There’s nothing more enjoyable than writing and being around others who love to write. At conferences, clubs, or workshops with new and seasoned writers, it feels inspiring to be around others who love the craft. Just this weekend, I connected over coffee with Jack Monroe, a great writer of political intrigue tales for young readers. And simply catching up and sharing about books and the industry lifted my spirits and motivated me to write.

So how does one become a writer?

Well, for starts—write! It doesn’t matter whether you’re writing a book, a poem, a blog, or even a letter to a dear friend. Writing is an art and a gift to our brains. According to an article correlating writing and brains, “Expert athletes have trained their muscles to perform certain functions, and expert creatives can do the same with their brain.” And when authors, and writing novices, write down their stories, they are exercising an additional part of their brain than most people tend to use.

Not only does writing give your brain a workout but it improves your health. The process of writing is proven to reduce our stress. A Harvard University study cites how creative writing helps improve health and moods. Especially when writing about emotions and feelings, the process improves the likelihood of coping with anxiety and emotional trauma.

Also, we can remember things longer as we exercise an important part of our neurological system that craves the workout. But to really get these wonderful health benefits we also need to write by hand more often. I actually wrote my very first novel by putting pen to paper. No laptop at all! It was a great exercise that helped me to stay organized and focused. And as you know from reading my review of Journaling Power, author and Chief Inspiration Officer, Mari L. McCarthy provides a fount of proof that writing is the key to better health and dare I say it, a better personal and professional life.

But what’s really important here is the community of writing. Also, I can’t stress enough the inspiration found by connecting with other writers, authors and friends who want to write. If you’re a novice writer or just enjoy the art of writing, attends conference and meet new people, or get your writing buddies together and start exercising today. Clearly, writing is an inspiring, uplifting, joy-filled, and healthy practice.

Dear Books Uplift Readers, how has writing improved your life?