Nov. 25: Urban Settings

In this reading Fred White talks about how cities can be interesting for writers because there is so much going on. There is a variety of sights, sounds, smells, cultures, ethnic groups, foods, arts and crafts, etc. in cities. For this reason cities offer a "cornucopia of story possibilities."
For Further Reflection:
In this segment White talks about how it is a paradox that the "noise and distraction of cities" provide the "stimuli for writers". Also in cities writers had an opportunity to really people watch and observe urban life.
The "Try This" Assignment:
Practice describing various urban settings in your journal, even if you have no immediate plans fo writing stories set in cities. People-watching sites would be ideal. Some suggestions:

• an art gallery during a reception
• a parade or protest march
• the lobby or cocktail lounge of a posh hotel
• a children's museum
• a street arts and crafts fair

My composition journal is a place to jot down ideas and inspiration from all sorts of people watching opportunities. People watching has long been a hobby with me. I find people amazing and interesting, even those that I am not really very fond of are interesting.