People watching: a writer's essential skill

We're surrounded by so much material as writers - everything we see, hear and read can become part of a story some day. People watching can be among one of the most useful tools in our arsenal, because it helps build convincing characters in your work.

Next time you're on a bus or train, or sitting in a busy coffee shop look at the people around you - what does how they are dressed say about them? Can you spot the student, the office worker; the tourist? What are the things that give each one away? Who's wearing their office ID or a uniform? How old are they? Do they like what they are doing? Are they married, single, gay straight? What are the clues that help you work this out? What is their story? What story can you make up for each one?

In these days of ubiquitous phones, we get to eavesdrop on conversations (whether or not it's polite!) What does a teenager sound like on the phone - conversation peppered with slang, and the abuse of the word like? The man arguing with his boss about pay - what does his use of language, style of dress, level of cleanliness, tell you about his background, education, line of work?

The two women chatting to pass the time - listen to the rhythm and cadence of the conversation. What do they talk about? How do they know each other?

The answers to all of these questions tell us how to describe our characters - rather than saying our character is married, talk about him fingering with his wedding ring - which also tells us he may not be happily married....

While writing about people you know is inadvisable, we can draw characters from those around us, and use our observations to create authentic, convincing characters.

This is why a writer should always carry a notebook - it allows you to jot down descriptions; characters, conversations and plot lines, ideas and observations, a treasure trove to draw from when you write.