Writing Desk

I’ve often read about people watching and it sounds like a great exercise for a writer. I can imagine the benefits—insights into the specifics of human traits, from body language to speech patterns, from way of dress to interpersonal interactions. There’s plenty of opportunities to do it too, while on a coffee run, for instance, or during the daily commute.

Something about it makes me uneasy, though. Who wants to be watched or eavesdropped on? Naturally, being discreet would be important. I don’t want to be that weird person watching other people too intently. A notebook or book would probably come in handy. There’s always the phone; not the best kind of diversion though. That everyone is focused on their handheld devices while out in the public has become a tired observation.

I’d like to try it though, this people watching. Whenever I’m out alone, I tend to read or listen to a book. Some loved ones have told me that I sometimes “drift off” while spending time with them. True, I tend to retreat inwards from time to time. I can’t imagine this being such a bad thing. But I will try to strike a balance by developing some observation skills.

Your Prompt: Think about the last time you had an in-person interaction with a stranger. The barista who made your latte or a tourist asking for directions. Write what you can remember about the stranger and your exchange. Then write about this exchange again, but this time from the other person’s point of view.

Are you over-describing your setting? A person walking into a room notices a few things, gets an impression of the place, but doesn’t painstakingly record their immediate surroundings (unless there’s espionage going on!) Describe a new setting using a few concrete details and let the reader have the pleasure of imagining the rest!

See previous Quick Tip

About Writing Desk

Years ago, I gave up blogging for good. But I changed my mind and here we are. Aside from maintaining a consistent writing practice, my goal is to build a live space outside social media for content that supports the creative process, free of mindless, addictive, and AI-generated distractions.

May your visits here be frequent but brief. The idea is to offer something that will light a spark, not distract from your writing. For this reason, I don’t post Writing Desk on social media. Thanks for stopping by!

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Found Words

“And every month, rain or shine, there’d be an envelope for her and she wouldn’t even count it, which was how much they trusted each other. ”

—John le Carré, Silverview

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