Summertime Inspiration

You know how we’re all trying to balance summer, family, and writing time? Well, yesterday was a day off from my writing to-do list so I could take my oldest to the amusement park before he heads out to summer camp.

I have to tell you, there is no better place for character research.

At an amusement park, you see people of all ages, from all kinds of backgrounds, of all different colors.

You spend most of your time waiting in line for rides. For the observant writer, this is one incredible opportunity to hear teenage girls discuss their boyfriends…or hear an overexcited 8-year-old interacting with his parents…or hear a young couple’s spat…or hear an elderly couple discussing their children.

I guess Stephanie Green got it right over at Through the Tollbooth: summer is a great time for input.

And if you’re looking for input on hyperdrive—take your kids to the nearest amusement park. You’ll have character ideas to last you the rest of the year!

:) Cheryl