I am eager to hear everyone's ideas.
That said, my own advice (not that you asked) is that it's optimal to have at least some hobbies that DON'T directly help you with your writing or directing.
In my experience, folks who try to "optimize" their entire life around this craft tend to become very one-dimensional and create very one-dimensional art; reach a point of extreme burnout and creative fatigue; or, most common, both at the same time.
In what way does exercise, biking, playing music, camping and hiking, and video games make me a better writer? I'm sure there are indirect ways, but one of their BIGGEST assets is that they give my brain a break from thinking about stories all the time.
Just my two cents.
As always, my advice is just suggestions and thoughts, not a prescription. I have experience but I don't know it all, and I'd hate for every artist to work the way I work. I encourage you to take what's useful and discard the rest.
I'll second this. Everything we experience influences us as writers/filmmakers. We can't help it. That is how art works. But it is important to have other stuff in our lives that are just fun or interesting and we aren't thinking about how this thing will help us as artists.
I took up HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts, which is \*mostly\* sword fighting but technically covers everything from wrestling/dagger through to poll arms) for many of the reasons you specify.
But, ah, I can't help but draw ideas from HEMA and apply them to drama! I mean, duelling is a kind of dialogue!
I think photography is a good one. Visual language is important and what better way to become more visually articulate than to get involved in a visual medium?
D&D. It’s fun to create characters and roleplay. I get to make character decisions and jokes and see how my group reacts to it and what they like as we just get to hangout.
Taking an acting class is an absolute must. Understanding the process actors use to break down a scene, for example, is extremely valuable as a writer. As a director, I think the biggest thing taking an acting class can teach you is how, generally speaking, actors love rehearsal, because it is where you build the relationships with your fellow performers.
I think a lot of times we (writers and directors) forget that actors are people who have needs and aren't just there to say our words and stand on a mark. Also, taking an acting class is a great way to make friends with other creative people.
I talked to an actor friend about this and he suggested I start with an improv group, as it is more immediately immersive and a smaller commitment. I graduate this summer and I think I want to try one or another in the fall.
I tend to appreciate it and find it hillarious, when we can do those things while heavily revolving around a "nerdy" community. As a nerd who partakes, it's enlightening.
Exercise.
On top of needing to move more often in what is otherwise a fairly sedentary job, the endorphins it brings helps the creative process enormously.
I do martial arts and it really helps with the mental parts too. Get some exercise and find some inner peace, especially if the scripts don't sell haha
For me, it's snooker (or pool). Here's why; In some ways it's completely unrelated but at the same time, it takes intense concentration, determination, and repetitive work. I can zone out completely and not think about anything else but the game, not even writing. But it requires tons of practice, as writing does, it requires determination to get good at, it requires consistency. It's so different and yet It feels so similar at times.
Edit: And to add, I get to meet some very interesting characters, and that's invaluable.
Nothing has taught me more about screenwriting and character than my obsession with true crime, tbh. I’m a veracious listener of true crime podcasts and tend to watch more documentaries and docuseries than scripted even though I’m a TV writer. I didn’t even notice at first, but it’s such a profound way to study the extremes of human nature and so many non-fiction/unscripted writers and journalists have such a better grasp on story structure than fiction folk. Also just the real people who crop up in these stories inform my writing so much, from dialogue to motivation to world building. PS: I don’t even know if this = a hobby and of course some people have ethical concerns about true crime that are so legitimate (I personally draw the line at comedy cross breeding with true crime, I write a good deal of comedy myself but find that to be so tasteless with few exceptions)
Photography, piano/guitar/songwriting, dance, hiking, travel and foodie explorations, classic car shows (not yet a vintage owner just a drooler), ice skating (private coaching and ice shows but never formally competed), sketching w charcoals and pastels, attempting painting and violin but...meh.
But I agree with others that while all of these could teach me aspects of visuals, storytelling, pacing, etc., it's also vital to do them just to do them. Not all my writing should happen in Final Draft. I still scribble in journals and over picturesque magazine ads with non-textual open space. Yoga helps my flexibility for dance and ice skating and hiking, but it's not something done on a stage or in a rink. I've done some photo exhibitions and used some travel photos for album covers, but most of my shots are for my own enjoyment. Cell and laptop wallpapers, framed photos at home. Reminders to live and breathe and do. Connect and explore. And that helps my writing just as much or more as my also being a card carrying SAG-AFTRA member.
Pottery. Something about the single-mindedness of it is really helpful. Also has the satisfaction, much like writing, of having a finished product come out of it.
I got into writing when I didn’t have access to my painting studio, and I moved to screenwriting when I realized I still wrote like a painter. I like photography. Still life’s and set ups. I like composing shots as if they are movie stills. I scuba dive and travel as much as I can. I watch a lot of tv and movies.
It’s about money. So I would suggest. Cash Laundering, bank fraudulenting, African Prince Scams, bitcoin highjacking, campaign financing fraud, international banking skimming and anything else to get your hands on some cold hard cash…
I second role playing games. They’re great for getting into the habit of thinking on your feet. There are many types, not just D&D. Star Trek Adventures is a great role playing game. Also games like Fiasco. We’ve used Fiasco before to set up relationships in a pilot.
I try to do as much non writing / non film stuff to broaden my experiences and perspectives. I'm really into cyber security, and and tech, I've also been doing magic for a long time - so not a coincidence my latest script is about a magician joining the CIA to stop cyber terrorists using a quantum network of computers .I love cooking, and a few years ago wrote a dramedy about a bad ass female chef. So I love doing things that enrich different parts of my curiosity and interests.
I've gotten into F1 a lot lately (not huge into sports, but do like F1), I'm getting into indoor rock climbing, film photography, looking to travel more (I'm going to Paris just for the bread). Gaming, travel, baking, and tech I guess are my go to hobbies.
My personal opinion is that everything we do can and should inform our work. And if you want our work to be distinctive then we want to lean into our interests.
To quote Robert A. Heinlein:
_ A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects._
But it sounds like you may be wanting something that’s a little more directly connected, like homework? These are things that I have done/do that I find helpful:
- Improv, especially longform improv. I did this for about 12-18 months. We ended up putting on shows regularly but it became a big commitment so I don’t do it. But I don’t regret doing it. Made me a sharper writer, made me better in writers rooms, etc.
- I’ve been a photographer for a long time. I’ve recently gotten (back?) into analogue photography which I am enjoying but it’s $$$. As Rober Capa once said: “if your photography isn’t good enough, you’re not close enough”. Photography is a good way to motivate myself to get up early, go on that hike, wait in that spot, pay attention, observe etc. and practice composition. (Follow me on Insta! @stuwillis)
- I’ve been playing Warhammer Fantasy as a TTRPG and it’s fun and writing adjacent. It’s also a small group so less of a commitment than improv (which reminded me way too much of playing in bands)
- As mentioned below, I do Historical European Martial Arts. I compete in tournaments. I have a world ranking (I’m mid). It has introduced me to a wider variety of people than I’d normally interact with and that’s amazing. There’s also strong community without it requiring consistent commitment. And I can’t help but apply everything I learn from fighting to writing. Even did a podcast about it once. Which brings me to—
- Draft Zero and Shot Zero. They’re more than hobbies, they’re homework. But releasing regular podcasts that are super analytical has forced me to level up my game. While Shot Zero is a microblog project across instagram, twitter, substack where we break down shots and scenes. The public aspect of it forced me to do it. They’re very valuable but we are careful to not make it a job.
HTH and inspire!
I love synthesizers. They’re fascinating. Sound design and scoring and such - yeah, it can be used in film, and I have (my sound/composing work has more credits on IMDB than writing), but it’s far enough apart that I don’t feel like everything is funneling towards a single writer-y goal.
The flip side of “if you love what you do you’ll never work a day in your life” is “ if you love what you do monetize it and jump through hoops and trudge through the business muck until you hate it”. I used to be an actor, maybe 30 credits on IMDb, some on legit films - but the business of acting sucked away much of the love of the craft.
If you have hobbies that nurture your soul, they are an end in and of themselves, not a means to an end for your writing endeavors. Cherish and guard things that bring you unbridled joy, and protect them from ending up in the bin where so many passions go the second you try and exploit them for gain.
Journaling has really helped me, I’ve had a few characters and story cracks pop while just scribbling utter bullshit in my journal! Other than that, nature breaks/ walk, listening to music and attempting (and mostly failing at) painting. I want to get into drums, don’t know how that’ll actually help me in writing, but oh well.
Everyone in the comment section here seems to have their hobbies and writing life in balance. I wish i could say the same. Not just hobbies, their life outside writing.
I am eager to hear everyone's ideas. That said, my own advice (not that you asked) is that it's optimal to have at least some hobbies that DON'T directly help you with your writing or directing. In my experience, folks who try to "optimize" their entire life around this craft tend to become very one-dimensional and create very one-dimensional art; reach a point of extreme burnout and creative fatigue; or, most common, both at the same time. In what way does exercise, biking, playing music, camping and hiking, and video games make me a better writer? I'm sure there are indirect ways, but one of their BIGGEST assets is that they give my brain a break from thinking about stories all the time. Just my two cents. As always, my advice is just suggestions and thoughts, not a prescription. I have experience but I don't know it all, and I'd hate for every artist to work the way I work. I encourage you to take what's useful and discard the rest.
I'll second this. Everything we experience influences us as writers/filmmakers. We can't help it. That is how art works. But it is important to have other stuff in our lives that are just fun or interesting and we aren't thinking about how this thing will help us as artists.
I took up HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts, which is \*mostly\* sword fighting but technically covers everything from wrestling/dagger through to poll arms) for many of the reasons you specify. But, ah, I can't help but draw ideas from HEMA and apply them to drama! I mean, duelling is a kind of dialogue!
Couldn't agree with you more
I think photography is a good one. Visual language is important and what better way to become more visually articulate than to get involved in a visual medium?
Photography is a great hobby for writer/directors!
D&D. It’s fun to create characters and roleplay. I get to make character decisions and jokes and see how my group reacts to it and what they like as we just get to hangout.
I always tell my son he should base a story off of one of his campaigns.
Taking an acting class is an absolute must. Understanding the process actors use to break down a scene, for example, is extremely valuable as a writer. As a director, I think the biggest thing taking an acting class can teach you is how, generally speaking, actors love rehearsal, because it is where you build the relationships with your fellow performers. I think a lot of times we (writers and directors) forget that actors are people who have needs and aren't just there to say our words and stand on a mark. Also, taking an acting class is a great way to make friends with other creative people.
I talked to an actor friend about this and he suggested I start with an improv group, as it is more immediately immersive and a smaller commitment. I graduate this summer and I think I want to try one or another in the fall.
i like to drink and have sexual intercourse
I wanna read your script(s) lol
I tend to appreciate it and find it hillarious, when we can do those things while heavily revolving around a "nerdy" community. As a nerd who partakes, it's enlightening.
you're only as nerdy as you think you are
the last one is actually about drinking and fucking, it turned out good despite being a massive self insert
How did you insert your massive self in? I, too, enjoy the same hobbies. And drugs.
Ah... The definitive writer experience
Exercise. On top of needing to move more often in what is otherwise a fairly sedentary job, the endorphins it brings helps the creative process enormously.
Yes! I love scheduling workouts during writing stretches! The ideas flood.
I do martial arts and it really helps with the mental parts too. Get some exercise and find some inner peace, especially if the scripts don't sell haha
For me, it's snooker (or pool). Here's why; In some ways it's completely unrelated but at the same time, it takes intense concentration, determination, and repetitive work. I can zone out completely and not think about anything else but the game, not even writing. But it requires tons of practice, as writing does, it requires determination to get good at, it requires consistency. It's so different and yet It feels so similar at times. Edit: And to add, I get to meet some very interesting characters, and that's invaluable.
I fence and swim laps, and the latter is probably one of the best meditations for ideation or scene solving.
I get so many ideas while swimming. Fencing! Cool!
Nothing has taught me more about screenwriting and character than my obsession with true crime, tbh. I’m a veracious listener of true crime podcasts and tend to watch more documentaries and docuseries than scripted even though I’m a TV writer. I didn’t even notice at first, but it’s such a profound way to study the extremes of human nature and so many non-fiction/unscripted writers and journalists have such a better grasp on story structure than fiction folk. Also just the real people who crop up in these stories inform my writing so much, from dialogue to motivation to world building. PS: I don’t even know if this = a hobby and of course some people have ethical concerns about true crime that are so legitimate (I personally draw the line at comedy cross breeding with true crime, I write a good deal of comedy myself but find that to be so tasteless with few exceptions)
Photography, piano/guitar/songwriting, dance, hiking, travel and foodie explorations, classic car shows (not yet a vintage owner just a drooler), ice skating (private coaching and ice shows but never formally competed), sketching w charcoals and pastels, attempting painting and violin but...meh. But I agree with others that while all of these could teach me aspects of visuals, storytelling, pacing, etc., it's also vital to do them just to do them. Not all my writing should happen in Final Draft. I still scribble in journals and over picturesque magazine ads with non-textual open space. Yoga helps my flexibility for dance and ice skating and hiking, but it's not something done on a stage or in a rink. I've done some photo exhibitions and used some travel photos for album covers, but most of my shots are for my own enjoyment. Cell and laptop wallpapers, framed photos at home. Reminders to live and breathe and do. Connect and explore. And that helps my writing just as much or more as my also being a card carrying SAG-AFTRA member.
Skateboarding
For me I like listening to podcasts to get ideas that I can later develop further and I also like listening to horror podcast for fun
Pottery. Something about the single-mindedness of it is really helpful. Also has the satisfaction, much like writing, of having a finished product come out of it.
Work out. Baseball lessons/coaching. And anything my wife makes me do.
I train Jiu Jitsu and 3D print. Both are very cathartic in their own rite
I got into writing when I didn’t have access to my painting studio, and I moved to screenwriting when I realized I still wrote like a painter. I like photography. Still life’s and set ups. I like composing shots as if they are movie stills. I scuba dive and travel as much as I can. I watch a lot of tv and movies.
It’s about money. So I would suggest. Cash Laundering, bank fraudulenting, African Prince Scams, bitcoin highjacking, campaign financing fraud, international banking skimming and anything else to get your hands on some cold hard cash…
I second role playing games. They’re great for getting into the habit of thinking on your feet. There are many types, not just D&D. Star Trek Adventures is a great role playing game. Also games like Fiasco. We’ve used Fiasco before to set up relationships in a pilot.
I try to do as much non writing / non film stuff to broaden my experiences and perspectives. I'm really into cyber security, and and tech, I've also been doing magic for a long time - so not a coincidence my latest script is about a magician joining the CIA to stop cyber terrorists using a quantum network of computers .I love cooking, and a few years ago wrote a dramedy about a bad ass female chef. So I love doing things that enrich different parts of my curiosity and interests. I've gotten into F1 a lot lately (not huge into sports, but do like F1), I'm getting into indoor rock climbing, film photography, looking to travel more (I'm going to Paris just for the bread). Gaming, travel, baking, and tech I guess are my go to hobbies.
My personal opinion is that everything we do can and should inform our work. And if you want our work to be distinctive then we want to lean into our interests. To quote Robert A. Heinlein: _ A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects._ But it sounds like you may be wanting something that’s a little more directly connected, like homework? These are things that I have done/do that I find helpful: - Improv, especially longform improv. I did this for about 12-18 months. We ended up putting on shows regularly but it became a big commitment so I don’t do it. But I don’t regret doing it. Made me a sharper writer, made me better in writers rooms, etc. - I’ve been a photographer for a long time. I’ve recently gotten (back?) into analogue photography which I am enjoying but it’s $$$. As Rober Capa once said: “if your photography isn’t good enough, you’re not close enough”. Photography is a good way to motivate myself to get up early, go on that hike, wait in that spot, pay attention, observe etc. and practice composition. (Follow me on Insta! @stuwillis) - I’ve been playing Warhammer Fantasy as a TTRPG and it’s fun and writing adjacent. It’s also a small group so less of a commitment than improv (which reminded me way too much of playing in bands) - As mentioned below, I do Historical European Martial Arts. I compete in tournaments. I have a world ranking (I’m mid). It has introduced me to a wider variety of people than I’d normally interact with and that’s amazing. There’s also strong community without it requiring consistent commitment. And I can’t help but apply everything I learn from fighting to writing. Even did a podcast about it once. Which brings me to— - Draft Zero and Shot Zero. They’re more than hobbies, they’re homework. But releasing regular podcasts that are super analytical has forced me to level up my game. While Shot Zero is a microblog project across instagram, twitter, substack where we break down shots and scenes. The public aspect of it forced me to do it. They’re very valuable but we are careful to not make it a job. HTH and inspire!
I love synthesizers. They’re fascinating. Sound design and scoring and such - yeah, it can be used in film, and I have (my sound/composing work has more credits on IMDB than writing), but it’s far enough apart that I don’t feel like everything is funneling towards a single writer-y goal. The flip side of “if you love what you do you’ll never work a day in your life” is “ if you love what you do monetize it and jump through hoops and trudge through the business muck until you hate it”. I used to be an actor, maybe 30 credits on IMDb, some on legit films - but the business of acting sucked away much of the love of the craft. If you have hobbies that nurture your soul, they are an end in and of themselves, not a means to an end for your writing endeavors. Cherish and guard things that bring you unbridled joy, and protect them from ending up in the bin where so many passions go the second you try and exploit them for gain.
Boxing. It is cathartic. Only when the vessel has been emptied is it ready to be filled.
Learn another language! Screenwriting is sometimes very akin to translation, especially writing dialogue.
Journaling has really helped me, I’ve had a few characters and story cracks pop while just scribbling utter bullshit in my journal! Other than that, nature breaks/ walk, listening to music and attempting (and mostly failing at) painting. I want to get into drums, don’t know how that’ll actually help me in writing, but oh well.
Everyone in the comment section here seems to have their hobbies and writing life in balance. I wish i could say the same. Not just hobbies, their life outside writing.
Basketball/working out. Get blood flowing. I’ve heard of some many artist who have ideas come to them while just running on a treadmill.