Welcome to Summer! With school out, now’s the best time to do all the activities and hobbies you’ve had to push off since last year. For me, as a mom maneuvering summer school with my kids–while working a 9-5, it’s a luxury to be able to find time to do some writing.
I hope you are not in the same boat. I pray you are still able to keep your creative juices flowing, as writing is nothing like riding a bike—once you set that pencil down, you will forget how to write.
To keep your creativity churning this summer, here are a few activities I highly recommend you do:
- Go on Nature Walks
- Nature walks are a great way to start your day, or any part of your day, really. It keeps you grounded, reduces stress, forces you to move, and actually makes you more aware of yourself and your surroundings. While you’re on a nature walk, take in the sights and sounds and who knows–maybe you’ll notice something that can be used in your writings.
- Do Some Journaling (Get a journal here)
- You may have heard this one a million times, but I stand by it too. I have been journaling since fourth grade, and it’s literally been a life-saver. Journaling reduces stress and anxiety, improves memory and critical thinking skills, and also makes you more self-aware. Journaling is not only a great way to let go of the day’s pain, but it allows you to get to know yourself better in the process.
- Read (I recommend this one)
- Another “I already know that” method. While many aspiring writers hear “read” and they automatically pick up any old book to consume, I actually want you to be very considerate about what you read. Read in the genre you are writing so you know what publishers are looking for; read outside of your genre for fun; re-read your favorites to pick out why they’re your favorites–Is it due to the characters? The atmospheric vibe? The use of language and grammar?, etc. And also attempt to read a least-favorite book to determine the same thing, because this will help you with knowing what not to do with your own writing.
- Bake or Cook
- I really want to say barbecue because tis the season, however many of us may not have access to a grill. I live in an apartment, and we cannot grill on the premises, so that’s out of my hands. However, baking and cooking is still possible. These creative methods also allow you to relieve stress, be mindful of what you’re consuming, allows you to bring friends and family together and socialize, and can just be fun, as you try out new and different recipes. The clean up, however, is a different story.
- Do Some Writing Prompts
- Lastly, do some writing prompts. This is different from journaling because journaling is pouring out your heart onto paper. There’s not right or wrong way to do it. You get to decide what you want to journal about. When it comes to writing prompts, the topic is already given. Now it’s up to you to decide how you’re going to fulfill that prompt. There’s a lot more thinking involved because your creativity can start flowing. Writing prompts are great if you’re stumped on your current writing project and just need to write; they can fuel the next project; they can just be writings you’ll never want to look at again, and no one is judging you, or you just need a break from your writing. This last reason is why many authors work on multiple projects at one time.
And there you have it–simple methods to do this summer to keep your creative juices flowing. Implement whatever works best for you.
Enjoy! Lysa