My barista's morning rant sparked a whole character for my novel.

I started jotting down bits of dialogue from people around me. Now I have a notebook full of realistic conversations to use in my stories.

3 comments

3 Comments

seanmorgan1mo ago

My writer friend calls that eavesdropping research.

king.wendy1mo ago

Grab a notebook and sit in a busy coffee shop. Write down bits of talk you hear, like how people argue about chores or gossip about neighbors. It shows how real talk flows and feels. I've done this to see how folks actually speak, not just how books say they should. What's the weirdest thing you've ever caught?

grant9011mo ago

Overheard a guy at the bus stop planning a heist on his own garden shed. Said his neighbor moved his rake six inches. Real motive stuff. Makes you wonder about the stories in every boring argument. Solid tip from king.wendy, but you gotta be ready for the strange. Most dialogue advice misses how unhinged normal people sound.