What do you do for fun? I’m the sort who might learn a new form of poetry (villanelle, anyone?) as release from the daily grind. But whatever you’re working on, novel, nonfiction or poetry, there are ways you can use your off-duty or “fun” moments for your writing too.
Writing Tip for Today: What was the last “fun” thing you did? A trip to the beach, kayaking or a walk in the forest are all ways people relax and rejuvenate. How can you use moments from these leisure times to enrich your writing?

• Journal your experience. Most vacations have down time, so why not bring along a journal? Especially helpful if your spouse frowns on your bringing real writing along on that Hawaiian getaway.
• Gather Souvenirs. I’ve been to many writing retreats where a workshop leader has sent students on a treasure hunt to bring back a small piece of Nature. Seek out a twig, stone or other bit of the landscape (make sure it’s nonperishable if you’re far from home) and write about it upon your return.
• People Watch. For me, this is fun, fun, fun. Someone said that a writer must always be in a “state of perpetual noticing.” But don’t just watch. Listen, because your dialogue-writing skills will improve the more you listen and take note of how people talk.