You Look Like a Story

As a writer of fiction, I’m often asked where I get my story ideas. The short answer is that God inspires me. Part of the longer answer is that I notice people and things around me.

I love to watch people. On shopping trips, on errands, and in restaurants I notice the facial expressions and nonverbal communication of folks around me. I make up stories in my mind of what must be going on in their lives. If I keep my conclusions to myself, there’s no harm done.

For instance, the other day I was in a restaurant and watched an older couple go through the cafeteria line, making choices and making pleasant conversation with the eatery staff. A few minutes later I noticed the husband sitting at a table by himself, not yet eating; his wife had gotten back into the serving line amidst a crowd of younger people.

I thought, “My goodness, she forgot to order an important part of her meal and is having to go through the line again. It’s now busier, and he’s such a sweetheart that he won’t eat until she gets her full meal.”

Well, I was only partly right. It soon became obvious that the younger folks around her were family, and Grandma’s reason for getting back in line was to pay for the meals of the whole group. She was not forgetful at all. She was generous.

I often make mistakes when I make up scenarios for people I observe, but it’s a good exercise for my brain. Beware, though: If you also do this kind of assuming, keep your conclusions to yourself. There is a fine line between imagining a story and spreading gossip.

”In the same way, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things. Consider how small a spark sets a great forest ablaze.” James 3:5