Hello,
The other day, as I was busy noticing all the people around us in the ski-lift lineup, and keeping a running commentary on their behaviours, Aidan asked me if no one had ever told me it is not polite to stare. I’m sure he’s right. I have heard that somewhere. But I am a people-watcher. I stare all the time. I study. I evaluate. I analyze.
This might be something I learned as a teacher. I always had to keep an eye on my students. Or it might be that crowds make me wary since I am always the smallest person around. Or, it could be simple rudeness. Who’s to say?
Whatever the cause, it’s a habit that does me well as a writer. Dialogue comes easily because I am a listener. An eavesdropper, if you will.
I also pay close attention to people’s body language and what I call stage-action—the movements they make as they speak. The tilt of a head. The rolling eyes. A smile that fades too quickly. The adjustment of a scarf. The quick glance at a friend’s face. The vocal tics and manners of speech. There is a constant editor going in the back of my head. When I sit down to write, I only have to tap into that and I am rolling.
Last week, I shared the first chapter of the book we’re working on now—the second in the Legend of Order and Chaos, Strangest Intelligence. Thank you to everyone who responded to my questions about continuity from book one Loftiest Intelligence and the fine line I am walking between information dump and reminding readers what came before. I feel confident that we are heading in the right direction.
What is your opinion about discrete staring? Is it rude if no one notices? Let me know if I should be taking behaviour advice from my son.
Warm regards,
Paula Baker and Aidan Davies
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