because i’m busy
I’m drawing characters at the moment. Another little procrastination trick I’ve learned. I have several hundred to choose from.
For years I’ve been in the habit of people watching. I carry my notebook everywhere. Sketch what I see. With words instead of lines.
The man who wears the dirty Octoberfest t-shirt, to let everyone know he went to Germany 13 years ago. He never did anything else. Not in his whole life. But he went to Germany. And he drank beer. Once. I drew him.
I drew a man with heavy jowls. Blue suit. Red tie. Explosives expert in the 2nd War. Before he became a preacher. His voice was soft. It rolled like thunder. The slow kind that lets you know something’s coming…but not yet.
I drew a woman with six children. Her husband left her. Her boyfriend didn’t want her but he let her support him. He was hungry and she was fat. She loved her children. They hung from her. The weight of them made her short.
I draw people at a glance. If their lives are anything like I imagine I never know. It’s better that way. They are my peoples. They are who and what I want them to be for my fiction. I have books and books full of people. Ready to come to life. When I need them.
I draw with words. Sometimes I’m a bit long winded.
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31 Responses to “because i’m busy”
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paints, pens… either way you have ink stains on your hands!
That is a fascinating hobby, if that is what you would call it. And those were three wonderful word pictures you drew.
What a great exercise for the craft! Everyone knows writers need imagination, but I think observation is what makes the difference and tunes the imagination; it’s what makes the insights ring true and the characters real.
I’ve done what you’ve described a couple of times when bored but never thought of making it a regular practice. I’m going to start doing this regularly and encourage my daughters (young writers themselves) to do the same.
I do this, too. I talk it more than I write it. I love to make up conversations between two people at a restaurant. Or the, “what date do you think they’re on” game you can play with your friends. This is a good exercise you have. Sometimes I wish I could REALLY sketch, but having one interest or gift is good enough, right?
BEAUTIFUL.
I WANT A BOOK TO READ!
I love this idea! Drawing with words, it really describes what writing is all about (at least with fiction).
First off, love the new pic.
In Chicago over the weekend we had a half an hour subway ride form our hotel into the city. For everyone that stepped on, I would create these crazy, elaborate stories about what I imagined their lives to be and where they were heading. I would lean over and whisper them to Charming like it was hot gossip.
He in turn, thought I was weird. Oh well.
This is a great writing tip. I love the Octoberfest guy.
I love the color of your words. And the new cute picture!
If I was told to draw a man with a convincing jowl I surely wouldnt even know where to begin.
I do that all the time, too. Your descriptions are awesome.
I just wanted to reiterate that I enjoy your website and writing so much.
What a place to people-draw!
The Spinning Man: He said his peace and slammed the door. The job was rotting him anyway. This city chokes him, the beer tastes sour and she took the dog. But no time for regrets now; he’s on a mission. He stands on Market Street in front of Boots, bangs on the guitar, yells his message and spins. Wonder why he always makes me smile.
I have a journal filled with “sketches” of a similar nature. : ) I love that analogy. You are lovely, B.
JFM….excellent. I’ve drawn people on Market Street too.
But with nice short sentences. And vivid, interesting details. Lovely.
The descriptions are so crisp and beautiful.
It makes one wonder what would be your description of them.
Your writing never fails to entertain, I can’t imagine how interesting your drawings would be! You should post some.
I agree. I’d like to see a few of your drawings, too.
I’m hooked on character study. Lovely post!
You can be as “long winded” as you like, I would read on and on until I couldn’t keep my eyes open a moment longer.
More please… More!
Hey Buffy, what an awesone way to build up a store of ideas. I wonder what each character would say to the one next to it in your books…??
hmm. I can’t help but wonder what you would draw if you saw me.
But your wind is a breath of life. Keep it blowing.
Do you ever share with friend what your first impressions were? I always find that terribly amusing (once you know them very well, anyhow).
I wish I could write like you! But since English is not my native language, I’ll probably never quite master it. Thanks for sharing your beautiful words with us!
oooh, draw me, draw me!
Cool hobby
Can try them out – replacing my usual lines with words.
I love “I draw with words.”
I’m very visual, when someone tells me a story, I immediately “go there.” It’s a mixed blessing sometimes…