True confessions: One of my favorite pastimes is eavesdropping on conversations.
I’m a very dialog driven writer, and I get so much inspiration from the little tidbits I overhear just doing my normal routine. Whether I’m at the grocery store, the mall, or out to dinner—I always find myself getting sucked into the conversations of the people around me. I’m a bit of a word sleuth, so I have a tiny little book that I use to capture the conversations. They are great for lending an authentic voice to my writing.
A word of warning: You have to be subtle or you might get caught. I’ve had a couple of close calls, but my book and pen are so small that I can stash them away quickly. Plus, it’s amazing what a pleasant smile and fast feet can save you from.
Here’s the first of a series of posts highlighting my favorite conversational tidbits.
The things you hear while shopping at the grocery store—especially the snack aisle!
“What are we doing here?”
“I need a sugar fix.”
“But I thought you wanted to fit into those awesome jeans you bought to impress Shawn?”
“No problem.”
“Umm, you’ve got about 5,000 calories in your hand.”
“You’re such a buzz kill. Okay, what about these?”
“Are you kidding me?”
“What’s wrong? They’re diet.”
“Right. Did you see the serving size? I know you won’t stop at one.”
“I’m beginning to question why I asked you to come with me.”
“Because you need a conscience.”
“Well, why don’t you take my conscience out to the car so I can buy these double chunk cookies in peace.”
Anne
anne.van.1111@blogspot.com
8 comments:
Very True and funny!
I used to do this all the time on the subways when I lived in NYC. Then one day some tough gangsta girls realized I was writing about them in my journal and were none too happy! Luckily it was just before my stop so I had an easy escape!
Thanks David!
LOL Nicole. Glad you could make a quick escape!
Also the gym, a wine bar, the mall, coffee shops, or -- best of all -- book stores!
Anne Van, I eavesdrop all the time and my husband gets so mad at me for doing it. lol
Funny:)
Sometimes I think people want to be eavesdropped on. The conversations some of them have on phones in waiting rooms is ridiculous. But the fun part of that is filling in what the person on the other side is saying. :)
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