Writing is such a solitary endeavour that we sometimes hole up a little too much.  We writers need to get out more.  I think that’s why I enjoy writing at the local bookstore or coffee shop.  People watching and eavesdropping adds fodder to the pages of the novel.

Our imagination can only go so far, then we have to get out and recharge it.  Our local zoo has a summer concert every other week and while going to listen to the music is the first order of business, people watching is definitely second.  How people walk, talk, dress, eat and dance can make a great impression on your muse.  Your next main character may be in that crowd, folks, so be on the look out. 

When I used to work in an office environment I gathered tons of good scenes and dialog for stories.  And what better fuel can there be than that of a family gathering? Crazy Uncle Whatshisname and Aunt Whosit keep the quirk in quirky, and we all enjoy reading about those types of characters. 

Keeping a notebook and pen in your pocket will do one of two things: scare them into behaving or allow you to capture the moment accurately.  I can’t get away with whipping out my notebook with family, but in public I have no such restraint.  Do you remember that show called “kids say the darndest things?” It was one of my favorites.  Anyway, no one can write better dialog than kids come up with themselves.  Use it, just change the names to protect the innocent - they may grow up to be bigger than you or worse, be a lawyer.