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Why Writer's Need Field Trips

In a previous post I talked about the importance of a writing schedule. But what about the importance of practice? How much time do you put into practising the art of writing?

If you write everyday by working on your blog, column, book, etc. that is not practice. That is getting your job done. Practice is something different. For example, as a singer I would rehearse my songs for an upcoming event, but I would practice my scales and breathing daily. I would see my singing coach once a week as well. Everyone practices. Dancers, singers, instrumentalists, football players, etc., you get the idea.

Unfortunately, most of the professions I just mentioned have coaches to spur them on. Writers on the other hand, are usually alone with their thoughts. Which is why practising can be a challenge if you don't have something or someone to spur you on.

So, we are going on a writing field trip!

Well...you are going on a writing field trip. If we were all living near each other, I would actually make this a real field trip...to the beach. But, alas you will have to go without me. However, if you have some writing friends nearby, give them a call and see if they're up for it!

Here is what you need to do:

Choose a location that is filled with people. Not a cafe! Everyone does that! This time go to the beach, the park or even a ball-game, it doesn't matter. Or choose a place you don't normally go to - a train station for example, would be good, but take your pen and your writing book. This is a field trip after all, you will need to take notes!

Once you've chosen your location, find a place where you can observe everyone passing you by.

Write about your surroundings. Describe the people you see. Observe their expressions, their clothing and especially their conversation. I once heard a great line at a train station while waiting for my daughter to arrive and I was kicking myself because I hadn't brought my notebook with me. I heard a guy ask this of the young woman who met him, "Are you sure he doesn't know?" Now, that made my eyebrows go up and a slew of questions flew into my mind for a great story - all from one snippet of conversation.

Be attentive to the conversations around you. Yes, it's not nice to eavesdrop and I don't mean you should be listening in on every conversation like a nosy busy-body. But, if you hear something as someone passes you by that sparks your imagination - write it down! It's not as if you are going to follow them out of the train station to hear the rest of their conversation...I mean it...do not follow them out of the train station!

Ask the five W's and an H - Who, What, Where, When, Why and How about each person you see.

Field trips that are not to your local cafe are something you should plan at least once a month. Now, if you are a cafe kind of person and you go there weekly for inspiration, then that's great! Nothing wrong with that, you are giving your muse free reign and she is probably loving it! But, field trips take a little planning, especially if you are taking others with you and you are going to a new location. So be creative, have fun and let me know how your trip goes!

Tags: field, trips, writing

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