A Dash of Words with Loleta Abi Romance Author

The Writer’s Wheel 9/15/19: Hobbies, Do They Distract Writers?

Loleta Abi

Do you have hobbies that you do on the side of writing? Do they distract you?

Why it’s Good to Have that Distraction:

It refreshes you. Time away from writing brings back the energy, the zeal. It strengthens your story when you take time to pursue other things. Horseback riding. Genealogy. A sport. Whatever your choice is, it will be good for you. Distractions help you thrive. I’m not saying ALL distractions are good. Most just keep you from writing. In moderation though, doing something else will help you focus better on your story.

Increases Your Focus.

When you step aside and return to your project, you’re going to notice more clarity. You’ll be able to solve problems that you may or may not have known about. Your story will streamline. All because you went off to shoot some pictures of flowers, squirrels, and butterflies for instance. Photography can give you a clearer look at what you’re doing, the details you want to add.

Brings You Joy.

Maybe you love art. Painting could be a good side project for you. Again, the details will bring a sharper focus to your story. Your “eye” camera will expand and help you with your worldbuilding. The joy you feel chasing something new will infuse you with threads of stories you didn’t know before. You’ll be able to go the distance and then some.

Relaxes You.

A hobby will help you to relax. It’ll help fritter those minutes that you have to spare. It’ll push new moments, new glories in your story. And along the way, you’ll reap the benefits. It’s always good to have something else you’re interested in. It helps to give you another source to occupy your time. Writing every hour of every day is not healthy for us. We need other things to challenge us, to make us soar.

And in soaring, we’ll break free of the brain freeze that stalls us from making progress in our writing. Are hobbies a good idea? I think they’re the best because they give us so many benefits!

Have a great week, take care, and God bless!