Finding inspiration in public spaces

Another good source of inspiration for a writer is public spaces. I used to commute regularly to London, and it is fascinating (as well as annoying!) to hear the conversations and calls people will have in earshot of others - from arguments with partners, bosses, parents to discussions of what they've been doing, work calls, and general catch ups. Simply sitting and observing can prompt some interesting story ideas. 

The last few years have meant that we haven't spent much time in public spaces, so, it may be time to tap into this rich stream of inspiration again. 

1) Pick a public space - public transport, a cafe, restaurant, park, club, gallery or museum etc and find yourself a spot, along with your trusty notebook (or note taking device) Don't record conversations though, as that is likely to cause issues, and may well be illegal. 

2) Watch the people around you, and see what you can hear. Pick someone who piques your interest.

3) Think about how you might describe them.

4) Now think about their back story - who is their family; where do they live, what do they do for a living?

5) How would you describe your surroundings, and what do they say about the person - it's a cliche, but you're more likely to find younger people in clubs. Perhaps they are out of place, in which case, how do they react?

6) Think about why they are in the space - a writer finding quiet spot to write, friends or family getting together, someone having a break from work. 

7) Is this a modern or old fashioned setting? Could it be transported to another time and place - a disco on Mars? A steam punk cafe in Victorian England? 

8) Now you have the 4 Ws in writing - Who, Where, When and Why. The next thing is the 5th W - What and the H - How. This is the bit of the story that gives us the conflict, or momentum and narrative. What happens next, and how does it happen? 

Raymond Chandler famously advised that 'When in doubt have a man come through a door with a gun in his hand.' You can use this as a point for a dramatic action - or choose your own departure point. Does a long lost friend come in? Or perhaps a wife, who sees her husband with another woman. Maybe the barista spills coffee on someone, or two people who are work rivals come in with their boss - are they falling over themselves to impress? Does an Alien come in for coffee? Or is there a dragon roasting the coffee beans? Your imagination is the limit. 

There are any number of permutations to consider. And of course, as you explore them, you have a story to write. 

Happy writing.