Holiday Party Writing Challenge
Tuesday December 8, 2009
If writers were big joiners, we wouldn't be spending so much time alone with our computers, right? So parties, and especially office parties, can be particularly painful. I'm throwing down the gauntlet -- to myself and all of you -- to use a holiday party to work on your dialogue. Collect the dialogue at the event, and later, back in your comfort zone, practice developing conversation into dialogue that works on the page. And if you come up with something you're happy with, share it with the rest of us in the forum. (I imagine some of it will be very funny.)
What a terrific writerly use for any kind of holiday party. So many writers (like me) are introverts who thrive on solitude, and parties can be torture. But if we approach these gatherings as writer assignments (gathering bits of dialogue, creating character sketches, noting tension and conflicts), then the party seems purposeful–and gives us something to focus on. Thanks for the tip!
Awesome exercise! There’s nothing like a little eavesdropping to create realistic and theatrical dialogue. Truth is always stranger than fiction….
Yeah, I went to my Sunday School Class party last evening. It was good to absorb conversation and adsorb the feelings that people were trying to convey. Christmas is a jovial time of year and conversation is light–making one think–
I love turning situations into exercises like this one Ginny has suggested. Countless awkward conversations and uncomfortable social gatherings have become invaluable for some of my characters.
This fall I had a one hour break in between two of my classes at the university. I would usually spend this break at the on-campus coffee shop–a great place to eavesdrop on all kinds of interesting conversations on a variety of subjects. Grab your laptop or notepad and set up camp at your local coffee shop and be amazed at some of the things you hear.
Great challenge. Many writers are introverts, but I do think it is important people to step out of their comfort zone. The writing part is done in solitude, but once it is done, others become involved: critique groups, agents, editors, publishers…I think it is important for writers to force themselves to be more social and begin practicing those oh so important networking skills. Take it from one recovering introvert–it can be done.
Thanks for writing, Kerrie. I hadn’t thought of this other aspect of the exercise. And thanks for testifying that even introverts can become successful at networking. Your success with Northern Colorado Writers certainly proves this to be true.
Great idea, and it proves the old saying that for a writer, nothing is ever wasted. Horrible, boring, holiday party? At least you can write about it! Fantastic, fun, holiday party? Ditto!