Brief Encounters of the Writing Kind
The forsythias are in full bloom here in South Jersey. Their bright yellow blossoms last for only a short time, but while they're here, they offer an unmatchable splendor to the environment. They are in and out of Spring rather quickly, but they leave an impression that is nothing short of breath-taking.
I got to thinking about forsythias and our daily, brief meetings with people we don't know, like the cashier at the supermarket, the teller at the bank drive-through, the attendant at the gas station. What kind of impression do we leave with them? What kind of impression do they leave with us?
While we are responsible for the impression we leave with them, the impressions they leave with us provide outstanding material for our writing. No matter the behavior or appearance of the people in these brief encounters, there is something we can use in our stories, articles, and poems.
The next time you go grocery shopping or drive through the bank drive-through or fill your car with gas, pay attention to the person providing the service. Then, jot down a few notes in your notebook (you do keep a notebook with you at all times, don't you? :). Next time you're stuck while writing, take out your notebook and refresh your memory. Who knows what story or image may be hiding in that brief encounter?
And that's my "musing that matters" for today. What's yours? :)
Blessings,
MaryAnn
P.S. For those of you who don't live in New Jersey, we still have attendants pumping our gas for us. :)
__________________________
Copyright 2008 by MaryAnn Diorio, Ph.D. All rights reserved. This blog entry may NOT be reproduced, reprinted, or published in any form whatsoever without the written permission of Dr. MaryAnn Diorio. You may, however, forward it to others, but please do so IN ITS ENTIRETY. Thank you for your cooperatio
Comments
Dear MaryAnn,
Forgive the cliche, but "you never cease to amaze me!" What a wonderful comparison and suggestion. I carry a notebook but never thought to jot down those tiny encounters. I wonder how many opportunities (and angels) have been in my path that I didn't even notice.
Vie
I read the first line, "we have forsythias in full bloom", and said, "WHAT"?
It's 34 degrees here this morning and I'm excited 'cause I can bundle up enough to go walk outside.
Two take aways from this today, MaryAnn. One, the first line "hook" truly does bring readers into an article :), and two, our written words really can offer hope--like Spring might actually be on the way--even if there's no sign of it in Northern Missouri!
I get ALL my column topics from real people-real life things. I even have a series in mind from lessons I've learned from our pets! There's a story everywhere if you look.
Have a great day!
Kim
Hi Mary Ann -
I've had a particular person flitting in and out of my days for the last month. She's quite a colorful character both in appearance and mannerisms. Down the road, I know some aspects of her personality will appear in one of my story people.
Years ago, I read a story called, "Pippy Longstocking." This memorable little girl has stuck in my mind. I can still describe her in detail.
I want folks to remember my characters. A certain amount of quirkiness is a good thing.
And don't we all meet quirky people now and then?
Blessings,
Susan
![[Powered by MovableType]](http://www.maryanndiorio.com/blog/images/design/poweredby.gif "poweredby")
Yep, I carry a notebook and have jotted down ideas and descriptions of people many times!
I find the best place to people watch is the Boardwalk. It's so much fun to see a person and try to imagine their life and secrets. Definitely fodder for writing!