When I'm not writing...

Although I feel like writing takes up a huge portion of my life--because when I'm not writing, I'm thinking about writing--I do fill the hours between sleeps with other things.

I try to stay in the "love" category.

I love to go hiking in the woods. Near my house is a beautiful state park with winding trails, beautiful overlooks, and lots of woodland creatures. Sometimes when I need to clear my head or just get some fresh air, I head off to the trails to lose myself for an hour or so. If I ever get stuck on what to do with a character or how I'm gonna make this ridiculous plot work, I go to nature. Nine times out of ten, an idea will come to me.

I volunteer at an animal sanctuary. Animal welfare is a cause close to my heart, and when I can help out, I can. Animal shelters and rescues are SO overwhelmed (now, more than ever, believe it or not), and they could always use a helping hand. It's not only rewarding to help a little critter in need, but animals give more love than their little bodies can hold. I encourage everyone to soak up some of that goodness.

Music is a huge part of my life too. I tinker around on the guitar and piano in my free time, and more often than not, I have Spotify playing while I work. I love to sing along and imagine myself on stage. Living the rock star dream in my head. It always makes me happy.

Travel is a big one. I love going to a new place and seeing something completely different than what I see every day. I believe it's the key to happiness. Life is short. I want to see as much of the world as I can, while I can. I love being immersed in a different culture, eating new foods, and hearing different languages. I do sometimes have to do things I don't want to do, but I try to spend as much time as possible in the "love" category of activities and not the "should" category. I could also add drinking an amazing cup of coffee or eating chocolate--I try to do those every day!

What do you love to do?