Why every writer needs hobbies

I paint and take pictures when I'm not writing. Stephen King does jigsaw puzzles, plays guitar, and bowls. I used to bowl, but I threw too many gutter balls. Although it was fun. If you did some research, you could probably find at least a couple solid hobbies that every successful author has, even if it's as small as working in the garden or collecting seashells on the beach.

Hobbies can keep us healthy. From daily walks, hiking, biking, swimming, running or even dancing. Physical hobbies release feel-good chemicals in the brain and help your body release toxins. I can't always get outside because of my allergies, but I make sure I walk on my treadmill at least 45 minutes a day. I also have a morning exercise routine that I find gives me more energy to get through the day.

Some of my best inspiration comes when I'm walking, or painting. Not focusing on something specific, allows me to receive ideas and answers to problems.

These things that are relaxing, hobbies like knitting, crocheting, or just chilling on the couch with an good book than you're enjoying, all refill your creative well. The more you do these things, the more you are refilled. Bake cookies, play tennis, binge watch your favorite show on TV.

Having a hobby that takes your mind off of what you're working on, releases stress, is one of the most important things a writer can do for themselves.

So, don't feel guilty about spending time away from computer to practice on your guitar, go on a camping trip, or making a quilt. These things will fill your well of creativity back up to full, enabling you to write more and better than you ever expected.

In my book 3 of the Desert Rose Trilogy, LOST IN THE LYRICS, Annalise Garcia moved to the small desert town of Crossroads, Nevada, with nothing more than her old guitar, a talent for writing country songs, and hope of making it big. But the ghosts that roamed the halls of the Desert Rose had other plans.

Find all my books and much more on my website. www.sherrybriscoe.com.