I started my first journal in the 4th grade. After school, I would hide away in my bedroom and recap my day, write short stories, and sometimes even draw pictures to go with my entries. As I sit at my desk today, typing away on my laptop, a journal and colorful pens nearby, I can say confidently that I’ve basically never stopped. I have rows of journals on a nearby bookshelf from the past few years, all filled with scribbles, thoughts, and to-do lists. I’ve even made writing my career, as an editor here at Camille Styles, as well as a handful of other online media outlets. But the little girl who doodles in her journal is still very much alive and well, and writing as a hobby is something I would recommend to anyone.
With fall just around the corner, you may be looking for a cozy indoor activity to dive into as the temps start to cool. Fall is an ideal time to pick up writing as a hobby, especially since inspiration abounds as the seasons change. Not to mention the vigor that comes with a back-to-school mentality so many of us adopt come September. If you’ve ever thought of starting your own writing practice, or are just looking for something new to do this fall, read on for a deep dive into writing as a hobby.
Featured image from our interview with Roti Brown, by Michelle Nash.
Why should I start writing?
Some hobbies require an initial investment—you need tools or gear to get started. But writing is a low cost, or even no cost, creative outlet that you can start at any time. All you need is a pen and paper, or a computer. Not only that, but journaling has major mental health benefits, too.
According to the American Psychological Association, writing can help manage stress and anxiety. Whether you journal about your day, brain dump your thoughts, or write poetry—setting aside time to write can put you on a path of self-discovery. You may even learn to write your way through some sticky emotions, gaining new clarity on the other side.
What kind of writing can I try?
Writing as a hobby is exciting because there are many points of entry. You can dabble in different styles of writing or stick with just one. As you’re beginning, pick the style of writing that feels the most fun for you. It is a hobby after all! Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Journaling
Perhaps the simplest way to begin a writing practice is through journaling. Anything goes in a journal, whether you want to jot down thoughts, feelings, lists, dreams, observations, you name it! There’s no right way to journal—simply open up the page and write what comes to mind. If you like a little more structure, try writing down a few things you’re grateful for in the morning. This isn’t a requirement by any means, but if you like to play around with colors and doodles, try writing with colored pens or add flair with markers.
Poetry
Maybe you fell in love with poetry in school and want to pick it back up again. Or maybe you want to keep your writing practice short and sweet. Poetry is a fun way to dip your toes into writing, especially if you love expressive writing that comes with a bit of structure. Challenge yourself to write a haiku every morning—a three-line poem with 5-7-5 syllables for each line. You can play around with rhyming poetry, or throw structure out the window and try free verse. Have fun with it!
Fiction
The sky’s the limit with fiction writing. If you have new worlds, characters, and stories in your mind, get them out on the page. Fiction writing ranges from short stories, novellas, novels, and even fanfiction, or writing based on existing stories and characters. Let your imagination run wild and put judgment to the side as you write.
Creative nonfiction
My personal favorite, creative nonfiction is memoir or personal essay writing. It’s taking real events or experiences and infusing storytelling techniques and structure to create compelling and impactful stories. What starts as a journal entry can be morphed and edited by using literary techniques to become a personal essay, or a chapter in a memoir. This writing is deeply personal, and while journaling is generally meant just for you, creative nonfiction can be shared with an audience.
How do I get started?
As with any hobby, you’ve got to carve out time to do it. Once you know what kind of writing you’d like to try, pencil it in your schedule. Decide whether you want to type or handwrite, and when you’d like to do it. Maybe you carve out some time over the weekend, or settle in to write after the kids go to school. Establishing a routine will help you stick with it, and setting the scene will also help you dive in. Get comfy in a cozy chair, make a mug of something warm, and turn on some music to help get you in the mood. Fall is cozy season, so you might as well lean into all the autumn vibes!
Writing Resources
Writing as a hobby can come with its challenges, like knowing where to get inspiration, feeling unsure of what to do when you feel stuck, or simply managing self-doubt that may pop up. Here are a few free writing resources that can help.
Journal prompts
If you’re unsure about what to write, you can find tons of journal prompts right here on Camille Styles. Be sure to check out these inspiring prompts to start your day with and prompts to help you realign for fall.
Even though writing is primarily a solo activity, it may be helpful to join a writing group in your community. One place to start is your local library. I know mine has writing groups as well as monthly poetry gatherings. There are also digital communities to check out as well. Substack is a fantastic platform for both readers and writers, and author Jami Attenberg hosts a free writing challenge a few times a year.
Staying inspired
Every writer has their own arsenal of ways they stay refreshed and inspired. Mine include reading, going for walks, and getting out of my regular routine. Go somewhere new, even if it’s right around the corner—inspiration is everywhere! Sometimes you just have to shake up your environment. Reading is also a great way to stay inspired, and there are tons of new releases just waiting for you to sink your teeth into them.
Writing as a hobby comes with so many benefits. It’s a fun, no-pressure way to put your thoughts on paper (or a screen). Especially in the fall, a season that lends itself to creativity and introspection, you may just find the joy that comes with putting pen to paper. Happy writing!
