From Reading to Yoga: Non-Writing Ways to Improve Your Fiction Writing
Hey there, lovely writer!
We all know that writing is essential to a fiction writer's growth. But did you know that there are other things you can do to promote your growth as a writer?
That's right!
Here are some fun tips that can help you grow as a writer aside from just writing:
Read, read, read!
As a writer, reading is just as important as writing.
It allows you to learn new techniques, discover new styles, and gain inspiration.
So, make sure to set aside time every day to read. Read books from different genres and authors to expand your literary horizons.
Here are some romance book suggestions I'm loving right now:
"The Kiss Quotient" by Helen Hoang: This novel tells the story of a successful econometrician who hires a male escort to help her navigate the world of dating and relationships. It has been praised for its diverse representation of characters and its authentic depiction of neurodiversity.
"The Hating Game" by Sally Thorne: This enemies-to-lovers romance follows two co-workers who are constantly at odds with each other. When they're both up for the same promotion, their rivalry heats up - but so do their feelings for each other.
"The Flatshare" by Beth O'Leary: This charming novel follows two strangers who share a flat but never actually meet. They communicate through notes left around the apartment and gradually develop a connection that becomes something more.
"Beach Read" by Emily Henry: This novel follows two rival writers - one a romance author and the other a literary fiction author - who agree to swap genres for the summer. As they spend time together, they start to see each other in a new light.
"The Unhoneymooners" by Christina Lauren: In this romantic comedy, two enemies - the bride's sister and the groom's brother - are forced to go on a honeymoon together after everyone else at the wedding falls ill. As they navigate their trip to paradise, they start to realize their initial dislike for each other may have been misplaced.
Download my free self-care checklist for writers!
Attend writing workshops and conferences.
Attending workshops and conferences can give you the opportunity to learn from established writers and gain insight into the publishing industry.
Plus, you'll get to meet other writers who share your passion for storytelling. It's a win-win!
And of course, here are some suggestions:
The Writer's Digest Annual Conference: This conference brings together bestselling authors, agents, editors, and publishing experts for a weekend of workshops, panels, and networking opportunities.
The Tin House Summer Workshop: This workshop takes place in Portland, Oregon and features classes on fiction, non-fiction, and poetry, as well as craft seminars and readings by acclaimed writers.
The Iowa Writers' Workshop: This prestigious program offers both graduate and undergraduate courses in fiction writing, as well as workshops and readings by visiting writers.
The Kenyon Review Writers Workshop: This week-long workshop takes place on the campus of Kenyon College in Ohio and offers classes in poetry, fiction, and creative non-fiction, as well as one-on-one consultations with faculty.
The Clarion Writers' Workshop: This six-week intensive program takes place at the University of California, San Diego, and is designed for aspiring science fiction and fantasy writers.
Some other popular ones include the Bread Loaf Writers' Conference, the Sewanee Writers' Conference, and the Aspen Summer Words Writing Retreat.
Join a writing group.
Joining a writing group can provide you with a support system and constructive criticism.
It also gives you the chance to share your work with others and get feedback, which can be invaluable in improving your writing.
Here's a list of writing groups you can explore:
National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo): This organization hosts an annual challenge in November where writers aim to write a 50,000-word novel in 30 days. NaNoWriMo also has a vibrant online community and local writing groups that offer support and encouragement.
Romance Writers of America (RWA): RWA is a professional organization for romance writers that offers networking opportunities, workshops, and resources for writers at all stages of their careers.
Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA): SFWA is a professional organization for science fiction and fantasy writers that provides resources and support for writers, including workshops and networking events.
The Writers' Co-op: The Writers' Co-op is a global writing group that provides a supportive community for writers, as well as workshops, critiques, and resources.
Scribophile: Scribophile is an online writing community that offers peer critiques and feedback on members' writing, as well as writing prompts and resources.
When looking for a writing group, it's important to find one that aligns with your goals, interests, and writing style. You can also consider joining a local writing group or starting one of your own.
Take breaks.
It's important to take breaks from writing to avoid burnout.
Use this time to engage in other creative activities, such as painting, cooking, or photography. It's a great way to recharge your creative batteries.
Get outside.
Going outside and getting some fresh air can do wonders for your creativity. Take a walk, hike, or bike ride and let nature inspire you.
Download my free self-care checklist for writers!
Practice mindfulness.
Practicing mindfulness can help you focus and clear your mind, making it easier to write. Incorporate mindfulness practices, such as meditation or yoga, into your daily routine.
Here are some Youtube Channels that will dive further into mindfulness:
Yoga with Adriene: This popular YouTube channel offers yoga classes for all levels, as well as guided meditations and mindfulness practices. Adriene's gentle approach and focus on self-care and self-acceptance have made her a favorite among yogis and non-yogis alike.
The Mindful Movement: This channel offers guided meditations, breathing exercises, and mindfulness practices, as well as videos on personal growth and wellness. The Mindful Movement's calming tone and soothing visuals make it a great resource for anyone looking to reduce stress and increase mindfulness.
Lavendaire: This channel offers videos on personal growth, self-care, and creativity, including journaling prompts and tips. Lavendaire's upbeat and inspirational content is perfect for anyone looking to cultivate a more mindful and intentional lifestyle.
Boho Beautiful: This channel offers yoga classes, meditation practices, and guided breathwork exercises, all set against beautiful natural backdrops around the world. Boho Beautiful's focus on both physical and mental wellness makes it a great resource for anyone looking to incorporate mindfulness into their daily routine.
Pick Up Limes: This channel offers videos on healthy living, including plant-based cooking, mindfulness practices, and self-care tips. Pick Up Limes' focus on nourishing the body and mind makes it a great resource for anyone looking to live a more mindful and healthy lifestyle.
Download my free self-care checklist for writers!
Experiment.
Try experimenting with different writing styles, genres, and techniques.
It can help you discover your strengths and weaknesses as a writer and give you new perspectives on storytelling.
Here's some ideas to get the wheels turning:
Realism: Realism is a writing style that aims to portray everyday life and events realistically, without embellishment or idealization. Realistic fiction often focuses on characters and their relationships, and can be both dramatic and humorous.
Gothic: Gothic fiction is a genre that emphasizes horror, supernatural elements, and dark romanticism. Gothic fiction often includes haunted houses, ghosts, and mysterious or violent events, and can be both thrilling and unsettling.
Magical realism: Magical realism is a writing technique that blends elements of the fantastical with the everyday, creating a sense of magical or mystical realism. Magical realism often focuses on ordinary people and places that are infused with wonder and enchantment, and can be both whimsical and thought-provoking.
Science fiction: Science fiction is a genre that explores the possibilities of the future and the unknown, often through advanced technology, space travel, and alternate realities. Science fiction can be both imaginative and scientific, and often explores social, political, and philosophical themes.
Stream of consciousness: Stream of consciousness is a writing technique that aims to represent the inner workings of a character's mind, often by depicting their thoughts, feelings, and sensations in a free-flowing, unstructured manner. Stream of consciousness can be both intimate and disorienting, and often blurs the lines between reality and perception.
Each style, genre, and technique has its own unique strengths and challenges, and can be used to create compelling and memorable stories.
So, there you have it, my dear writer.
These tips are just a few ways to promote your growth as a fiction writer.
Remember, writing is a journey, and there's always room for growth and improvement.