Seeking inspiration? Here are fun and weird hacks for writers.
1. Read advice columns to find ideas for creating conflict in novels. The problems people pose to columnists are rife with family drama, misunderstandings among friends, marriage issues, and romantic entanglements. Even columns about etiquette offer an array of tenuous situations. When you locate some columnists online, you may encounter a paywall if you’re not a subscriber to the publication. However, many offer free teasers that can spark ideas. Remember, you’re looking for ideas, not advice. Consider checking out the following columns. As a reader, I’m most familiar with the first four, but the rest look useful as well:
- Carolyn Hax
- Ask Amy
- Miss Manners
- Dear Abby
- Miss Conduct
- Ask Polly
- Social Qs
- Urban Diplomat
2. To hone descriptions, watch people. When standing in line for any reason, glance at what people wear. What does their choice of clothing say? What statements are they making with hairstyles? Can you discern someone’s age and income level by their mode of dress? Do you think the handbag they carry is genuine or a knockoff? After considering the people you’ve seen, write descriptions about them, give them a first and last name, and see how they come to life on the page.
3. To write dialogue, listen in public. What is the melody of each voice? When do people speak more rapidly than usual? More formally? In the vernacular? What accents can you discern?
4. To write dialogue, listen in private. With friends and family, you must focus on the content of their speech. You are already accustomed to their cadences, so try to listen with new ears. Watch their expressions and movements as if you’re seeing them for the first time. What you learn may help you write characters who are close in relationship.
5. To observe, watch old videos. We’ve been going through old family videos. In watching and listening to our younger selves, I’ve discerned new details about how we used to be. If I were to write a portrait of our family based on those videos, we would look different than if I were to write about us today, not only because the videos were recorded in the past, but because I am now noticing particulars I didn’t see then.
What are your favorite tips?
