It may not seem like it because most of the words I write go unpublished, or are published anonymously, but I spend quite a lot of my time in an average week pounding away at my keyboard. During the day, I work part-time at a content marketing firm writing and developing content for various companies’ blogs. I take a break, and then I usually sit back down to spend a few more hours writing one of the following: short posts for HealthyPlace or other freelance clients, longer-form posts for this blog, or drafts/revisions for one of my current fiction projects. (Right now, I’m working on two actively, with many more planned for the future.)

But writing isn’t the only thing writers do. We may be most comfortable holed up somewhere nice and quiet and cozy with a notebook or a laptop (or better yet, a book we didn’t have to write ourselves), but there’s more to writing than just writing—and more to a writer’s life than putting words to paper.

So what do writers do when they’re not writing?

Writer’s Work That Isn’t Technically Writing

As much as I wish I could just sit around making up stories and have them magically get out into the world all on their own, that’s not quite the reality of the situation.

First off, I am not what they call a “pantser.” I’ve tried unplanned writing before for NaNoWriMo, and I can now confidently place myself firmly in the “planner” camp. Before I ever start writing, I typically do a lot of preemptive research and outlining. I don’t always follow said outlines to the letter, but gathering and organizing all that information ahead of time gives my brain the fodder and framework it needs to feed on when the time comes to actually start writing.

Don’t get me wrong, though. Researching is one of my favorite parts. It’s revising that sometimes drives me nuts. But it’s all part of the process.

Then there’s the administrative stuff. Checking and responding to emails. Chatting with co-conspirators on collaborative projects. Organizing my schedule, because yes, to keep myself sane, I require both a Gcal and a physical day planner to block out how I want to use my time each week. I also try to regularly clean up my desk and clean off my computer, because a tidy workspace is a happy workspace, at least for me.

And of course, there’s also the marketing side of writing—because I don’t just want to write, I want my work to be read and enjoyed by others. This means posting on social media, relevant forums, adding entries to various databases, reminding friends and family and followers alike to spread the word—anything and everything it takes to get my work out into the world.

Writers do all of these things when they’re not technically writing but still being productive. But even Mr. Alexander “I Wrote 52 Essays In Six Months” Hamilton took a break now and then—although obviously not often enough—to do Non-Writing Things. So what do writers do when they’re not writing or otherwise working on their careers?

What Writers Do When They’re Not Writing or Working

All right, truth be told, a lot of us don’t take as many breaks as we should. Even when we’re not writing, a lot of authors carry their stories around with them throughout the day, turning this or that idea over in our minds like a potter considering a fresh clump of clay, wondering what shape to mold it into. I know I’m not the only one who’s been kept awake some nights by a plot point that just wouldn’t line up with the others or an idea for a new character who has nothing to do whatsoever with anything I’m supposed to be working on.

But when we do finally manage to put some space between work and life, we’re just like other humans. We swear. We pinky swear.

Me? Like most writers do, I read—a lot, although not as much as I would like. (I’m thinking of remedying that in the near future.) But I also play video games, watch movies and TV shows, socialize (well, sometimes), and have adventures. I love to travel, though I don’t get to do nearly enough of it. I like going for my daily walks and getting some fresh air and time away from screens. I enjoy cooking now and then. I like learning stuff sometimes just to learn it.

And of course, I have all the usual adulting obligations, too. I have bills to pay and budgets to balance. I have medical appointments at least once a month. I have to make time to exercise or my body won’t like me and my migraines will get worse.

Oh, and I sleep sometimes, too.

Writers Write, Always—Except When They Need a Break

In some ways, my life does revolve around writing and stories. I think that’s true of a lot of authors. But I try hard not to let work (even pleasurable work) take over my life completely, no matter how busy things get or how ambitious I’m feeling on any given day.

“Writers write, always” is a nice, neat little aphorism that’s easy to pass around, but like most common sayings, it’s an oversimplification. Yes, write—and write often—if you love it and especially if you want to get good at it.

But even the most prolific writers need a break sometimes.

Pushing things to the breaking point may get more done in the short run, but slows you down dramatically in the long run. Carpal tunnel, eye strain, insomnia—these are signs of a problem, not proof of passion. Musicians take care of their instruments because they know doing so will help them make better music.

It’s the same for writers. We need to take care of our hands, our wrists, our eyes—but also our brains and emotional wellbeing—to keep writing words worth reading. What writers need to do when they’re not writing is simple: live their lives.

This is why, as soon as I’ve finished uploading this post, I’m going to close my laptop, step away from my desk, and go play some Ghost of Tsushima. 

I hope the holidays are treating you well, friends. Be sure to make the most of whatever time you have to yourself, whether it’s vacation time, or the weekend, or just a coffee break during the day. It makes all the difference in the world.

Currently, I’m working on The Dragon’s Last Flight and an as-yet-unannounced side project. You can play the TDLF demo for free on itch.io, or check out my first published IF story, The Harbinger’s Head over on Hosted Games.