6 Lifestyle Habits for Becoming a Better Writer
At this point, I think we all know the ironclad commandments for becoming a better writer:
Read a lot, and write a lot.
But…
I believe it’s also important to think about the way we live our lives, because the best stories are rooted in the writer’s beliefs and experiences — even when it’s an intergalactic space opera or multi-volume fantasy epic.
That’s why I put together this list of lifestyle habits that I believe, when paired with reading and writing, can help you become a better writer.
1. Pursue your passions
In every creative writing workshop I’ve been in, the best stories almost always centered around something the writer was passionate about. Bowling, soccer, dancing, painting, singing, science, math — you name it.
When you write about your passions, it electrifies your writing, and readers love it. So make a habit of feeding your passions in daily life, because they’ll only strengthen your writing.
2. Be curious
The world is full of interesting things, so make a habit of pursuing them! Let yourself be curious about the biology of tree frogs, the distillation of whiskies, the mysteries of the pyramids, armor construction in the middle ages, pirate sea chanteys, 19th century philosophy, and so on. Being curious is a lot of fun, and it provides a lot of fodder for good storytelling, too.
3. Pay attention when life happens
Writing comes to life in the details — in the closely observed images, descriptions, and experiences that feel true to life, even when it’s fantasy. So pay attention to the little habits and quirks of the people around you, the ways they express grief, or frustration, or happiness. And take notice of your own experiences, too. The more you pay attention, the more material you’ll have for breathing a sense of reality into your story.
4. Challenge and question your convictions
What you believe is woven into the fabric of your writing, whether you want it there or not. So take the time to challenge your beliefs and assumptions about the world, whether they be social, political, theological, or philosophical. When you challenge your beliefs, you burn away the flaws and contradictions, and come away with a stronger, more insightful worldview.
That makes for better living and better writing.
5. Imagine beyond your own perspective
In everyday life and on the page, it’s important to habitually think beyond our own perspective. I mean this in terms of diversity — engaging with perspectives outside our own background and identity — but also in terms of trying to understand what motivates the people around you.
For example, when a coworker snaps at you, don’t just assume they’re a jerk: think about why they may have snapped. Maybe they were stuck for an hour in traffic that morning, or maybe a superior just chewed them out, or maybe they’re dealing with a problem at home, etc.
Everyone has reasons for the way they act, and habitually thinking about those reasons can help you become a more compassionate, understanding writer.
6. Listen to people’s stories
Whenever possible, be an open ear for people when they need someone to talk to. Life’s kind of hard, and it can mean a lot to someone if you take the time to listen. I know the extent you’re able to do this may depend on your own context and emotional state, but when you’re able, I highly recommend it. You get to be there for someone who needs it, and there’s no better way to understand people’s struggles as a writer than to let those people in.
Just be sure you’re respectful of their privacy and trust.
Have anything to add?
How we live has a big impact on the stories we write. So if there are any other lifestyle habits you think writers should pursue, reblog with your additions!
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Everyone has stories worth telling, and I’d like to help with yours. Check out my blog for more writing tips.
