christmas Movie Marathon channel. All the while dreaming that I just know one of my books will someday be made into a Lifetime movie…..if I just got off the couch to write it!!😃📚📝✏️
November 1, 2016 at 6:18 pm
Kathy Doherty
My favorite way NOT to write is to volunteer in a preschool and observe. When I get home I write!
November 1, 2016 at 6:29 pm
Carol Jones
What great ideas! Some years ago I overheard a coworker talking about a house she was buying and I drove over to see it out of curiosity. The drive and the area turned out to be lovely and inspiring. It didn’t prompt any writing, but I did take a series of pictures, one of which is still on my wall. Anything that gets you to appreciate something beautiful gets the creative juices flowing.
November 1, 2016 at 6:32 pm
Kerri Kokias
My favorite way to not write is to spend summers being totally present with my kids. Swimming, riding bikes, visiting new ice-cream shop, etc.
November 1, 2016 at 7:51 pm
Mary Crockett
Great advice! My favorite way not to write is to dream.
November 1, 2016 at 8:17 pm
Kathy Elstad
I love the dreaming 🙂 Dreaming is good 🙂
November 1, 2016 at 9:31 pm
Linda Graden
Thanks for sharing, Kendra. Those ideas make perfect sense. The slightest creative activity attracts more!
November 1, 2016 at 10:10 pm
setwiggs
Kendra,
I really resonated with your column. i had been debating whether I should travel to the Birds in Art exhibit in a neighboring city and you’ve convinced me. I never know where or when I”ll be inspired so the more variety I expose myself to the better.
Thanks for the reinforcement.
Sue
November 1, 2016 at 10:52 pm
Jill
Favorite way NOT to write: Making art with my kids! Drawing, painting, coloring, all spark my creativity. Plus, conversations with my kids are hilarious!
November 2, 2016 at 2:05 am
heavenlyhashformoms
HA! Perfect timing! I was just down in the dumps for having missed a couple contest deadlines…my kids and husband were sick is my excuse. But normally, my very creative 4 year old finds a myriad of ways for me not to write! I think today we made play dough cookies for one of the doll’s birthdays, had the dolls attend ‘church,’etc! The sad thing is I have a million ideas going on in my brain, but don’t seem to find the time to write them down! But, in the end, my family is more important than writing a book…just wish there were two of me sometimes!
November 2, 2016 at 5:17 am
Angela
For me, it’s bikram yoga (which I definitely need to get back to), walks that facilitate people watching, and a good chat with my sisters. totally went out of my comfort zone by going through a ‘haunted’ prison w my kids recently. Thanks for the reminder that it’s okay, even good and necessary, to take space and time to retreat and renew.
November 2, 2016 at 7:06 am
Cheryl
Seems like my best ideas always seep on when I’m doing those non-writing activities. 🙂
November 2, 2016 at 8:26 am
kathalsey
Kendra, I am doing NaNo for the first time, but my fav non-writing way to spend time is walking paths I’ve not been down in my neighborhood going to the Columbus Art Museum.
November 2, 2016 at 8:54 am
mgar83
My favorite way not to write… it’s a toss up between obsessing about bills and tracking my family’s expenditures, which gives me the false sense that I have accomplished something, or perusing Zillow and dreaming about the house I want to move to next year.
November 2, 2016 at 9:55 am
Stephen Sugg
To me, orally telling stories–made up on the spot—is a great way to refresh my creative side.
November 2, 2016 at 10:19 am
Gabi Garcia
Free time is so precious, so when I have an extra chunk of time it is often a choice between writing or self-care (though ivrally do enjoy writing). Going on a walk while listening to a podcast is at the top of my list.
November 2, 2016 at 10:42 am
Nadine Gamble
Favorite way NOT to write is to read.
November 2, 2016 at 10:42 am
Kelly
READ! The best thing to do when not writing is to read!
November 2, 2016 at 10:43 am
Marcia Berneger
One of my favorite ways to take a break from writing is to spend time with my puppy. He is so cute, and his mischievous personality is fun to interact with. I have to admit, however, that sometimes I’m studying him as I watch–he will make an incredible character for a future book…
November 2, 2016 at 11:10 am
Sheri Radovich
Thanks for not pushing us to write more but to take breaks. Sometimes I feel guilty those days I don’t sit down and revise or write something new. I just want to find time outside my computer and office. Now I feel like I can go on walks and not try to work out a plot or story along the way.
November 2, 2016 at 11:11 am
Natasha Wing
Favorite way not to write is to go to an art museum.
November 2, 2016 at 11:33 am
Small surprises | L is for Literary
[…] enough to inspire you, what does? I know November is NaNoWriMo for many, many, many writers, but Kendra Levin’s guest post on Writing Kids (While Raising Them) makes an excellent point for taking November – or […]
November 2, 2016 at 12:14 pm
theresenagi
I like tending plants in my garden and watching them grow. I find it therapeutic to pull weeds and wrestle them out of the soil.
November 2, 2016 at 2:24 pm
Rebecca Van Slyke
Taking a road trip with miles of boring, straight driving is my go-to method of notwriting. My mind is freed up to brainstorm as the miles go by.
November 2, 2016 at 3:04 pm
mariagianferrari
Great post, Kendra!! I have to make more of an effort to fill my emptying well 🙂
November 2, 2016 at 3:07 pm
Lisa Riddiough
Thank you, Kendra. My favorite way to not write is to bake. It is soothing yet purposeful and offers a fantastic reward at the end!
November 3, 2016 at 6:26 am
Lisa A. Reiss
Hi, Kendra. What I tend to do when I’m not writing is complain that I can’t write and sulk because I stink. 🙂 Then I get back to it.
November 3, 2016 at 9:01 am
Kathy Elstad
I hate when I think I stink, but it was nice to know someone else thinks that way too sometimes! I know I have to let it go and get back to writing! Believe!
November 4, 2016 at 6:36 am
Lisa A. Reiss
🙂
November 3, 2016 at 1:12 pm
Angela De Groot
Kendra, thank you for all the filling-the-well suggestions. It’s always good to mix it up.
November 3, 2016 at 2:58 pm
Anne M. Estes, PhD
Excellent post. my favorite way to not write is to do a cartoon or watercolor/sketch about the point I’m trying to make. 🙂
November 3, 2016 at 5:20 pm
Sandi Lawson
Great post. I like sewing. It’s a creative outlet and I do simple projects that don’t require a lot of thought, leaving my mind free to roam!
November 4, 2016 at 12:50 pm
Charlotte Dixon
Thank you, Kendra, for the tips. My favorite way to not write is to place my inner artist in the middle of my paints, pens, and pencils. It’s like going to a different universe. I look forward to reading your book 🙂
November 5, 2016 at 2:09 am
Pam Miller
I especially like ” . . . time alone.” Thank you Kendra and Tara for this post. My To-do list grows, and one last thing now completed, posting here. This week in me-time, I read. I then made a list of what I needed to do. Sometimes, I am so busy, so interrupted, so unfocused, until I take that walk, sit and read for pleasure, listen to music, water my flowers.
November 5, 2016 at 10:27 pm
Admin2
Thank you Kendra, for the great post. Thank you Tara, for the wonderful blog. My favorite way not to write is to read the work of others. I think someone should invent a waterproof pen/pad for the shower wall. That’s where I get writing ideas!
November 6, 2016 at 2:49 pm
Tara Lazar
Check out some of my holiday gifts for writers posts–I have some shower-writing things listed.
November 6, 2016 at 11:38 pm
Kathryn Kass
You are so right about spending time away from writing. I get my best ideas in the middle of the sermon at church – I may not pay attention my priest’s message but perhaps my creativity is divinely inspired. Even if it isn’t, I get a whole hour to be creative and then race home to jot down what I came up with!
November 7, 2016 at 9:14 am
cergunay
Thank you, Tara and Kendra! Favorite way to not write (and not feel guilty about not writing) falls under the nurture-your-spirit category of going to the beach with my kid.
November 8, 2016 at 2:38 pm
Prairie Garden Girl
Kendra: Your thoughts and ideas about how to be a better writer when I’m not writing are inspiring.
Tara: Thank you for all that you do.
~Suzy Leopold
November 8, 2016 at 7:49 pm
Megan Higginson
I love this post. You hear so much about making the time to write — which is a good thing — that the tendency can be to beat ourselves up when we don’t. We need to live life to the fullest, in order to be able to be inspired and write to our fullest potential. Mix life up a little, or a lot, and see what inspires you. Thanks, Kendra.
November 8, 2016 at 10:27 pm
Abigail Perry
My favorite way not to write is to exercise, swim, or paint.
November 11, 2016 at 9:34 am
Lindsay Bonilla (@LindsayBonilla)
Kendra is great! I have always enjoyed hearing her speak at conferences. My favorite way to not write is by running. I have found some of my best ideas just come to me while I’m out on the trail. Taking care of my toddler, while not relaxing, is also a great source of inspiration! 🙂
November 13, 2016 at 1:13 pm
Bianca S
My favorite way not to write: READ! READ! READ! I find myself constantly looking online for advice as well as book recommendations too. I feel that this a craft that needs to be constantly worked on and I can never learn too much about it. I recently read a book that has literally changed me as a writer. You and your readers must read “Creative Visualization for Writers” by Nina Amir (http://ninaamir.com/). It answers the questions about one’s own writing that you may never even think to, or moreover, know how to ask. Nina Amir must have taken a hard look at her own writing to come up with something so outwardly helpful for the writing community as a whole. The interesting dynamic within this book is that while it teaches a system of finding your creative voice, it also in turn teaches each and every writer to write as an individual. I see this as a double-edged sword and would strongly suggest any writer, rookie or veteran, to give this a thorough read-through. I really hope you will give it a read! I would love to hear what you think
November 15, 2016 at 2:38 am
Ned Penchev
Very, I emphasize very smart and extraordinary post . For me non- writing inspirations comes when I am the gym , training in deep concentration and listening to the music of the yoga lessons in the other hall. Keep up the perfect work. I also started recently a blog for books – http://dare2read.com/ .
December 6, 2016 at 5:29 pm
Sylvia Liu
Good advice and reminder to feed your creative spirit
December 10, 2016 at 4:25 pm
laurensoloy
This was a lovely post. It’s so easy sometimes to beat myself up for getting busy with life, and not writing anything for a week. But, really it all feeds back into the writing – that’s the wonderful thing about writing! To relax myself, and take the pressure of expectations off, I like to sit and knit!