As you know, I spend most of my life writing novels. However, I thought it would be fun to chat about the top ten things I’m probably doing if I’m not writing. It took a while, but I think I’ve compiled a pretty accurate snapshot of my limited downtime. Let me know how many match up with your top ten!
#10—Picking up after my dog
I swear he watches me put up his toys and waits until I leave the room so that he can “put them back where they belong.” Namely: anywhere underfoot where I might trip on them.
#9—Wire wrapping pendants
This hobby of mine has evolved from a neat idea into something I do to relax. Whenever I watch TV, I’ll wire wrap a pendant. I’m getting pretty good, too… well, for an amateur. I can now work exclusively in sterling silver, and I find only the best stones to wrap. If you would like to see the pendants I’ve made, you can check them out at my store.
#8—Watching Ghost Adventures
I know. But it’s my guilty pleasure. Everyone has one. What’s yours?
#7—Pinterest
At first, I refused to try pinterest. I thought it was just another social media site I didn’t have time for, but now I love it. I use it to store funny images, the pictures that inspire my novels, the portraits that inspire my characters, the incredible images that inspire the creatures in my books, and more. It really is a great site.
Are you on pinterest? Tweet me to let me know so I can check out your boards.
#6—Twitter
I really love to engage with fans and fellow authors, and Twitter makes it easy and (even more) fun. I try to respond to every mention I get, though that’s becoming difficult (which I think is a happy problem, but I digress).
Feel free to send me a hello if you’re on Twitter: @thesmboyce
#5—Reading web comics
Memes on 9gag. Girls with Slingshots. Poorly Drawn Lines. Darths & Droids. Dilbert. Garfield. Get Fuzzy.
I love comics. When I don’t want to think and just need to relax, I read my comics for a laugh. Are there any you recommend?
#4—Writing book reviews
I don’t review every book I read, but I do write a considerable number of them. For a while, I was even doing video reviews—though I sadly don’t have time for that anymore, it’s something I want to pick up again in the future.
Which book review blogs do you like best? I’m always looking for inspiration.
#3—Reading
I’m a writer, but I was a reader first. I love to discover exciting new series, talented new authors, and a host of worlds I’ve never heard of before. I don’t get much downtime with my busy schedule, but I read a lot.
How do you find new books? I’d love to hear your input.
#2—Brainstorming new books
I love to daydream and come up with ideas for new series. What’s awesome is that I get to bounce those ideas off of my husband, who I call my fiction consultant. He helps me hash out plot lines like nobody’s business—he always seems to know what question to ask to iron out a character’s motivation or unearth a plot hole. Sometimes we go out to dinner and talk about nothing else but a new book.
#1—Spending time with my hubby
Family is really important to me, and I’m lucky enough to have married my soul mate. If I’m not writing, I’m probably with him. We’re gooey like that.
So how about you? What do you do with your free time?