As writers, we often hear our fellow kind talk about finding material by eavesdropping on conversations in coffee shops, restaurants, etc. Maybe I’m too busy inhaling my latte while focusing all my attention on Pinterest actual writing. Sure, if I happen to overhear great little tidbits of potential story dialog, great, but I don’t make it a point to listen. However, this weekend, I learned that I could inadvertently gather inspiration by just walking through a little touristy town, minding my own business. I didn’t have to feel bad about listening in on anyone; these are folks passing by. They were worthy of jotting down in my little notebook.

“We’re tourists; tourists do stupid shit.”

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“Remember that cotton candy phase you went through?”

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Wife: “Honey, look . . . I found something I can buy.”

Husband: “Imagine that.”

Sometimes, some of the best stuff comes completely out of context from people passing you on the street. Use them as a writing prompt for a story, create a character based on one, or simply construct a conversation based on one and work it into your WIP. This made me think about if I’ve said something that caused a passerby to think, “Did I just hear that?”