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Turning writing into a hobby takes determination. It may not seem so, but making time to write, finding things to write about and then remaining dedicated to seeing the entire piece through to its endpoint requires planning and self-discipline. Nevertheless, it's a great hobby to have and definitely worthwhile if you're keen to turn it into a favorite hobby.
Steps
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Find suitable ways to record your writing. Some people prefer writing with pen and paper, such as in a notebook. Some prefer typing into a word processor such as a computer, iPad or laptop. Many people like to combine both approaches, as this allows for different modes of thinking, working, sitting, relaxing, and so forth. Try each and then combine them to find your favorite approach. [1] X Research source
- You could even try typing on an old typewriter if you'd like. Old typewriters can be found through online trade and auction sites. However, keep in mind if you choose this method that you'll also need a supply of typing ribbon and/or ink.
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Decorate your notebooks. If you're using notebooks, decorating them can help to keep you inspired. This can be as simple as sticking a favorite logo or sticker on the front or as elaborate as adding scrapbook cut-outs, fabric collage or decoupage. The decorations are completely up to you, as long as the notebook has an interesting look to it that'll inspire you to pick it up and write in it.
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Jot down ideas. This is the first good habit to get into. Write down things you think you'd like to write about as you come across them. While many of these ideas may amount to nothing, some may turn into your next poem, news article, great American novel, or other writing piece. If you don't note down these ideas as they occur to you, you'll be likely to forget them. [2] X Research source
- Consider carrying a small notebook and pen or having a note-taking app on your smartphone. Having at least one of these with you wherever you go will help you record those ideas as they come to you.
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Use photographs as inspiration. These may be ones you've taken or that you've found. Photographs can be another source of inspiration for inspiring your writing. For example, perhaps you have seen an amazing photo of a place taken by a friend and uploaded to social media. The photo captivates you and carries you away to another time and land, and words about this experience begin to form in your mind. That's a great form of inspiration!
- Consider keeping a Pinterest or similar account filled with your favorite images as you find them. Keep the board secret if you don't want to share your writing inspiration.
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Listen to other people. Take note of what inspires other people, what they like to read and learn about and what's current both now and in the past. All of these tidbits can feed into inspiring your writing.
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Write lists, paragraphs and poems. These are all practice prompts. Once you have chosen the best ideas from these, you will probably feel ready to start the writing process for a more elaborate piece. [3] X Research source
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Decide what sort of writing you're keen to do. There are a vast array of writing activities possible, including book summaries, book critiques, blog posts, short stories, poems, novels, non-fiction, journal entries, commentaries, essays, website reviews, and so on. You might like to try a few different ones to find which niche you're most comfortable in. Also, since writing novels or non-fiction can take a long time, mixing in some other styles of writing can help to keep you interested in writing as a hobby. [4] X Research source
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Make time to write. Just as with any hobby, you'll need to set aside time to indulge in it. Write regularly so that you stay in the swing of it. The longer your breaks are, the less likely it is that you'll feel like returning to a piece of writing. Small breaks are good, but don't stretch them out for too long.
- Set aside time-slots during your week just for writing. Keep these times as much as possible, seeing them as important for your hobby.
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Write somewhere you feel comfortable. Though some may not want others around them, it's entirely up to you whether you are okay with people around you when you're writing. If you wish to hole yourself up in the attic or gazebo, that's fine, as is sitting in a café and penning your piece amid the hubbub of others chatting away. Choose whatever works best for you, noting that this may change over time or even back and forth over days and weeks. [5] X Research source
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Community Q&A
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QuestionI want to write a diary but nothing interesting goes on in my life and I want to make it interesting. What can I do?Community AnswerTry going on an adventure or try new things. Your diary is really only for you. Write down your hopes and dreams, frustrations and fears, and don't worry about if it's interesting or not.
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QuestionI want to start writing but it seems that I am always out of ideas about what to write, how to write and so on. How do I solve that?Community AnswerWriter's block is a part of writing, and it's okay to be uninspired. To combat this, you can look up writing prompts to try and inspire yourself. If you're really out of ideas, just write something random. Just get something down on paper and write about anything. It will help.
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QuestionI am really interested in taking up writing as a hobby. People are always saying to start by writing short stories. Short stories don't really interest me, so I'm not sure where to go from here.BorshivnykCommunity AnswerIf you would like to write long stories instead, go for it. You could also just write some scenes (dialogues, battles, descriptions, etc) for a long story. Skills will come with practice, so just give it a try.
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Tips
- Don't underestimate your imagination and the passion you have for writing. It is endless, even though sometimes it may not feel this way.Thanks
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Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about writing, check out our in-depth interview with Alicia Cook .
References
- ↑ https://www.theguardian.com/books/2011/nov/03/creative-writing-better-pen-longhand
- ↑ https://www.huffpost.com/entry/8-steps-to-starting-a-wri_b_4724235
- ↑ https://medium.com/every-30-days/how-to-develop-a-daily-writing-habit-475732c2b026
- ↑ https://writingcooperative.com/how-to-just-write-c1e613f48171
- ↑ https://writingcooperative.com/how-to-just-write-c1e613f48171
About This Article
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Reader Success Stories
- "It's great for a start! Especially the part about the breaks. People tend to give up soon, due to this habit of taking breaks and don't even realize that that hadn't tried much! Also don't let others opinion or thoughts affect much of your writings. Keep it original!" ..." more
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"It's great for a start! Especially the part about the breaks. People tend to give up soon, due to this habit of taking breaks and don't even realize that that hadn't tried much! Also don't let others opinion or thoughts affect much of your writings. Keep it original!"
..."
more
"This article has revived my thoughts on writing. Now I will remember to carry my camera, update my knowledge, and jot down better points. I will focus better."
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"I've written 5 Sherlock Holmes-style mysteries, 5 Indiana Jones-style adventure stories, and one Superman-style superhero story."
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"Everything about this article is extremely helpful. I'm strongly committed to writing, and love doing it so much. "
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"It was really cool. I don't really like writing, but I have to do it for school and this helped me! :)"
