by WB Intern Macy Lane
Don’t tell me the moon is shining, show me the glint of light on broken glass. -Anton Chekov
As writers, we are compelled to create. Ideas take hold in our imaginations and we bring them to life on paper. While there are many different characteristics of writers, one seems constant. In our own way, we strive to be masters in the art of observation.
How can we improve our observation skills? Here are a few ideas for helping develop this insightful practice.
Go Slow to Go Fast
“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.” -Anne Lamott
To be able to notice the world around us, we must slow down. In our hurried, harried days, it is hard for us to stop and observe. We constantly move from one challenge and goal to the next, leaving us little time to soak in our surroundings. To excel in the art of observation, we can remind ourselves to tap the brakes or at the very least, lift our foot off of the gas pedals of our lives.
Hone our Senses
“I want to taste and glory in each day, and never be afraid to experience pain.” —Sylvia Plath
Once we’ve slowed down, we can breathe deeply, exhale and hone our senses. With our eyes, we look and linger. We can explore colors, shapes, shadows, and movement. We can listen and tune in, acknowledging sounds we may not have heard before. Smells take on new meaning and context as we work to heighten experiences in our minds. We can use our sense of touch to become more aware. As we consume food and drink, we can savor the tastes of things. Heightening all of our senses helps us become masters in observation, which directly impacts our writing and creativity.
Explore Perspectives
“You never really understand a person until you consider things from their point of view. Until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it.” – Harper Lee
Strengthening the breadth and depth of our writing comes when we work to master the art of observation through exploring many different perspectives. Stepping outside of ourselves to view situations and experiences through the eyes of others is a wonderful way to broaden our skills. Doing this helps writers create rich, complex characters who compel readers to continue turning the page. Seeking to understand others, while setting our own thoughts aside is an important skill to develop.
Record What You Observe
“Write down the thoughts of the moment. Those that come unsought for are commonly the most valuable.”-Francis Bacon
As you work to master your art of observation, you are going to want to record what you see and think. Some writers carry journals or notebooks with them, while, some practice their observations with a laptop before them. If you happen to find yourself out without anything specific, use your phone to capture the moment, either with your camera, your notes feature, or voice memos. Being able to put yourself back into a moment is a great way to explore your observations and use them to boost your writing.
Reflect
We are cups, constantly and quietly being filled. The trick is knowing how to tip ourselves over and let the beautiful stuff out.” —Ray Bradbury
It serves us no good if we are not able to stop and reflect on the magic we observe in our world. Without reflecting on the art of our observations, how then can we tip ourselves over to let the beautiful stuff out? Reflection can look and feel many different ways, but ultimately it requires us to come full circle and slow down to then go fast.
How do you observe the world around you as a writer? What is the art of your observations?
About the Author
Macy Lane is a lifelong reader and writer currently residing in Austin, TX. Words have always been magical to her and the authors above are but a few who have genuinely and truly impacted her life. In time, she hopes to share her own stories with the world and perhaps spark the love of reading and writing in others. She plans to do this from the school bus she and her husband are converting into a tiny home so they can travel across the country!