The Noble Art of Ear-Wigging...

One of the downsides of lockdown was being starved of writing inspiration. Obvs, there were loads of downsides. We all remember. The lack of connection with every other person, the uncertainty, the daily threat of death... it was a lot.

But there was also a writing-specific downside. If I couldn't sit in Costa, get on the train, or stand behind a pair of friends in a queue, then I couldn't get mini-insights into the daily experiences of others. There's so much to be gleaned from overhearing the way people talk together. I don't think I'm a naturally nosy person in real life, but in writing life, I pick up everything. People's phrasing, their shared jokes, the ease at the way they communicate. I reckon it's the best way to hone realistic dialogue. Listening to real life chat, makes your made-up dialogue work. It's makes the characters you've created, fly off the page. It roots even the most fantastical premise; making it accessible because the readers recognise the authenticity of the characters. Not because you're directly quoting something you overheard, but because your ears are attuned to the natural flow of chat. So yeah, lockdown was tricky. I didn't write much. Without external stimulation, my brain dried up.

The good news is, I've spent the past week watering that very same brain. For the first time since May 2019, I've left the UK. Yep, I've got on a plane, flown to another county, done a couple of cities, and been on a couple of trains for a combined length of thirty-two hours. Now, as I type these very words, I'm sitting in my hotel room in Halifax, Canada. You could say I'm over watering. 

By the time you read this, I'll be back. But no matter. It's been a much needed top-up to my creative juices. In lieu of a clear and coherent Update this week, I'm giving you a writing treat. Below are some examples of times in Canada, I've had a creative juices boost. The kind of experiences, whether they be momentary or long and involved, that give insight into another perspective. Everyday and banal, witty and eloquent, dramatic and fantastical - it's all fuel for the tank. They're all around us, but your ears and eyes need to be attuned. Next week, it'll be business as usual. For now, here's my travelogue of writing inspiration.

Manchester airport and a delay. People grumbling. Staff faffing. Little did I know this was the day when the UK air space went mad. A woman opposite me, frustratedly rang the people who were meeting her at the other end. A couple with kids did  their best to jolly them along. All of life in one departure gate. Lots to overhear.

Arty, right? Me, looking out of the window, descending into Toronto. Behind me, a young woman had what sounded like a panic attack. I was oblivious at first - too busy taking selfies - but then the woman next to her, talked her through it and held her hand. All was well once we landed. 

I spent a round four-hour trip on this bus, on a guided tour to Niagara Falls. Behind me, an American man talked to a German woman about himself. The whole entire time. She was incredibly patient. I was less so. But at least I now know about the American education system, US train travel, and being an accountant.

I went to a maple syrup tasting! Did you know that only 2% of maple syrup comes from Ontario? And did you know that pure maple syrup is full of sap not sugar? And that it interacts with the saliva in your mouth, rehydrating the syrup, so that it glides down your throat without making it sticky or making you thirsty? No, neither did I. But it's all research for when I create a character who does know all that.

This was Clifton Hill;  the tourist-heavy street in Niagara Falls Park where I ate lunch. My waiter - who did everything he was supposed to do and bought me lovely food and drink - gave off pure 'small town, teen slacker, with parochial parents who he hates, and who he can't wait to get away from the minute he's old enough to leave' vibes. A pure John Hughes character. I could be wrong, but that was my sense. If not, I enjoyed making all that up about him.

I spent twenty-six hours on this train. The steward of my carriage, was the chattiest guy I've ever met. When we were delayed, an off the cuff remark about him being on overtime, led to a detailed and lengthy explanation of how the company overtime structure works. He radiated energy and I imagine, he could have talked for hours. A walking-talking Duracell bunny.

A terrible photo of a train window's reflection but I buzzed off overhearing those men. Four independent travellers, were seated together for the evening meal. Almost immediately they chatted like they were besties. No politics or controversial topics, just genial, friendly chat. They were all around the 70 mark, shared photos of their kids and grandkids, and each ordered soup. 

I passed through so many tiny villages and communities like this. Somewhere, in the middle of rural Canada, along the train line, these houses exist. Who lives there? What are the issues that concern the residents? Where do they get their groceries from? 

I got off in Campbellton for some fresh air and to stretch my legs. Where is Campbellton? No idea. But looking it up on Google Maps at some point, will make me wonder who lives there, what their issues of concern are, and where they get their groceries. These are clearly the main questions I have about anywhere.

Finally, in Halifax, I read this sign about Merlin. He's the parrot that lives in the Maritime Museum. Animals had a bad pandemic too! Thoughts and prayers to Merlin, and a reminder to me that characters can experience stress in many ways, and some of them could be even be pets.

So there we go. Just a few instances where my head was filled with ideas for future writing. Will I write a novel set in Canada? Probably not. Will I create a railway cabin steward character who talks for hours and in great detail? Probably not. But will I let all these experiences and snippets of life, bleed into my writing in a generalised way, so as to create more depth and nuance to my own ideas? Absolutely. Oh Canada. You've been a writing inspiration. Many many thanks.

Have a lovely week, folks.