7 Things Creative Writers Do Differently

Creative writers are easy to spot. They’re typing furiously at a café. They are reciting poems at the local open mic. They basically live at the library or the old bookstore.

But what makes a creative writer’s writing great? What makes a creative writer, well, a creative writer?

It’s in the habits they create and the behaviors they stick by. Here are 7 things creative writers do differently.

Creative Writers Go On Adventures

Why do their characters get to have all the fun?

Creative writers crave new experiences. That’s because new experiences lead to new sensations and states of mind. This openness of mind and spirit is essential for creative output. Creative writers go on adventures to find ideas for their stories or to experience their story’s adventure in order to write it more vividly.

Creative Writers Daydream

Despite what your fourth-grade teacher said, daydream is never a waste of time.

Mind-wandering aids the creative process, especially during the brainstorming phase. Daydreaming involves the same brain processes associated with creativity and imagination. Often it’s when a creative writer’s mind is elsewhere that they find the best ideas to strengthen their creative writing.

Creative Writers Observe Everything

See someone scribbling in a notebook? Probably a creative writer.

To a creative writer, possibilities are everywhere. Anything can be their creative muse. Creative writers study people, animals, objects, places, even weather. Then, they scribble down how to explain these observations so that their story descriptions are more accurate and conceivable.

Creative Writers Write When It’s Best For Them

Contrary to popular belief, the 9-to-5 schedule isn’t for everyone. Ask a creative writer.

Many creative writers, including the greats, find that the best times of day to write are before sunrise or hours after sunset. Other creative writers break up their writing schedule in hour chunks throughout the day.

No matter the time, creative writers take the time to explore when their creativity is on fire, then plan their days.

Creative Writers Ask Questions

Creative writers are often the ones you wish would stop asking questions.

No question is too big or too small. Creative writers want to know minute details about a person or a place. Then, they turn around and want to know why it is and how it is the way it is. Creative writers have intense conversations as well as solitary mind-wandering. That’s because creative writers are more interested in the answer than looking foolish for asking the question.

Creative Writers Lose Track Of Time

If a creative writer is “in the zone,” don’t count on them keeping their dinner date with you.

When creative writers find themselves in the flow state, that moment when writing allows them unrestricted expression, they will reach their creative potential. That’s because this flow state is when the creative writer surpasses conscious thought and reaches a heightened state of effortless calmness and concentration. The world disappears and all that exists is the written story.

When a creative writer reaches this state, all distractions, both external and internal, are forgotten. The flow state occurs when the creative writer enjoys both the writing of the story and the challenges it presents.

Creative Writers Reflect

Creative writers understand that in order to be open to creativity, the fear of being alone must be conquered.

Creative writing, unless working collaboratively, is a tribute to solitude. Alone time allows the creative writer to process their experiences, observations, thoughts and ideas in order to make the connections necessary for their creative writing.

Creative writers can only know their inner creative voice if they listen to it—and allow it to speak.

What else do creative writers do differently? Share your idea below