I’ve noticed that many people I know view life through a lens.
Some of them use a political lens—they look at everything in relation to politics.
Many use religious lenses.
There are some that use a financial lens: everything boils down in terms of money.
There are egocentric lenses…how everything in life affects them.
There’s even a motherhood lens—how life’s hardships and joys affect their children or the raising of them.
The big thing that seems to set writers apart, to me, is our lens—it’s an observational one.
It doesn’t seem to be a very analytical device… we’re not so much into the why people behave the way they do as watching it happen.
I do know many different kinds of writers and there are some extroverts in the bunch, but I’d say it’s probably 90% introvert to the 10% extrovert that I know.
Most of the writers I know are happy to sit on the edges of a group or gathering and watch the people. We’re less happy being the center of attention—you can’t observe life as well when all eyes are on you. We’re the perfect bystanders.
We don’t mind the quiet.
We can get so caught up in our writing that we don’t feel self-conscious about taking notes or writing in a public place.
This filter provides us with a little distance from other people. This can be a very welcome distance. I can come across a really annoying person, but through the writing lens they come through as complex and different.
And, yes, still a little annoying. But we need those kinds of people in our books, too.
But the biggest thing that stands out to me is the watching and recording that writers do. We’re listening and looking…jotting down names of people and places, unusual situations, people’s personal conflicts. We’re sorting through ideas.
And I think this note-taking is frequently done in a nonjudgmental way—we’re just relating these life observations to readers. We’re the middlemen…we polish up our notes to make them interesting or entertaining, but it’s truth, on paper.
Do you see yourself as an observer?
I find that I’m becoming more and more an observer. I think the more I read, the more I start noticing my surroundings and wonder how they would work in the current book I’m reading.
I like to observe people, and I have the restraining orders to prove it!
You know, I was an observer a couple years ago when I was heavily into writing.
Then I joined my critique group and pulled back from the creating/observing side to perfect the writing itself. I became more of an editor than a writer/observer. The words were the thing.
Now as I return to writing and try to find my place in the ‘story’ part, I find I am an observer again.
Introvert? Absolutely. Not in a reclusive way so much as an amiable, quiet way. I’m comfortable chattering or comfortable observing. I’m most peaceful though a few feet from the group, quietly watching.
I watch animals too – down at their level to see how they interact. Stange but true! It’s the life that fascinates me, not the fact that they’re people.
Corra
from the desk of a writer
An observer. That’s me!
If I have no choice in the matter, I can mingle in a group, but left to myself, I would rather just people watch, and take mental notes.
I am learning more and more about observing rather than participating. I used to want to belong so badly,always feeling like a misfit. Now I’m glad I’m a misfit.
karen
Elizabeth – I am most definitely an observer and recorder. I learn so much just from watching people and events and sifting through them. As you say, the lens that writers use isn’t judgmental, although I think we can’t help a certain amount of bias; we are humans, too. But yes, when it comes to moving through life, I do watch and listen, rather than “jump in.” Interesting things to think about, as always….
Helpful post. And I think there are some life lessons mixed in there with the writing tips.
Absolutely! I feel like you described me perfectly. :0) I’m perfectly content being quiet and just watching.
Most definitely yes. You’ve been watching me.
I have become an observer, that’s true. Of people, of places, of life in general because that’s usually where the best stories arise out of. An introvert? Perhaps I still am, to a certain degree, but I’ve become the person who always volunteers for committees and special projects, not because it puts me in the limelight but because that’s where I have another voice, and can observe even more intently!
You pretty much described me in this post. If I am in a group of more than 3 or 4 people I tend to be very quiet and just listen to the other people talk. If there are a bunch of “talkers” on the group I often just don’t feel like making the effort to join in the conversation – and I am perfectly fine with it!
I like to observe, but I’m one of those rare extroverts, too. I like to interact. I like to see how others respond. I do like to know why people do what they do and I’m not afraid to ask.
I guess I look at the world through a writer’s lens that wonders what affects people’s personalities and behaviors?
Great post – although I do have to say that my lens does involve “why?”
Not that I both with finding out the real reason behind behavior, but rather I automatically come up with a thousand interesting reasons for the behavior I see.
The guy walking out of a restaurant with a clear plastic EMPTY salad container…. Rabid recycler? Or perhaps he’d captured an invisible gremlin? Or he was a packaging student who really liked/hated the design of the clasp and wanted to take to show and tell? Or it was evidence of a crime he committed?
I’m definitely an observer. I like what I see and how it take roots to other observation.
I’m an observer – that is, when I actually leave the house!
Definitely an observer. Watching how people react, their expressions, the tone of their words, gestures. I’d much rather watch than get involved in a debate.
Helen
Straight From Hel
Yeah, if my family can get me to leave the house, I can be funny in public but I prefer private.
But, you’re right, I observe everything.
Unfortunately, that’s one of the reasons I hate being in public. I can read body language and facial expressions so well that I hate being in groups. When ever someone is uncomfortable or angry or sad, I pick up on it right away and although notice it, I don’t want to deal with it.
Another wonderful post, Elizabeth.
ann
I’m going to throw a fly in the vaseline here. I’m an analyst. I love the figuring out of the WHY of it. I want to know what’s going on in the head, and make stuff up if there is no logic to it.
I have to pay some attention to the EVIDENCE, but it is the social interactions that are my favorite, and then understanding the psychology behind it. I have to actually force myself to slow down and pay attention to any detail that isn’t social, but it is the psychology of it all that sucks me in. It’s why I like books with some lessons for the MC.
Yes, I think I may be considered a quiet, introvert observer. And I like being together with other quiet people. So one of the wisest pieces of advice I have read is from another quiet writer who said that in the beginning he wrote about protagonists who were like himself (the procrastinating, intellectual type), but he had realized that a protagonist should be able to act! (did you get that, Hamlet?)
Definitely. I’ve always been an observer, but it’s become an OCD with me now as a writer. SO important for our craft, hmm?
Marvin D Wilson
How are we defining extravert & introvert? I’ve heard several interpretations. There are sociable, outgoing people who prefer to recharge their batteries by retreating from people for a while (one definition of introvert) while others are just unapologetic “people persons” who recharge by being in a crowd, that’s where they get their energy.
I consider myself very outgoing and am comfortable in social situations, but based on the definitions above…I’m actually an introvert. When I’ve had enough of people, I grab a good book and disappear.
I also consider myself pretty observant and love figuring out the “whys” of people’s behavior, like Watery Tart.
So, am I an introverted observing analyst?
You just can’t turn the lens off, either, even though sometimes you wish you could. Every now and then I notice people who’re clearly hurting, in pain, torn up inside, and it doesn’t show in anything other than their body language, or the flit of an expression across their face as they turn their head. Sometimes it feels as though seeing and knowing come with the burden to reach out, and I just can’t do that.
So I just write about the tension, work their issues out for them on the page. It’s the only outlet I have.
I’m definitely an observer. Your description was right on – I’d much rather be sitting on the edge of a group than be the center of attention.
I’m definitely an observer as well. I really, really don’t like being the focus of attention – much prefer to watch from the sidelines :)
Your lens analysis is profound. And as writers, we have to throw away those judgmental, agenda lenses, and observe clearly the humanity around us. Loved this post.
That;s me. The introvert sitting on the edge watching people. Observing. Making mental notes. I notice my surroundings. I’m always aware of what’s going on around me. I love to watch people go through life. You just can’t script some of the crazy things you see people do. People in their every day life are such a source of inspiration for a writer.
Stephen Tremp
I am an observer, but I do like to also know the “why” of what is happening. That is usually what stimulates the plotting process. What are the people doing. Then if I try to figure out why, I have something else to hang the story on.
You describe “the writer’s lens” so well! I love that ability to be a bit distant from everything around and absorb it all without letting it affect me personally (though the crazy drooling person who interrupted my 4th of July BBQ one year was a bit hard to accept).
I *wish* I was observational. I tried to be, and try to record what I see. Too often, though, I’m judgmental. Yeah, not a nice thing. I’m working on changing that but, for now, that’s the reality.
Best Wishes, Galen
Imagineering Fiction Blog
Mason–That’s the best! Getting pulled into a book and imagining real settings and people fitting into that plot means it’s a good book. :)
Corra–That’s the best spot to observe…close enough to listen in and see what’s happening but not too close (close enough to get pulled into the conversation by someone.)
Rayna–I can mingle, but it’s soooo hard!
Lou–You’re so right…I know we could all use more opportunities to experience different people and events. I do volunteer, but I think it’s because people know I’m home and they ask me to. And I can’t say no! :)
Keep out of my bushes, Alan! :)
Diane–You, Marvin, and Hart(who I think is a borderline extrovert) are the 3 I was thinking of when I mentioned extroverts. :)
Dru–And it’s amazing how many little pearls of ideas we can get from the same outing.
Alex–I know what you mean!
Helen–Me too. I’m not at all confrontational.
Ann–I don’t read people well at all, but it doesn’t stop me from the enjoyment of watching them and wondering what the heck they’re doing or thinking. :) I think that sometimes the writing lens can offer a sense of detachment–which can come as a relief when you’re dealing with raw emotions.
Hart–And I can see you being a little more outgoing and less reticent than most of us, too! I know you’re not exactly an extrovert, but I’ll put you with the 10% who are more outgoing than those of us who don’t like getting out of the house. And you’re definitely analytical…couldn’t do your day job without that skill set. I don’t read social cues well, which definitely limits me. I think you’ve been blessed with the best of both worlds!
Marvin–It’s a great tool, for sure.
Karen–Yes, there’s definitely an outsider kind of feeling that goes along with it…which is a little unsettling when you’re a teenager and you KNOW you’re supposed to *want* to be with your peers–but you’re really content just to hang out in your room.
Margot–I’m biased, but getting less so as I get older. And, like you, I *definitely* don’t want to jump in and give any advice or counseling…unless I’m asked.
Glen–Thanks!
Lyn–It sounds like you might straddle both worlds a little…lucky! Sometimes I’d like to be more outgoing. You have to practically pry me from the house with a crowbar.
I did read an excellent article last year (which, naturally, I can’t find now) about introverts. I think it was in Time or Life. And the definition they gave was similar to the one you mentioned. I’m absolutely exhausted when I leave a party…I’m not recharged. I don’t want to see ANYone for the next couple of days.
So I say embrace your inner introverted observing analyst!
Simon–In some ways it’s like being a photographer–you’re just presenting what you see. And, like you mentioned, we’re even able to take their issues and work them out on paper. I think of the photographers who have captured really heart-breaking things on film and shown the images to the world. But it’s all they’re capable of doing…they’re not politicians, or banks, or even really humanitarians. But they’re recording a moment for us to share.
Jane–Absolutely. I think if we threw a big party and invited 5 writers to come, we’d find all five of them hugging the walls.
Kristen–Me too. :)
Karen–Thanks! :) I agree…I think we’d miss out on so many interesting characters to write about if we start shutting people out.
Carol–Yes, I have!
Stephen–There are so MANY characters out there. Life is just full of interesting people for us to write about!
Janel–The worst is when someone thinks I’m feeling left out and tries to drag me into a conversation. Ack! I’m always so reluctant to be rescued. ;)
The Daring Novelist–Like you, I definitely have my moments when I’m asking why…especially coming up with motives for murder in my books. Then I’m happy to get away from the analytical stuff (which I have a sneaking suspicion I’m not very good at!)
Dorte–Very good point! Because if we write about ourselves, think how boring our book will end up!
Galen–I have my days when I am, too! I think I wake up on the wrong side of the bed some days.
Oh yeahhh, I’m an observer.
I hadn’t thought about our lens- how we view our world.
Oh and Alan’s comment was funny.
I can be an observer but I would say that I’m not as a general rule. I like being in the centre of what is going on – not the edges. In my work as a therapist I have to do alot of listening and it is no problem but I don’t think I fit into the description of a quiet observer of folks and foibles. When I worry about this as I can do – I remember that writers represent all sorts of people. I don’t believe that Rebecca West or Ernest Hemingway or Dorothy Parker were introverts yet they all had a keen eye. I am observant if not an observer. On meyers/briggs I’m fully in the middle between extra and intra. So I’m good doing my murder mysteries with 140 folks and I love going on a solitary retreat for two weeks. In terms of not being able to observe life as easily when all eyes are upon you – I disagree. You are observing something different – that’s all.
Jan–I think you’re one of my almost-extroverts! I think someone like you –confident and secure–*would* be able to observe well in the middle of the action, definitely. For me, I’d be agonizing over *me* (extreme self-consciousness) so much that I wouldn’t be able to notice anything else except how *I* felt. I just wouldn’t be comfortable enough to focus outward. (See, I DO need a therapist!)
And you’re actually being a *helpful* observer in your job. You’re in a position where you’ve been trained to make observations and to help people. It’s a good thing!
I guess for me it all depends. When I’m selling items to customers, I am the extrovert. When I am behind my camera lens I am, of course, the observing introvert. When I am in front of my computer, it depends on the character. :)
It all depends on the part I’m playing at the moment.
Elizabeth, I’ve been away from the blog for a bit. I see your beautiful new book, Delicious and Suspicious, is due out in the summer. Congratulations! Wonderful cover!
I’m not a great observer. I get information from asking questions and talking.
Jemi–But I know you’re good to put it behind you, too–as a teacher. Although I bet it’s hard to do sometimes.
Andy–You’ve gotten me envious with the photography. I wish I had more time!
Maryann–I think that would be a big help with plotting, definitely. For me, I think I’m more likely to look at a stranger at an airport and wonder what they’re going to do, and make up things. I might be less interested in their motivation. This sounds like something I need to work on!
Lorel–See! And writers seem to ATTRACT crazy drooling people. :) Or at least colorful ones….
I see what you’re saying. And yes, I like to observe, but I also like to try and understand what makes some people tick. What motivates them to do what they do? The context of a character is very intriguing. Great thought-provoking post!
Teresa–We never know what Alan will say next! I can’t wait to read his new series…the protagonist will be a stand up comic. ;)
Bobbi–Thanks so much! :) I like it too.
Kathi–Characters are complex, aren’t they? That’s what makes them so much fun!
I’m definitely an introvert in real life and an extravert on the page. I’m coming a bit late to this party but you’ve made a great point. I’m so interested in watching what people do and finding out why they did it. I’m terribly gullible, though, because when someone tells me something whacky I want it to be true.