Writing. For some, it’s a passion, for others a profession.
But can writing simply be a hobby one does for pleasure?
Let’s take an in-depth look at the benefits of writing as a hobby and why putting pen to paper (or fingers to keys) can be a fulfilling way to spend your free time.
Writing as a Productive Hobby
Many people view hobbies as a waste of time – idle activities that produce nothing meaningful. But writing bucks this trend. Writing allows you to create something tangible that didn’t exist before. And unlike painting or sculpture, writing doesn’t require artistic talent. Anyone can write!
Here are some of the productive outcomes of writing as a hobby:
- Learning and refining a useful skill. Writing improves with practice, so it provides a constructive way to spend your time.
- Preserving memories and writing your life story. Recording your experiences creates something to pass down to future generations.
- Expressing your creativity through stories, poems, essays, and more. Writing satisfies the human need for self-expression.
- Improving your thinking by articulating ideas and making logical arguments. Writing something down requires structure and clarity.
- Finding your voice and style through experimentation. Writing lets you play with language to develop a unique writing identity.
- Connecting with a community of fellow writers online and in person. Writing can combat loneliness.
- Earning income through freelance writing gigs, blogging, self-publishing, and more. Writing can be monetized if you desire.
So indeed, writing can be much more than just a hobby. It’s a hobby with tangible personal growth attached.
How to Make Writing More Enjoyable?
Even if you never publish a word, writing can be rewarding in and of itself. Here are some ways to make writing more enjoyable as a hobby:
- Write about topics you’re passionate about, not just what you think will sell. Follow your interests.
- Set a consistent schedule, even if it’s just 15 minutes per day. Don’t just write when inspiration strikes.
- Join a writing group for feedback, inspiration, and camaraderie. Connect with fellow hobbyist writers.
- Try new forms like poetry, screenplays, memoirs, and short stories. Experiment and challenge yourself.
- Don’t obsess over quality in early drafts. Let the words flow without judgment.
- Read extensively within your genre. Good input fuels better output.
- Maintain a writing journal or idea notebook. Always be collecting sparks for future stories.
- Start small projects like writing a monthly newsletter, compiling recipes, and documenting family history. Build your skills.
- Reward yourself when you meet goals. Make writing feel like play, not work.
Keep exploring what works for you and embrace the journey. Writing for enjoyment keeps your passion alive.
Learning Writing Skills as a Hobby
Perhaps you want to take your pastime to the next level and truly hone your writing craft. You can significantly improve as a hobbyist writer through some targeted learning:
Read Style Guides
Style guides like The Elements of Style and The Associated Press Stylebook teach proper grammar, punctuation, formatting, and usage for different contexts. Absorb their lessons through steady reading.
Study the Masters
Deconstruct the works of masters like Hemingway, Orwell, and E.B. White. Analyze what makes their writing so effective. Imitate their sentence structure and word choices.
Take a Class
Whether at your local college or through online learning platforms, classes offer a structured way to improve. Focus on the fundamentals or specialized genres like business writing.
Join a Workshop
In-person workshops provide feedback from instructors and peers. Analyze others’ writing and get critiques of your own.
Hire an Editor
Working one-on-one with an editor provides customized feedback on everything from plot holes to passive voice. Ask for sample edits before hiring.
Read Writing Books
Books on writing dissect what goes into great prose. Read classics like On Writing Well and Bird by Bird and take detailed notes.
Start a Blog
Blogging sharpens skills through regular writing while building an audience. Start small with a personal blog on a hobby like hiking or baking.
With a plan and some perseverance, your writing abilities will evolve by leaps and bounds.
Exploring Different Types of Writing
Writing comes in endless forms. Sampling the variety helps you discover what best suits your interests and voice. Consider exploring genres like:
- Fiction writing – Craft imaginary worlds through novels, short stories, flash fiction, and poetry. Explore literary fiction, genre fiction, or avant-garde styles.
- Nonfiction writing – Share true stories, offer how-to advice, explain concepts, and more through memoirs, essays, articles, and textbooks.
- Journalism – Report on current events through news articles, profiles, opinion pieces, and photojournalism.
- Business writing – Write copy for ads, press releases, websites, newsletters, and other corporate communications.
- Technical writing – Explain specialized processes through instruction manuals, how-to guides, and documentation.
- Script writing – Develop scripts for film, television, theater, or radio in formats like screenplays or teleplays.
Try short experimental pieces in new genres to expand your repertoire. Stretch your skills!
Finding a Writing Community
Writing can feel lonely, but it doesn’t have to be! Seek out fellow hobbyist writers for inspiration, accountability, and feedback. You can connect through:
- Local writing groups – Meet other writers in your area to critique each other’s work and socialize. Try National Novel Writing Month groups.
- Online writing forums – Websites like AbsoluteWrite and the Writing Forums host active communities discussing all aspects of writing.
- Classes and conferences – Take a class through your local college or community center, or attend a writing conference to connect with others passionate about writing.
- Social media – Follow successful authors in your genre on Twitter and Instagram. Join Facebook groups for writers. Use hashtags like #AmWriting to connect.
- Critique partners – Find another writer to exchange work with and provide mutual feedback. Set guidelines and expectations to develop a beneficial partnership.
- Writers’ residencies – Fully immerse yourself by attending a writers’ colony or retreat, often in serene natural settings.
Don’t isolate yourself! Surrounding yourself with supportive writers provides inspiration, accountability, and feedback to elevate your skills.
Getting Your Writing Out There
As your writing progresses, you may wish to share your work with a broader audience. Here are routes to consider:
Start a Blog
Launching a blog allows you to self-publish writing while building an audience. Share short fiction, poetry, essays, or hobby-related topics. Monetize through ads or affiliates.
Submit to Literary Journals
Literary magazines accept poetry, short fiction, and essays. Do your research to find publications that fit your style. Expect to collect many rejections before acceptance!
Self-Publish Ebooks
Tools like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing let you self-publish ebooks for little to no upfront cost. Promote through blogging, social media, and ebook price promotions.
Post on Medium
Medium is a popular blogging platform where writing can gain exposure, especially if recommended by curators or selected for publications.
Enter Writing Contests
Submit short pieces to writing contests like those hosted by Writer’s Digest. Placement can provide recognition along with prizes or publications.
Share on Wattpad
Wattpad allows you to share writing, especially novel excerpts or short fiction, to gain followers. Use tags to make your work discoverable.
Don’t be discouraged by initial rejections when sharing your work! Persistence is key to finding your readership.
Making Writing a Habit
The key to writing success is regular consistency. Follow these tips to make writing a non-negotiable habit:
- Start small – Even 10 minutes of writing per day builds momentum. Don’t bite off more than you can chew.
- Set a schedule – Dedicate a certain time or day of the week as “writing time” so it becomes routine. Protect this time fiercely.
- Find triggers – Link writing to existing habits like writing morning pages with your coffee or journaling before bed.
- Track progress – Use a habit tracker app or calendar to motivate through visible progress.
- Find accountability – Share goals with a writing buddy or group who keeps you on track.
- Minimize distractions – During writing time, turn off devices, close tabs, and work somewhere quiet.
- Be patient – Habits take time to form. Stick with your routine even if motivation wanes. Consistency compounds rewards.
If writing starts as a hobby, soon it will become second nature. Small steps make big strides!
Using Writing to Connect and Learn
Beyond personal fulfillment, writing can also connect you with others and promote continuous learning. Here are some ways to use your hobby as a tool:
- Write letters or emails – Maintain relationships through old-fashioned correspondence. Share your latest news and writing pieces.
- Contribute guest posts – Guest blogging introduces your work to new audiences while building connections.
- Start a writing group – Form a critique group with friends or fellow hobbyists to learn from each other.
- Interview people – Improve interview skills while capturing oral histories from interesting people in your life.
- Review books – Writing reviews cements lessons learned from reading while engaging in conversation.
- Reflect through journaling – Journal everything from daily events to inner turmoil as a path to self-discovery.
- Join online communities – Discuss burning questions and exchange feedback with writers worldwide through forums.
Writing is social! Use your hobby as a bridge to connect with supportive communities where you can continually learn and grow.
Is Writing Right for You?
We’ve explored the many merits of taking up writing as a hobby or a side pursuit. From honing a valued skill to finding your voice to connecting with others, writing offers profound personal rewards. Not convinced writing is for you? Consider:
- Do you seek a creative outlet? Writing flexes your creativity every time you craft an original piece.
- Do you have stories to share? Writing preserves your experiences while making sense of life through narrative.
- Do you enjoy playing with language? Writers relish experimenting with the limitless possibilities of words.
- Do you want to connect with others? Writing builds community while combating isolation.
- Do you desire self-improvement? Writing enhances skills from discipline to logic to empathy.
If so, why not give writing a try? Start small, be consistent, and enjoy the journey. With minimal investment besides your time, you have everything to gain. Because while writing may start as a hobby, it often transforms into a lifelong passion.
Is Writing Considered a Type of Hobby?
Many individuals engage in different types of hobbies to find joy and relaxation. Writing is one such hobby that is widely embraced. Whether it’s journaling, creative writing, or blogging, writing provides an outlet for self-expression and imagination. Moreover, it allows individuals to explore diverse themes, create vivid narratives, and connect with readers through words. Indeed, writing is considered a type of hobby for countless enthusiasts.
FAQs about Is Writing a Hobby?
Is writing a hobby career?
Writing can start as a hobby and turn into a career if you develop your skills, build a portfolio, network, and actively pursue professional writing opportunities.
Why is writing enjoyable?
Writing is enjoyable because it allows you to express creativity, share your voice, develop stories, learn about topics, and create something tangible.
Is writing a talent or a hobby?
Writing can be both – some have an innate talent, but anyone can improve their writing skills with practice and develop it as a rewarding hobby.
Is writing a hobby or a job?
Writing can be either a hobby done for enjoyment or a job done for income, and sometimes it starts as a hobby before transitioning into a paid career.
Is journal writing a hobby?
Keeping a journal is a common hobby that allows people to reflect, express emotions, document life events, and simply enjoy writing.
Is writing a rich man’s hobby?
No, writing is accessible to anyone regardless of income level since it requires minimal materials – just a pen and paper or a computer.
