Tuesday, May 8, 2007

People Watching – Everywhere You Go

That’s what a writer does. Whether or not we realize it we all do it. The weirdest thing for me is now I’ve started noticing it happening more and more. I can be anywhere and the writer in me will kick in. Begging for a pen and paper my brain starts taking it all in. Everything that is happening around me and how people are reacting to the situation.

I’ve found myself hurrying to get to the car to jot it down or even asking the waiter for another napkin to write some little tidbit down.

The TV isn’t even safe. I’ll see something in a commercial and it’ll trigger the writer. Last night an allergy commercial was on and all of sudden I’m talking aloud to myself. “This is great. That could so happen in my book.” Not what I actually saw on the TV but what it triggered in my mind.

I’ve even found myself doing this during a very trying moment in my friend’s life. I didn’t mean to. I wasn’t thinking about writing, my wip, or anything remotely close to that. It just happened. It just sort of starts. Of course I sent the little muse journalist to the back of my mind once I realized I was doing it. But she only went once I promised I’d write it down when I got home.

Science guy has gotten used to me doing this now. He’ll say are you talking to me or to that thing you call a muse? Once in a while he will ask if I can turn it off for a little while. I tell him of course I can baby. I can’t. So I quietly think these things until I have to get up and go write it down.

While this is and can be a great thing, especially if you have writers block, it can also be quite annoying when all you want to do is buy a new pair of shorts, get an ice cream, or simply watch some TV and relax.

What about you? Do you find yourself people watching when you least expect it? Do you feel the need to write down what you see and how people react?

Writing Wishes and Plotting Dreams,
Vicki

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh, darlin', you are so right about the muse being tickled by people, a commercial, heck a single action. I was watching Deal or No Deal, came up with an idea from a contestant and started giggling. Well, Josie, curious came into my (nice, new glass and chrome) office with a cute little dumbfounded look on his face. Like Lucy I tried to 'splain and he didn't get it. lol Oh, the life of a writer. The thought $.10, the brainstorming it evoked $20.00, the look on Josie's face, PRICELESS! lol

Great blog idea!!!

Vicki said...

I can't wait to hear this idea. :) Josie's priceless face...he's so used to you that he's never surprised for too long. :) You have a great one there.

Kristina Knight said...

All the time, Vicki. I've even got my husband doing it. We were at a mall a couple of weeks ago, just hanging over a food court lunch and he poked me in the ribs - "Are you watching that couple? I think they're breaking up...wouldn't be an insteresting way to start a book?" he asked. I was watching someone else, but they did grab my attention. And it gave me an idea....

Anonymous said...

Hi, Vicki, I finally stumbled in here!

LOL, Anne-Marie! Deal Or No Deal is a great place to find, shall we say, quirky characters.

Vicki said...

Welcome Karen. I'm so glad you not only stopped by but commented as well. :)

Don't you love Anne-Marie! In fact I think I could see her on Deal or No Deal.

Vicki said...

Hi Kristi and welcome. I think it's great that your husband is pointing you towards ideas.

Erica Ridley said...

I've had great ideas from the most bizarre places--I so hear you! =)

Vicki said...

Hey Erica - thanks so much for stopping by. It's crazy isn't it. The writing mind takes over and there's nothing we can do about. Of course for the most part I wouldn't have it any other way. :)

Anonymous said...

Hi, Mom! You've always been a people watcher...and you've certainly passed it on to me. I read the other comment about being in a food court - oh man forget it. I'm sooo distracted in a place like that. I don't share the muse, that is unless you count the voice reminding me of the stack of papers waiting to be graded!! I totally know where science guy is coming from...you do get quite distracted! Love ya!

Vicki said...

Hey Chicka (Melissa)
It's true I did pass it on to you. We've always enjoyed people watching, trying to figure out what was going on. :)

Anonymous said...

I'm always writing stuff down. The trick is remembering where I put all my genius notes ...

Vicki said...

Hey Jill, thanks for stopping by. I love your blog. :)

I'm the same way. I have little post it notes and scraps of paper everywhere.