We aspiring authors often can get bogged down in writing for a purpose. We might write because we have a story itching to get out of our heads. We might write because we want to land an agent and we need a dreaded query letter to entice these mythical creatures. We might write because a contest or freelance gig requires a certain story theme or word count.

I’m in the midst of creating a query letter and synopsis, which any writer can understand are difficult feats. However, in the middle of those tasks, I’ve also been writing for my blog.

Why? Because it’s fun. I started thinking the other day that my blog has no rhyme or reason, really. Sure, I offer some writing tips and life hacks, but it’s mainly about the thoughts in my head. I was getting a little down about that. Who does this blog appeal to? Who’s going to read it? Who will it help? But then I realized I’m doing this because I love it. If it helps people, I’ll be the first person to jump up and down with excitement. If its sole purpose is a fun outlet for me, that’s amazing too.

Apparently I’m not alone in this idea of writing for amusement. At my writing group the other day, I heard friends talking about Morning Pages, a practice author Julia Cameron details in her book The Artist’s Way.

The idea is you free write every morning until you have three pages. What you jot down can be about anything. The things you’re excited or worried about. The ideas you have for stories. The fact that work has been overwhelming and what to do about it. The beautiful sunrise you might be watching. Seriously, you write about whatever you want. This freedom often loosens up other ideas.

Every author who tried it told me they ended up jotting down notes about plot holes or character traits or scenes for their manuscripts.

Something about getting your brain in creative gear but not focused solely on the manuscript or short story or nonfiction book allows your subconscious to think about that bigger project. Which is pretty cool. But I’d recommend it for no other reason than it’s fun and keeps you in the habit of writing. Sure, it might seem frivolous, after all Julia says you won’t show it to anyone, but you’re allowed to play. So do it. Writing doesn’t always have to be for some gain.

Having shouted from the rooftops the value of writing just for fun, I have to let you in on a secret: even if you’re writing solely for your own amusement, you’re gaining something. Not just the joy it brings you, but also the experience. Yep, I’m a career coach in addition to being a writer, so you knew I’d bring it back to the skills you’re practicing. By following that child-like part of you who takes your hand and leads you to write for enjoyment, you’re actually becoming a better writer. You’re putting in hours writing. You’re practicing. You’re refining your voice and style. And the best part is, it’s fun!

So dude, go out there and write what you want to write just because you enjoy it. You’ll gain more than you might think.

I would love to hear about what you’ve been writing that brings you joy. What types of writing do you gravitate towards when you want a break? Do you have a cool blog? (Put it in the comments; I want to follow you!) Do you like writing a few pages that you keep to yourself?