Using Your Writer's Eye

Yesterday, we had a Photo Prompt writing exercise. I asked you to study the picture, then write a description, a poem, a story or whatever you chose to do. I encouraged you to look at the main part of the photo, which really appeared to be a painting but to also consider the small details. 

Today, I'd like you to consider your Writer's Eye. Most people go about their daily life being quite unobservant. Writers need to develop a keen sense of sight from the time they rise in the morning until they fall into bed at night. 

As writers, we must see but also truly look around us. If you're a passenger on a bus, you often sit and think, maybe read a book or newspaper, maybe even close your eyes and have a rest. Writers who are observant will look at the ads that usually run around the top area inside the bus. One might be the inspiration for a writing project. They'll give their attention to the other riders. They might see a person who is perfect for a character in a story or book they are writing. They'll note anything of interest about the driver--his uniform, whether he shaved that day or not, is there a shine on his shoes or are they scuffed up, whether he needs a haircut or not. Most people get on the bus, pay their fare and walk down the aisle scarcely glancing at the driver. 

If you walk through a park on your lunch hour, do you pay attention to all that is happening around you? Do you see the kinds of trees and the many varieties of flowers? Do you notice two squirrels chasing up and down a tree? What about the nanny pushing a stroller with a small child? When you pass by, do you really look at her and note many little things? Every person you meet in your daily life could be someone in a story. 

Train yourself to notice if someone like the cashier in the grocery store looks happy, bored, sad or angry. Is her hair neat and clean or does it look like she just got out of bed? Are her nails chipped or nicely polished?

Noticing details around you is important but it's also possible that you will find a story to write. Something can happen right in front of you that most people will miss. Use your Writer's Eye and you may find a story to write.

The more you pay attention to these small details, the better Writer's Eye you will have. No writer has this ability as soon as he starts to write. He/she develops it little by little. All you need to do is pay attention to what is around you and what is happening around you. 

Some writers keep a small notebook on their person to jot down what they see that might be of use later. That's not necessary, of course, but it could be helpful. 

Work on training your Writer's Eye. There's a whole lot out there that you probably never noticed before!