How To Celebrate Get Gnarly Day As A Writer

One of the episodes of Arthur I remember most clearly is one titled "The Long, Dull Winter," during which the kids decide that in order to combat the dreary lull they've been feeling since the holiday season wrapped up, they have to take it upon themselves to invent a holiday of their own. I still occasionally get Francine's song about "There's Nothing To Do Today Day" stuck in my head (and honestly, I think she was on to something...).

While there may not be many major holidays this time of year, there's a minor holiday or day of recognition of some kind happening every day. National Apple Day on October 21, Don't Cry Over Spilled Milk Day on February 11, Acne Positivity Day on September 1, National Road Trip Day on May 22, and Make Your Dreams Come True Day on January 13, to name a handful.

And on the last Friday of July, you've got Get Gnarly Day.

I wasn't aware of Get Gnarly Day until starting at my current job and, to the best of my knowledge, our celebrating it came about in the same way the need for inventing a new holiday did in that episode of Arthur. It falls about halfway during the summer months when we're at our busiest and are in need of some fun. Get Gnarly Day became the thing, and we celebrate it throughout the entire weekend, clad in leis and Hawaiian shirts, with luau-inspired playlists on in the decorated lobby; it's also become a tradition for me to bake pink lemonade cupcakes for the crew.

(Well, it's as much of a tradition as it is a demand because of how much of a hit they were the first time around!)

So what even is Get Gnarly Day?

It's only been around since 2016 and was started by Whirlpool as a company campaign aiming to get employees excited about reaching customer service goals in the North American Region (hence, gNARly) and embracing new ideas. And eventually, it caught on outside of the company.

Nowadays, Get Gnarly Day is all about trying new things and stepping out of your comfort zone—and it's a perfect day for writers! Having a consistent routine can be especially important to a writer, but it doesn't hurt to shake things up. You might even discover something new that makes your writing process easier, pulls you out of a mental block, or gives you ideas for a new story along the way.

Here are some ways YOU can celebrate Get Gnarly Day as a writer!

Write Something New

I'm a historical romance writer, but that doesn't mean I don't have ideas for stories in other genres, like a contemporary romance and even a concept for a video game—and I don't think I'm alone in my multitude of ideas.

Similarly, if you've been editing in circles for a while, Get Gnarly Day can serve as a break to dabble with a new project. Chances are, when you come back to the story you were working on, you'll be coming back with fresh eyes.

Whether it's a new format like trying your hand at flash fiction as a novelist, writing in a different POV, or diving into a completely new genre, Get Gnarly Day is the perfect time to step out of your writing comfort zone and experiment!

Write Somewhere New

Writers are known for spending a lot of time at their desks, hunched over their keyboards or scribbling away until their wrists ache. Many of us have taken the time to make our space uniquely ours in a way that allows both our creativity and productivity to flourish.

But, sometimes, it can be fun to write somewhere entirely different.

Like I've mentioned in the past, I do a lot of my writing on the go. It's had me writing in some unconventional places, but I don't mind it. Having multiple writing spots, whether it's out of necessity or just your preference, can be an easy yet effective way to give yourself a mental reset and see your writing from a different perspective.

For Get Gnarly Day, you could venture out of your usual writing spot and write somewhere new, such as your local library, the park, a local coffee shop, or even at the beach.

Order Something New

Speaking of coffee shops, another way to celebrate Get Gnarly Day as a writer is to try a new writing drink or treat.

Maybe you go with something your story's protagonist would get. You could seek out a bakery or coffee shop you haven't visited or order something different at your favorite restaurant.

This doesn't have to be a major shift. If you're a cold foam fan like I am, you might be inclined to get gnarly with a different flavor, say cinnamon or matcha. Or maybe you splurge and get the hot fudge and caramel sauce on your ice cream.

Variety is the spice of life, so what better time than Get Gnarly Day to get a taste of something that's not your usual?

Test Out A New Technique

For many writers, there are few things they treasure as dearly as their routine. Many of us have found the methods that work best for us and our writing style, and may be hesitant to deviate from them because writing is already hard enough.

That, my friend, is what Get Gnarly Day is all about! Breaking away from established habits for the day and dipping our toes in uncharted waters.

A night owl writer might attempt to join the 5 AM Writer's Club for the day. You could try listening to a guided meditation before you write or a handwritten chapter of your WIP if you're normally a digital drafter. You could try writing sprints or challenge yourself to write 1,000 words by the end of the day.

Letting go of the ordinary can be hard, but that's the point. Remember, it's only for one day. And who knows? You may just find that the new approach fits in surprisingly well with your status quo.

Do Something Other Than Writing

Not writing may sound counterintuitive, but hear me out.

Get Gnarly Day is all about trying new things and breaking away from the ordinary, right? So maybe you'll get into the spirit not by writing but instead doing something totally different!

It could be the perfect opportunity to get your nails done in a different shape or color, take a self-defense class, go berry picking, go geocaching, attend a karaoke night or trivia night, test drive cars you have no plans to purchase just to see how they feel on the road—the possibilities are endless, and you'll never know what's out there until you look.

So get gnarly! Throw caution to the wind (safely, of course), and have fun!

Will you be celebrating Get Gnarly Day? How will you bring the spirit of the day into your writing? Be sure to tell me in the comments!