When I was in high school, I carried a journal with me. It was a black and white composition notebook. I kept it in my backpack and never opened it in class. However, as soon as class was dismissed and it was lunch time, I would grace the halls of the school, slide down the wall, sit indian-style and start writing.
- Poems.
- Short-stories
- Creating characters
Those were the things I’d write. It was an escape for me. I wasn’t under a writing deadline for class and I wasn’t restricted on what I could write. When I opened that composition notebook, I fell into a different world and escaped the treacherous school day for an hour.
This morning I was reminded of how “fun-writing,” like what I did in my composition notebook, is a great thing writers should consider. I’m not talking about creating another writing deadline. And I’m not talking about writing with the intent to get published either. I’m talking about something else. I’m talking about separating work from play.
Fun writing consist of:
- Letting your hair down.
- Writing as much or less as you want.
- Writing something you never thought you could– exploring your imagination.
- Having fun with words– using new words in your work.
- Fun Writing Exercises
- Writing without thinking so hard.
As writers, we are constantly bombarded with deadlines. We’re working toward our goals and let’s be honest– sometimes that’s flat out exhausting. And although there are so many techniques I encourage you to try (rest, taking frequent breaks, etc) it is also my experience that “fun-writing” can help you loosen up too. Not only can it help you loosen up but it can also help with your work.
How? It’s simple. Anytime you’re writing, you’re practicing. You’re exercising your writing muscle. Your working your brain– although you don’t want to consider it as work.
For example:
People frequently do things for fun and not for work. When I had a heavy work-out schedule, I did it because I enjoyed it. It was fun for me. I didn’t work-out because I had goals. I simply wanted to have fun. Meanwhile, others around me at the gym were drenched with sweat from training to reach their goals.
Notice the difference?
I worked-out for fun.. just because. No reason. And the kicker is, my body ended up in great shape because although I didn’t consider it “work”… those exercises still gave me great physical results. It’s a win-win.
The same applies for fun-writing. It’s a great idea to place your “real work” aside and play around a little bit. Have some fun. Explore a new plot, but do it because you want to have fun with the story. Explore a new subject (non-fiction)– one that you’ve always wanted to write about. If we don’t enjoy what we do, it’ll reflect in our work. This is a great way to help keep the fun part alive.
I encourage you to get a $.99 black and white composition notebook and start your own fun-writing. Don’t think too hard. Just take a deep breath and have a little fun with your words. This exercise is not to make you feel stressed or like you have any extra work. Don’t think of it that way. Don’t worry about grammar or if anyone will like what you do. Keep it private and personal if you must. Consider this approach and have fun! Enjoy the fun and beauty of writing for once!
I don’t know about you, but I’m going to get my composition notebook and start today!
Question for you:
Have you considered “fun-writing?” How has that helped your writing life?
Thanks for visiting! Have a great weekend!
~Kennisha
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