Spy shy—In case you aren't into eavesdropping

You may have heard that you should eavesdrop on conversations around you if you want to learn how to write good dialogue. You should listen to the words flowing in public so you can get a feel for different accents and cadences and expressions.

That's nice; but eavesdropping can also feel a little creepy.

It can seem odd to eavesdrop on people. What are you supposed to say if they catch you? That you're working on writing dialogue? Seems awkward.

Well, fear not, there is another option that might not be as awkward or impossible to explain.

You talk to people every day. You listen to people every day in meetings or when asking for help or during any other normal transaction. You have nothing but chances to listen to people as you're going through your day.

So, if eavesdropping on people seems like uncomfortable spying, you can choose to pay more attention to the conversations that are already in your life. If nothing else, people will start thinking that you're a very good listener.