5 Non-Writing Activities I Still Count As Writing

Writing is hard. So hard that writer’s block often sneaks up on us. But did it really sneak up on us? I see lots of writers who get writer’s block from one thing: Not feeling like they’re doing enough. Which is why I recommend being mindful about how non-writing activities count toward your writing journey. 

Here are 5 non-writing activities I still count as writing: 

1. Curating a Pinterest Board or Spotify Playlist

I love nothing more than perusing dozens of photos that match the vibe of the book I want to write. Not only does it inspire me in the moment, but it also becomes a go-to place for when I’m struggling to remind myself of why I love my story. It’s especially helpful to have a Pinterest board or playlist for your book if you’re pivoting from project to project. Just take a quick glance, and your imagination will click back into place. It’s the perfect writing hack. 

2. Creating my publishing plan

Sometimes I don’t feel like writing, but I still feel creative. That’s where my publishing plan comes in. Not only is this manifesting greatness, it’s a way to prepare for that greatness. I basically have a PDF and folder that’s constantly growing, full of content I want to recreate for my books. It’s organized from the moment I get a book deal, all the way through six months post publication. 

3. Shouting at myself in the car (or shower)

Hear me out: Dialogue has to sound realistic, but it should also feel realistic. I tend to fall into method acting. You know, embodying the characters and having a little chitchat. It just so happens to work best in the car or shower. (Who knows.) If I could tell you how often I practice my dialogue out loud, I’d be embarrassed. (But maybe you’ve seen me driving around, yelling at myself.) Either way, throwing a little play for myself (and then trying to desperately remember exactly what I said later) 100% counts. 

4. Social media creation and management 

Technically, writing captions for Instagram is literally writing, but so many folks separate their social media writing from their novel writing, and I don’t. The only reason my social media exists is because of my novels. Therefore, they are one and the same. 

5. Talking it out with my fellow writers

Is there anything better than brainstorming with writer friends? I can’t think of anything. I love meeting up with my writer friends in-person and on ZOOM to chitchat about our books. Without those conversations, I’d be on my own, and my books would definitely not be where they are today. Critique partners are EVERYTHING, and absolutely part of the writing process; therefore, talking counts. 

These five activities might not be directly writing, but they are essential steps to getting those words down. Without brainstorming or cultivating my creativity, the words aren’t going to happen. 

So these count. At least for me.

Do you have non-writing activities that you count toward your goals? I’d love to hear about them in the comments below!

~SAT

P.S. I am teaching HOW TO WRITE A SERIES for Reedsy this Wednesday, May 22 at 3 PM EST. When you tune in, you’ll find out how to use outlines, create book bibles, and devise fascinating subplots. You’ll see how bestselling authors keep each book in a series consistent but also fresh and exciting. More information and registration.