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This article is for writers and those who aspire to be writers, it goes beyond the usual import of the mechanics of writing. It covers the need and reason behind observing people, talking to them and learning to develop good three dimensional characters that can be recognizable.

Recently, reading the comments in online writers' groups and listening to members of live groups of aspiring writers, I've come to realize that many miss one of the most important sources of inspiration - research and development for an individual wishing to pursue the craft of writing. I am not talking about the mechanics, we can easily remedy holes in the mechanics by further education or, at the very least, a good writing program that will check your work for spelling and grammatical errors. Nor do I intend to lessen the importance of these mechanics.

There are those who have taken classes and others that have independently developed as writers. The ones that took classes may have had exercises as outlined below, but for either group it is a good chance to review and/or, in some cases, to gain a new perspective.

The really important actions of writing, other than putting the thoughts and words to paper is watching and listening. It has been a proven, and greatly overlooked, fact that seventy percent of really good communications is listening. Thats right, Listening. In todays fast paced world we, as a society, have become so busy telling everyone of our beliefs, opinions and ideas that we miss hearing the other side. There are millions of stories to be had and told in the world at any given moment. We, as writers, only have to sit back with our mouths shut, eyes and ears open and absorb these wonderful pearls that are rolling all over the place.

Get your notebook, a sandwich, and bottle of water and then go sit on a bench somewhere and just observe, closely, everyone that passes. Take notes on how they walk, the way they dress, their mannerisms. Talk with some of them or just listen to the different individuals in the group, crowd, or whatever. If you do pick one individual to talk with, dont make it an interview, just get them to talking and listen to what elates them, or what bugs them gathering insight into differences in character, attitudes, mode of speech, type of accent; read and remember each persons body language -- it sometimes speaks more than words. Just by their movements, try to analyze what else may be on the minds of the individuals.