What is the writer's life like with all work and no play?
Productive?
Quiet?
Boring?
I think recreation and leisure time are important components to the writer's life. We can learn much from games, brain teasers, writing prompts, hobbies, and similar activities. They have the potential to enhance our mental faculties by stretching critical thinking skills, concentration, patience, and self discipline. Even if you are not a big fan of games, there are other pursuits such as photography or painting that bring similar benefits.
Writing is a solitary activity and games that require other participants can offer fellowship and inspiration. It's good sometimes to get out of "our little world" and get a breath of fresh air, stimulate our minds in other ways, and broaden our perspective.
We're never too old to give our brains a brisk workout, nor are we too smart that we cannot learn new things.
Our writing will always reap the benefits.
That said, here are a few links to kick off 2015.
Word Games
WordGames.com
Games.com
Merriam Webster Word Games
Writing Prompts
Writer's Digest Prompts
25 Creative Writing Prompts
How is your writing enhanced by games and recreational time? What games do you like?
Happy writing,
Karen :)
Photo image: Stock Exchange
I'm going to bookmark some of these. I take a break by going online, but I know there are other things I can do to challenge myself and tease my brain.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Karen. I will check out the brain games, as I took an IQ test on line and discovered I might, possibly, could be a "genius" with my 173 IQ. Can't stop laughing.
ReplyDeleteI agree that we need breaks from writing and work in general. I'd like to use my time to sit and read a little more. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteI'm a Scrabble addict. I play it every day and it gets my brain going.
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I also love puzzles and we put together four puzzles over the holidays.
I have several mind games I play on my iPad. And I consider my guitar playing good mind practice as well.
ReplyDeleteMedeia,
ReplyDeleteI need to do some more of that too. I find myself falling into ruts and it would help to jump out of those once in a while. :) Let me know if any of the links strike your fancy!
Linda,
Well, we all think of you as a genius no matter what! You are one smart and talented writer. Hope you have some fun with the links. :)
Natalie,
I think a diversity of things can help, you know? Including getting some fresh air and sunshine. :) Hope you enjoyed some down time over the break. :)
Diane,
I hadn't thought about puzzles; that's a good point. I have family members that enjoy them. Maybe we need to break one out soon. :)
Alex,
Somehow I knew music would factor into your down time! :) Those games - some can really be a challenge, can't they? So many great apps out there. :)
Happy writing,
Karen
When I joined a writing group this past year, they had prompts. Those have help me expand on ideas and write about things I don't normal write about, and that helped bump up my creativity in my own work.
ReplyDeleteSo, I agree with what you have said!
Like anything you need to exercise the old brain to keep it functioning at maximum. I love games that make me think, and my favorite is Chronology. Love it when I win.
ReplyDeleteHave a great mentally active new year.
Yes, we do need to exercise the grey matter!
ReplyDeleteI've always liked games and do think them stimulating to creativity. Well, except for Sudoko. That's just plain crazy. =0) Thanks for the links, Karen and Happy 2015!
ReplyDeleteHolly,
ReplyDeleteThey do stretch you, don't they? I need to get out a few and do some. I'm good at making my students do them, but not so much at doing them myself. :)
Lee,
You are so right! It's good to be challenged in a different direction. :) Thanks so much!
Kelly,
We surely do. It really helps, doesn't it? :) Great to meet you!
Susan,
I like games too, and always gravitated toward the word games even as a kid. Go figure, right? lol :)
Happy writing,
Karen
I love mind games. They snap me back from la-la land. Thanks for the links, Karen. These are great. I like puzzle.com. The pics are so beautiful. I also love Temple Run 2, tho I haven't been playing much these days. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteI like Word Search puzzles, Solitaire, and some video games. I don't play very often because of time constraints. When I do have time, I'd much rather read a book.
ReplyDeleteHi Karen - I like word games ... but don't get hooked into computer games - I can so easily waste time ... and I must make time to read some books this year ... I help with crosswords, and do do Sudoku occasionally and general knowledge quizzes ... Happy New Year .. cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteYou just delivered the best holiday present ever! I love word games and will check these out. Thanks. :)
ReplyDeleteJoylene,
ReplyDeleteThey really give the brain a workout, don't they? :) Like you said, it can snap us back where we need to be! I will have to check out puzzle.com. Sounds like fun!
Susan,
I know, it's always the time thing! Someday maybe we'll be independently wealthy, But then I'd guess we'd still be pretty busy. lol
Hilary,
This is one reason why I don't play certain games too - nothing else would get done around here. I do like Tetris though, and will cave and play that once in a great while on an old hand held game my son left here when he moved out. :) Happy New Year to you too!
Lisa,
So glad you liked it! I had the hardest time deciding what to get you...LOL :) Enjoy!
Happy writing,
Karen
Nice games ;) Greetings :* www.sandina.pl
ReplyDeleteAwesome links. I totally need some of this today. My brain just doesn't want to move, know what I mean? Sluggish. Maybe I didn't get enough sleep. =)
ReplyDeleteSandy,
ReplyDeleteGreetings to you as well! Thanks for dropping by! :)
Crystal,
I'm totally with you today (and yesterday too, actually). An overactive brain has led to little sleep the past few days. I'm thinking cheese and chocolate might help too. Not at the same time though...:)
Happy writing,
Karen
Oh my... of course we need games! I love (word) games. It also helps me to enter contests and write things I have never written before :)
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year to you Karen. May this year be filled with joy!
I love games! word games always getting my mind stretching. :) Can't wait to check these out!
ReplyDelete~Jess
Games all my downfall. I love them but I get addicted and spend way more time than I should.
ReplyDeleteMarja,
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year to you as well! I agree, games and other activities stretch us in a good way. :)
Jess,
Hope you enjoy them! Your riddles on your blog always stretch me! :)
LD,
Ah yes, good point; this can be another aspect of it. Kind of like chocolate or similar - sometimes the right balance is tricky to maintain. :)
Happy writing,
Karen
Happy 2015! I hope your holidays were filled with fun, family and much laughter! I've spent much more time in the sewing room this year but I keep my fingers in writing. Wishing you many blessings in the new year!
ReplyDeleteSally,
ReplyDeleteThank you! Hope the new year is starting off well for you and your family. :) Blessings to you as well!
Happy writing and sewing,
Karen
Great advice, Karen! I'm actually playing a Learn A New Word a week game with a friend and I find it exhilarating! LOL
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by my blog. It's been a long time since I played in the blogosphere. Take care. :-)
Hi Karen! OOhhh..writing prompts! I love those. I've got to check out your link here. And you are so right. If I just get tuned into writing, and don't have time for fun, that's a recipe to burn out quickly! We all need an excuse to break out and have some fun :)
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Ceil
Jessica,
ReplyDeleteIt is good to see you. You've had a lot going on, with your books and all. :) Congrats on the latest one! That word game sounds like fun. I'll have to check it out.
Ceil,
I'm so glad you like prompts! I like them too, but don't spend nearly enough time doing them. I need an excuse to do a few soon. I think I will use your permission to do so! LOL :)
Happy writing,
Karen
Karen:I don't know how I missed this post. I like crossword puzzles. I used to play Scrabble on-line. I also like Spider Solitaire (simple level) and Free Cell. I have improved at Free Cell.
ReplyDeleteCecelia,
ReplyDeleteGlad you joined the conversation! ) Sounds like you have plenty of games to help your creativity along. They can help us a lot, can't they?
Happy writing,
Karen