Couples looking for a creative outlet in their relationship may consider writing a book together. It's a fantastic way to spend time together, collaborate on a unified direction, and work together to create something you're proud of. It's an out-of-the-box date night idea, but one that will bring you closer.
Top Reasons to Write a Book Together
With the hustle and bustle of daily life, it can be challenging to make meaningful time together. Here's why writing a book together may be able to fill that void.
1. Learn Together
Studies have shown that couples who learn together have a higher relationship quality. You're exploring a new topic together, asking questions, and getting a feel for what you like and you don't like. The same can be said about writing a book together.
As you collaborate, you'll learn the type of story you want to write, the different characters, the settings—all the details that will make your story unique. Perhaps you want to write down your love story or simply would like to create a new world set in space. The possibilities are limitless, and you'll have fun discussing the options together.
Some couples even opt to take a fiction writing course together. During these courses, they learn from professionals as well as each other. They complete measured assignments and collaborate on the final project. These courses provide a dedicated time for couples to sit together and learn and the motivation to keep pushing forward.
2. Offer Unique Perspectives
Some authors find it difficult to dive into another person's motivations, whether it's the opposite sex, different ages, religions, and more. When you partner with your spouse, they can provide insight into what drives them. This will give a more realistic and well-rounded character.
You can also use this insight in your daily lives. You'll be able to understand why your partner is behaving as they do and perhaps give a little grace. Writing a novel will lead to personal development in your own life and development within your relationship. It can bring you together based on a shared understanding of your unique perspectives and love of learning. You'll look for more activities to learn together when you're done.
3. Create a Safe Space
When writing with your spouse, you are in a safe space to be vulnerable and bounce ideas off one another. Not every idea is good, but you don't have to worry about feeling silly or stupid with your spouse. You will push each other to get better and build on each other's thoughts and ideas until you have a firm plan of attack.
It is important to set ground rules to cultivate a safe space as you write together. If some words or phrases make you feel defensive, ask your partner not to use them. If they have concerns, take them to heart. The last thing you want to do during writing is be hypercritical of each other.
Writing is an intensely private activity, and emotions can run high. As you work together, you'll learn what each other needs during the writing process. It's a continual learning process that will bring you closer together.
4. Have Fun
Not everything has to be serious, so as you write your book together, don't forget to have fun together! You can add inside jokes into the narrative that only you two will get as your personal secret. If you're feeling spicy, write in some of your love scenes or act out everything you write.
If you always wanted to take a special trip together, do your research and write about it instead. There are endless options for writing a book together. You don't have to be set by traditional conventions. This book could just be for the two of you to know that you completed it, or you could try to publish it. When you're done, you can even bind it together professionally as an easy gift idea for your spouse.
Your book is intended to bring you closer together, so experiment with what works best for you. If it becomes less fun and more of a job, you should reconsider how you're approaching it. It should be a fun date night, not one that adds stress to your life or relationship.
Conclusion
If you want a fun, unique date night with your spouse, consider writing a book together. You'll have standing time each week to collaborate, brainstorm on the path forward for your characters, and move towards a unified solution.
This activity will give you insight into your partner's mind and make for a meaningful activity. Even if you don't think you have a story to tell, it can be a fun way to be creative together. It will bring you closer in ways you didn't know were possible.
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