Writing Prompt: Eavesdropping

Go to a public place, like a coffee shop or a garden. Eavesdrop on people’s conversations. Takes notes or sketch and when you have an idea, write the person’s story (even if it’s just a snapshot moment). You can also do this around your own home if you live with any people or even pets. Observe and eavesdrop until there is something you can guess at and extrapolate.

Similarly, interview someone by chatting with them about random things. Have them tell you a story from their life, no matter what it is. Use their hobbies or interests. Then ask questions to get the details about their hobby or interest and the story. Then leave them and write the story, fictionalizing as much as you want to. (You’ll want to have full disclosure and get their permission to run with their story before you write this, in case it goes beyond your journal and makes it to a short story or even novel.)