10 Inexpensive Ways to Feed Writing That Aren’t Writing

I love talking about ways to feed writing. Nourishing creativity is hard because western culture so frequently devalues it – I always feel like I should be doing something else.

I push experiences as a way to feed creativity and writing. However, experiences often cost money that the majority of us don’t have. I won’t tell you how long I save for the trips that I do take. Budgeting is my friend.

Plant a garden. Actually take care of it. At least have someone around who will take care of it, because a dead garden is a depressing thing. I do not have a green thumb; the success of my garden is solely due to my neglect and my husband’s dedication. However, the reward of seeing flowers blossom and eating crisp, juicy pea pods fresh off the vine is worth it, even if you despise the work.
Take walks. It can be a route you’ve taken a hundred times before. Notice how the world changes day to day, minute to minute.
Sex. Writing advice often espouses exercise, but I’m going to go there and say that sex is a pretty amazing and creatively nourishing form of exercise.
Audition for community theatre. This may be way outside your comfort zone, but the challenge will only help you grow creatively. You usually just have to show up and read pieces of the script. Theatre folks are generally awesome people.
Watch foreign language films or tv shows for different tropes and modes of storytelling. You can find quite a lot free online. I’m addicted to Korean dramas, most of which I watch at Dramafever.
Invite a creative friend or two over for tea or coffee. Talk about what makes you most passionate.
Write letters. (Ok, so it’s writing, but not story-writing. The hangups and inner critics aren’t the same.) They’re an exercise in connecting with people through the written word. Letters will help you find your voice.
Visit a library (or book store, but library is cheaper). Bask in the rich history of storytelling. Know that you are a part of it.
Read. You are a sponge. Absorb all you can of craft.
Make a city out of popsicle sticks and pipe cleaners. Have googly eyes? Use those too. If a city is too much, a single structure is enough.

If you have any other ways to feed writing, please share in the comments!

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