The task of writing involves more than just putting words onto the page. Researching, outlining and revising are some of those additional tasks.

Another task that writers engage in – often unconsciously- is non-writing.

Non-writing is time that is not spent on physical writing tasks. Yet, this time still influences our writing process. 

Non-writing often occurs in the midst of engaging in other tasks altogether.

Our gut reaction is to consider moments where we are not writing or completing a productive activity as procrastination.

Sometimes that’s the case. But, it isn’t always true.

Non-writing plays an essential role in our creative process and serves to enhance the development of our skills and manuscripts.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss the benefits of engaging in non-writing time. 

In doing so, we can stop criticizing ourselves when engaging in moments of non-writing that support our writing process.

As writers, when we have an exciting new idea for a story, we want to jump in and get writing. 

But, immediately writing your story doesn’t serve the overall plot.

Your ideas need time to percolate. A new idea is only a story half-baked.

If you closed your eyes and tried to imagine the characters, the setting and the plot in intricate detail, chances are that there’d be a lot of gray space in between what you’ve thought up.

Spending time with your ideas gives them the chance to develop.

You could jot down notes or happily galavant through your imagination while completing tasks on autopilot. Either way, by doing so you add depth and detail to the story you first envisioned.

The times you allow yourself to play with your ideas rather than committing to writing your story then and there is an act of non-writing.

You are engaging in moments of productive procrastination which serve your writing process.

When allowing space to add to or even revise those initial thoughts, your story has room to grow into a refined narrative with a stronger plot.

That is one effect of non-writing time.

There are so many writers sharing tips on writing their manuscript faster – in 3 months or even 1 month.

Maybe that works for them, but I do wonder how that is serving your creativity. Does your writing process benefit from this approach?

On days when you’re feeling sapped of energy or inspiration, do you feel the need to commit to your word count? Do you have to push beyond your easy flow to meet this goal?

And, if by chance you come to the end of the month and your manuscript is incomplete, what happens then? How does it affect your sense of self-worth?

When we rush through the writing process, we deny any opportunities to engage in non-writing practices that can refine our ideas. We are chained to the time limits and word counts that we have set.

There needs to be some room for flexibility.

If the writing process loses a sense of play and creativity, then how do we remain excited to write?

There is certainly a problem when we procrastinate to the point of not writing at all, but that is very different from non-writing.

For techniques on overcoming procrastination, check out this blog post.

Non-writing is an intentional approach that requires slowing down in your writing routine to allow space for creative play and narrative development.

Sometimes, non-writing occurs when we are cleaning the dishes or completing our morning routine.

These processes are so second nature to us that we don’t need to think about what we’re doing. Thus, our brain is left free to explore. 

Often, we fill those moments with music and podcasts – an excellent way to make mundane tasks enjoyable or even educational.

Yet, if we take some of those moments to practice living in silence then we can allow our minds to mull over our story ideas or even grapple with plot problems we are trying to solve.

We may not be at our desk writing, but we are certainly working on our manuscripts at this time.

Non-writing can also enhance our creative inspiration when we incorporate hobbies, new experiences and change up our routines on occasion.

In her book, The Artist’s Way, Julia Cameron discusses the use of artist dates as a way to enhance your creativity.

Reading is a non-writing activity that enhances your inspiration and allows you to learn from other writers.

As you read, you can consider: what did you like about this writing style? What would you have done differently?

Outings are an opportunity to gather ideas for settings, characters and story lines through real world experiences.

This could be an intentional non-writing opportunity where you perhaps head to a park to make note of the character traits you witness in those around you.

Or, as so often happens, we see or hear something that sparks an exciting idea.

Other non-writing activities that can spark your creativity include: watching a tv show or movie, journaling, drawing or taking a new class.

At a quick glance we see these experiences as just another time away from writing; however, not only do we need intentional writing breaks but they can serve a greater purpose as we study storytelling techniques in different mediums.

Take a look at your weekly routine. Consider when and where you can incorporate moments for reflection.

Instead of listening to that podcast every day, could you attempt one day to sit with your plot while cleaning?

Consider exploring artist dates as a way to ignite your creativity and take intentional breaks.

The hobbies and activities you choose should excite you.

Don’t force yourself to take a class or go on an outing if it doesn’t feel fun.

A well-rounded writing routine allows time to slow down, reflect and explore.

Challenge yourself to engage in some non-writing without guilt.

These experiences will contribute to your storytelling.

Sometimes, productive writing happens when you aren’t writing at all!

Share a favourite non-writing activity that enhances your creative writing.

Let’s build a list of ideas to spark our inspiration.

Talk soon!

Julia