(Due to minor surgery (I'm fine!) this blog has been typed with one hand, but proofed for typos)
I'm taking the commuter train into work these days. After getting accustomed to the hustle and bustle I started listening to the conversations around me, the glimpses of other lives happening. These are snippets of conversations I've overheard.
Dark haired woman on cell phone, "No. No it means I'm pregnant. Did I ask you to do anything? W-What do you think I'm going to do about it? I'm going to be a freaking fantastic mom without you. You've done the most and best you will ever be capable of doing and I thank you. Have a great life." *click*
Drunk man sitting illegally on the train steps commenting to random disapproving passenger, "No you...you think I'm stupid but I'm just drunk. And even drunk I know.... you ain't right."
Woman with strong perfume on phone,"No I can't I'm on the train...no....no...fine." (hushed voice) "I love you madly, thinking of you constantly and can't wait to come home just to touch your hand."
It reminds me there is so much life going on all the time around us, yet it is so easy to tune it out. I find for me it is much more rewarding when I pay attention. As a writer there are a wealth of opportunities that provide great inspiration for new stories everyday or even new conversations or character development. You just have to be willing to be open to hear it. A simple notion perhaps, but a powerful one when embraced.
And so, I continue to listen, write and learn.
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The Fine Print
Words That Rattle 'Round My Head by Ray M. Solberg is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 License.
4 comments:
Welcome back! We missed you!
Public transportation, and now, cell phones, are sometimes a writers' best friend. Because it stimulated the Story Machine to only hear half of an interesting conversation. You want to fill in the blanks, and the only way to do so it to fill in wide swathes. The other side of the conversation is your canvas on which to write. Spend a couple of minutes figuring out what's going on. It's practice and character research.
Missed you. Glad you're better.
PS Are you watching the new Dr. Who?
Gosh I miss you!
The Story Machine MUST be fed. And the selection has been admittedly a little thinner lately...but the train is helping.
Yes, I totally watch Dr. Who and Battle Star Galactica. Without fail. :D
This is awesome. I need to ride the train more.
By the way--Charlene Harris? Total sweetheart. She was the guest of honor at NECON this year.
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