After a long week of putting words together, winning over writer’s block, and obsessing over sentence structure, would you not agree that your brain deserves some rest? Absolutely!
Writing is an incredible journey, but let’s be honest—it can also be exhausting.
But there’s a way out: “The Weekends!”
Yes, weekends don’t have to be all about writing.
They can be a time to recharge your creativity, sneak in some inspiration, and have fun without even realizing it.
At The Exquisite Writers, we’ve written this content to help you maximize your weekends while satisfying your inner storyteller.
Embedded in this article are fantastic and surprisingly productive ways writers can spend their weekends without sitting in front of a laptop all day.
Ride with us and enjoy the writer weekend!
How Writers Can Spend and Enjoy Their Weekend
Here are effective and productive ways writers can spend their weekends:
1. Go on a Writing Retreat
Ask yourself: Have I ever felt stuck in the same writing routine in the past weeks? If you answer yes, then shake things up!
One way to get that done is to escape, even if it’s just a day trip.
Well, it doesn’t have to be an expensive mountain retreat. But if you want to, there you go!
Our ideal recommendation at The Exquisite Writers is to step away from the usual writing space so you can do wonders.
To simplify it, try and explore this:
- Try booking a cozy Airbnb for the weekend
- Head to a quiet cabin
- Find a simple and scenic café or library in a nearby town.
Are you settling with any of these options? Then, your toolkit isn’t complete over yet. Add this:
- Bring a notebook, take in your surroundings, and let the change of scenery breathe new life into your creativity.
Sometimes, you need a different view to spark fresh ideas in the writing world.
2. Go on a Mini Adventure
Sure, there’s a lot the internet can do to inspire your writing. You’ve done that over and over— and I agree!
But every writer needs fuel for their stories, and we have experimented with the idea that one of the best ways to find inspiration is to experience something completely new, perhaps different from the usual source.
So, this is how you can get started:
- Plan a weekend adventure: The adventure doesn’t have to be a big, elaborate trip—just something completely different from your usual routine.
- Take a train ride: You can get a ride to a town you’ve never been to and explore the landscape.
- Visit historical sites: Visit and imagine the fascinating stories behind them.
- Visit a busy market: Visit the market and listen to snippets of conversations.
- Enjoy People-watching: Spend time people-watching in a coffee shop, park, or more.
No doubt, the more you observe, the more material you’ll have when you sit back down to write.
3. Attend a Literary Event
Author readings, book festivals, and open mic nights are gold events for writers.
While it offers you the opportunity to meet fellow book lovers, it can significantly remind you why you initially fell in love with storytelling.
What if there are no fascinating literary events near you? What can you do? You can start your own!
- Gather some writer friends, host a poetry or casual reading night, or set up a book swap party. The best part is that it will keep you motivated.
4. Engage in a Completely Different Creative Hobby
As a writer, you surely know that writing is an excellent way to express creativity, but there’s a world of other artistic outlets you might haven’t tapped!
Thus, trying a new art form can refresh your mind and give your writing new perspectives.
So here are some ideas to get started:
- Painting or sketching: Create character sketches
- Photography: Go outdoors and capture moments and write intriguing stories inspired by them.
- Music: Even if you aren’t a music fan, try composing lyrics or playing an instrument that could become poetry.
- DIY projects or Crafting: Trying something creative can be pleasantly relaxing and inspiring.
Sometimes, stepping away from words is crucial so you can return stronger. Even the best writers need this!
5. Have a Theatre or Movie Marathon
This is a quick one: The idea is not to get you binging on any of these but to do it for research!
So, if a friend or relative questions why you’ve been watching movies all weekend, tell them you’re doing it for research.
Films and plays are filled with rich storytelling techniques, from dialogue and pacing to character development.
The not-so-famous Knives-Out is a stunning and genuinely inspiring movie you should try this weekend!
So, let’s add this:
- Watch a movie: Try watching a film in a genre you might not usually write in. Then, analyze its storytelling!
- Rewatch: Rewatch an old favorite of yours and pay attention to what makes it so attention-grabbing.
- Explore: Explore an indie film and think about the risks it takes in storytelling.
- Get involved: Have fun in a local theater performance—live performances get you a whole new level of immersion.
We know you’ll be entertained while you absorb the storytelling lessons.
6. Step Outside and Give Nature A Chance
Nature has a way of working its magic. Would you let it do that? We trust you will!
You spend a lot of time sitting. But did you know? The best way to clear any writer’s block is to get up, get some fresh air, and keep moving.
Whether it is a short walk in a park, a lounge on the beach, or a challenging hike, nature helps rest the mind, and you should get ready to achieve that!
And if you’re feeling a little bit creative, go along with a notebook and pen down descriptions of things you hear, see, and feel.
All these sensory details will assist you in making your writing more vivid when you start.
Let me add a bonus idea: If you’re into sci-fi or fantasy, consider setting your new story in your current location. What do you think it would look like on another planet or era?
7. How About a “No Writing” Weekend
Have you been waiting for this part? Yes!
While it might sound counterproductive, taking a break from writing can make you a proficient writer.
A “no writing” doesn’t mean stepping away with guilt that: “I haven’t written this.”
A no weekend means not writing, moving away from your manuscript with no guilt.
Therefore, what should you do instead?
- Read for pleasure: Don’t analyze or overthink. Just pure reading for enjoyment.
- Binge a TV show: Give attention to world-building and character arcs.
- Spend time with friends and family: Having real-life conversations and experiences will fuel your storytelling.
- Sleep: I bet you don’t always get sufficient sleep. So give it a shot!
By Monday, you’ll likely be burning and itching to write again.
8. Engage in a Fun Writers’ Meetup
While I enjoy solitude, sometimes, I feel alone! If you think that way, too, why not make it social?
Speak with other writers and organize a weekend hangout.
Here are a few ideas to think of:
- A relaxed afternoon where you can talk about your writing projects.
- A “write-in” at a fancy café where all of you write for an hour and share your work.
- A book club hangout with attention to craft techniques.
- A themed storytelling game night
Year-round, writing doesn’t have to be a solo endeavor. Find a community to help you make the journey so much more pleasing.
9. Wander Through a Library or Bookstore
You love books! Therefore, why not enjoy a slow weekend wandering through a library or a bookstore?
Sure, it can be one of the best ways to recharge!
You can flip through books outside your genre, discover new authors, or bask in the euphoria of a literary atmosphere.
If inspiration strikes while doing that, grab a notebook and pen down those ideas as they come.
You never can tell: A single sentence in a book could get you an entire story.
10. Writing Something Completely Different
Are you feeling stuck in your current project? Use the weekend to experiment!
Write a poem, even if that’s not your forte!
Engage your hand at flash fiction. A 500-word story could be sufficient.
Recently, the Team Lead at The Exquisite Writer once encouraged one of the team members to try his hands on fiction writing. You can do the same!
So try this:
- Write a letter to your friend or someone dear to you!
- Try out with a different writing style or different point of view.
Consider this final option a creative workout. The more you stretch your writing skills, the stronger you will become.
Final Thoughts
Which options will you try to make this weekend work for you?
This weekend shouldn’t all be about writing!
The best way to stay passionate as a writer is to live a satisfying life.
Relax, explore, and let inspiration find you in places you never imagined!
You should review the points in this article again, consider creative ways to incorporate them and spend your weekend in a way that makes your writer’s heart happy.
Yes, friend, your next great story is waiting just now!