Tips for Writers, Give Yourself Permission to Write for Fun

Take a detour from your writing schedule. Image by genmarijo on sxc.hu

It seems that everyone is telling us to write, write now, write today, write every day. Make a schedule, follow it, fine yourself $50 if you don’t keep your schedule, write (input a number here) of words per day. There is certainly a time and place for scheduling time to write.

Yet, how often have you sat down at the computer, at the specified writing time, only to find that you aren’t able to write? Perhaps the cat needs to be fed, or the dog needs out, or your dear spouse is calling you. You have a mild case of writer’s block, accompanied by a runny nose that needs those lotion filled tissues you forgot to buy at the grocery last week.

Sinister Causes of Writer’s Block

But what if your writer’s block is caused by something more sinister? Perhaps you received a critique that tore your work apart. Or perhaps someone criticized your writing style online. Or, and this might be the hardest to overcome, someone in your family said your writing is horrible?

You’re not alone. Almost every writer I know has experienced one, two, or all of these things. And every writer I know has overcome them.

Rather than struggle along worrying about what this editor thinks or that beta reader says, just write in the style most comfortable for you. Write in the genre you love best, even if it’s not popular. Write from your heart without worrying what others might think or say. That’s what I mean about giving yourself permission to write for fun.

Creative Writing for Fun

Why do you write? Many writers will say something to the effect that they have to write. They can’t lead a satisfying life without writing. If this is one of the reasons you write, then give yourself permission to put words around whatever makes you happy.

Sure, you might have deadlines to meet, projects to complete. But don’t forget to give yourself a little time to be creative and play in your word box. That’s where the most creativity happens; in the free time you gift to yourself. When you allow yourself the time to simply write for pleasure rather than purpose, wonderful things may happen. You may have a breakthrough on that novel you’ve been working on, or you may discover some brilliant new ideas for articles or shorts stories for a contest.

Writing for pleasure is serious business. The little bit of free writing you allow yourself will reward you with big dividends.

Have fun!