We’ve all done it to some extent, and some are more serious about it than others. I’m talking about people watching. Just everyday out in the world people watching, not peeking through people’s windows kind of people watching. I find myself doing it fairly often when I’m out and about. Usually a snippet of conversation or the way a person is dressed will snag my attention. Plus, it’s interesting to break out of my own head and see how other people act and interact with the world around them. Some people inspire me, like when I see strangers be kind to each other. Other people, not so much, like the cigarette smoking mommy with the baby on her hip screaming at her other four kids to “Hurry up and gitcher lil’ asses over here before I beatchu!”
On a personal level, one is amazing, and one is disgusting. From a writing perspective though, either scenario is fascinating. I’ve based more than one character on a person or an amalgamation of people I’ve seen out in the world. Sometimes, when I’m stuck for an idea, just going to do a little people watching helps a lot. Some of the best places for people watching are 1) Airports. So many people from so many different places and there’s usually a high level of stress there which changes the way people interact with each other. 2) Playgrounds. Seeing how children interact with each other is always fascinating and often very funny. 3) Any kind of public transportation. I used to ride the D.C. Metro system a lot for work and wow, great people watching there.
There is a certain art to people watching though. After all, not many people WANT to be observed like lab rats, and would probably behave quite differently if they knew they were being watched. So you have to be discreet. Here’s an article that discusses some good methods for people watching, without being totally creepy.
So do you people watch? For your writing or just for fun? What have some of your experiences been? What are some of the best places you’ve noticed for people watching?
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6 users responded in this post
I can’t say more than to add I love people watching, and it’s getting harder to do as paranoia over stalkers grows.
Stupid people. They should lock their doors if they don’t want me in their bathrooms while they shower.
…ohhhhh, Vr, you’ve so hit the nails head, the nail-head, the spike, ouch, not the thumb! Each and every human being supplies a story for a writer. Their dress, their mannerism’s, their dialect…all contribute to an imaginative mind. Even inanimate objects, ur, like, fruit! Yes, fruit…I guess. Let’s see…what if that orange (plum, peach, bean–no not bean, not a fruit), ur, where was I? Oh yeah, fruit and inspiration, storyline, etcetera…contribute to an imaginative mind. Did I say that already? Anyway, what you said, you know — up above, is good and true. That reminds me, truth and truthfulness…I’ve written a book about same. Oh crap, I’d better end this and find someone or something to focus my incredible writers imagination.
Vr, thanks for be so helpful…with your observations, etc.
Regards, –gg
For writers of fantasy, noting beats a Renaissance Faire for watching people. We went to MD this weekend. Great people watching there. For me, it’s a combination of fun and for writing notes. It’s also interesting to trends from year to year.
Last year was very Goth. This year I saw some SteamPunks for the first time. And since it was OktoberFest weekend, there were a lot of dirndles and lederhosen. And of course the usual Scotts and knights and royalty. (Karl and I went as bikers).
Everyone’s an actor and this event really brings them out.
And of course, you know, Vlad and his crew give both me and Kurt a lot to work with.
Wal-Mart is an interesting place to watch people. Have you checked out the Walmartian website? People take pictures of others at Walmart and it’s amazing to see what people wear out in public.
As they say, it takes all kinds to make a world.
I do a lot of people watching, but I think that’s because I’ve always felt people are staring at me. I hate looking stupid. I blame my mother who was way too concerned with what people thought of us.
I ususally hide behind my Kindle and glance up from time to time. If you are writing for kids, a mall or a skating rink, especially if they are without their parents, is a good way to see how they act.
Cheryl
I’m a total people watcher. All the time. Human beings are so fascinating…it’s no wonder we write *lol*
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