Every morning when I get to work, the first thought in my head is that I need a caffeine iv. Just hook me up and let me say java java repeatedly. Luckily, or not so much depending how you look at it, the corporate tech building I work in has it’s own Starbucks just down the hallway.
There is another interesting little benefit for going on a sugary goodness caffeine run and that’s the fact that while I’m there, I can do what I call ‘studying humans’. Don’t know if any one here knows it, but people do the funniest and strangest things when they think no one is looking. So what I like to do while waiting in line for my coffee is to watch people. I like to see how they interact with one another. See their smile turn to glee after a raunchy joke was just told, or watching a spoiled brat get upset when they’re coffee doesn’t come right away. Most of all I love seeing the employee’s reaction to it all.
This is a benefit that I think all writers could use. It’ll help when writing our character interactions and keep things from feeling forced. The last thing anyone wants to read is a fairly well written book with characters that to react differently then the way they should.
Plus, sometimes when I’m watching people, I’ll meet someone so interesting, I have to create them as a character.
Anyone else ever experience this?
Auzy
*Raising hand* I too am a coffee addict. I try to stick to 1 cup a day but if I go 2 days without,I'm rather unproductive.
ReplyDeleteYes! I write contemporary YA. My favorite places to watch, listen, and journal. High School football games, I work the in the spirit shop above the stands I hear and see everything. High school plays, I volunteer either working concessions or hanging out backstage, this is fun the kids love to talk and share especially when the find out your writing. And I've been known to eaves drop in the juniors dressing rooms when taking my daughter clothes shopping. It's great around prom season. I would only suggest doing this if you have a legit excuse for being there, otherwise it's plain creepy.
ReplyDeleteI don't have a car, and spend a lot of time on public transport - and love the overheard conversations on buses. Like the lads with the musical instruments on the back seat, saying - loudly, so we could all hear - 'Have you heard, like, Verdi's f*cking Reqiuem, it's f*cking great!'
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