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Creative Writing

as a hobby

There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed.

Ernest Hemingway

Creative writing is a hobby that allows you to express yourself and explore your imagination through words. It can help you improve your communication skills, enhance your creativity, and boost your confidence. To get started, you can choose a genre, a topic, or a prompt that interests you and write whatever comes to your mind. You can also join online communities, take courses, or read books to learn more about the craft.

Helpful content to start creative writing as a hobby

We aim to provide accurate information, but errors might be found. Always exercise judgment and discretion.

📼 Videos

Short visual inspiration.

YouTube | What is Creative Writing & How to Get Started
What is Creative Writing & How to Get Started
YouTube | How to write descriptively – Nalo Hopkinson
How to write descriptively - Nalo Hopkinson
YouTube | Three anti-social skills to improve your writing – Nadia Kalman
Three anti-social skills to improve your writing - Nadia Kalman
YouTube | How to build a fictional world – Kate Messner
How to build a fictional world - Kate Messner

🎙️ Podcasts

Play an episode while exploring the page.

Spotify | Creative Writing: How Do I Start?
Spotify Embed: Creative Writing: How Do I Start?
Spotify | Episode 1 – Showing not telling
Spotify Embed: Episode 1 - Showing not telling
Spotify | Writing Excuses Episode 1: Brainstorming
Spotify Embed: Writing Excuses Episode 1: Brainstorming
Spotify | #110: Is A Writing Course Really Worth it For Beginners?
Spotify Embed: #110: Is A Writing Course Really Worth it For Beginners?
Spotify | Episode 22: You’re Not a Perfectionist—You’re Afraid
Spotify Embed: Episode 22: You’re Not a Perfectionist—You’re Afraid
Spotify | How To Come Up With A Book Idea
Spotify Embed: How To Come Up With A Book Idea

The scariest moment is always just before you start.

Stephen King

📜 Terms

Basic lingo for orientation.

How to start creative writing as a hobby

First moves for getting acquainted and breaking the ice.

First, consider getting a notebook.

The next step depends on your personal preference and style. You can try one or more of the following options:

  • Write freely and spontaneously, without judging yourself or editing your work.
  • Use writing prompts to spark your imagination and generate stories.
  • Use writing exercises to practice specific skills and techniques.
  • Read creative writing guides to learn from experts and get tips and advice.
  • Read books, stories, poems, or any other forms of creative writing that inspire you or interest you.
  • Observe the world around you and pay attention to places, people, interactions, and details.
  • Take notes on your life experiences, thoughts, feelings, dreams, or anything else that matters to you.
  • Take courses online or offline to learn from instructors and peers and get feedback and support.

📚 Books

Get read-y.

Creative writing can enrich your life and make it more meaningful. Writing can help you express yourself authentically, explore your identity and purpose, reflect on your past and present, and envision your future. It can also help you find joy and satisfaction in creating something original and valuable.

🪜 How-tos

Step-by-step tutorials.

📄 Articles

Further reading.

🌐 Websites

Go-tos for information.

A writer is someone for whom writing is more difficult than it is for other people.

Thomas Mann

🍿 Movies

Nothing like a film for inspiration.

YouTube | BETWEEN THE LINES: WRITERS ON SCREEN | Official Trailer | Hand-picked by MUBI
BETWEEN THE LINES: WRITERS ON SCREEN | Official Trailer | Hand-picked by MUBI
YouTube | Dead Poets Society (1989) Trailer #1 | Movieclips Classic Trailers
Dead Poets Society (1989) Trailer #1 | Movieclips Classic Trailers
YouTube | Paterson Official Trailer 1 (2016) – Adam Driver Movie
Paterson Official Trailer 1 (2016) - Adam Driver Movie

FAQS

Get a clue.

What is creative writing?

Creative writing is any form of writing that expresses the writer’s imagination, feelings, thoughts or experiences. It can include fiction, poetry, drama, memoirs, essays and more.

How can I improve my creative writing skills?

The best way to improve your creative writing skills is to practice often and learn from others. You can also try different techniques and exercises that can challenge you and stimulate your creativity. Some examples are: using prompts, freewriting, rewriting, experimenting with different styles and genres, joining a writing group or workshop, reading aloud or sharing your work with others.

How do I overcome writer’s block?

Try one or more of these:

📱 Apps

Smart assistance.

Vimeo | Scrivener’s Core Concepts

📦 Products

Essentials to have.

Courses

Get smart.

📍 Near You

Get together.

Creative writing can enhance your cognitive skills, memory, and learning abilities. Studies have shown that creative writing can improve your verbal fluency, vocabulary, grammar, comprehension, and critical thinking skills. It can also stimulate your imagination, creativity, and problem-solving abilities.

📬 Newsletters

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💡 Tips

Additional advice for beginners.

  • Consider using a word-processing program and outliner designed for authors such as Scrivener. Scrivener is a non-linear writing software that makes it easier for writers to organize their ideas and manage more complicated writing projects1. It adapts to your writing processes and doesn’t force you to adapt your writing style.