The first two prompts were all about you. Your family. Your secret wishes. Today the prompt is dealing with your ability to observe other people.

The ability to observe is extremely important for any writer. Developing an eye for the small details creates much more vivid and vibrant stories. This skill is also important for commemorating bits and pieces of your life and the life of your loved ones. Stories which will be greatly valued in the future.

Some people are born with good observation skills but they can be also easily acquired. All you have to do is to watch and listen. Keep an open eye for all the small details that are illusive at first glance. For instance, noticing if a stranger walking down the street is happy or sad, relaxed or mad, taking his time or in a hurry.

This week’s journaling prompt is getting you outside to a place where you are likely to meet with strangers. It can be the train station, the grocery store or the park. Go outside and open a watchful eye (be careful not to look like – or become – a stalker. There’s a difference between ‘observing’ and ‘following around’ and you should stick to the former).

Don’t forget to grab a pen and a journal and write down all your small observations. When you feel that you have picked up enough information, write a short imaginary story about one ore more of the figures you have ran into. In this story don’t forget to use your observations and blend it with the plot you have made up.

Tags: creative writing, Journaling Prompt, observation