On The Road

[mbarker.livejournal.com]

Original posting: Sun, 11 Sep 1994 18:35:02 JST

Inspired by the sorting and tossing now going on...

1. Pick a character
2. Consider that this character is going on a trip. Like most of us, that means picking and choosing some odds and ends to travel with. So, start by listing what they travel with. Backpack? Carry-on? Steamer trunk? And what is inside?
3. Now, as a comedian pointed out, when the character arrives in a hotel (or other temporary residence), they put their "stuff" out. Almost a kind of territorial marking, like a dog marking out their area. So--write it up! Do they set out the family picture first, then put their socks away in the drawers? Or maybe unwrap all the hotel soap, glasses, and so on first? Just how does this reflect the character?

Take your character on a trip and find out a little more about them. Then tell your readers just how John washes his underwear every day in the hotel sink and dries it on the rod holding the shower curtain...

Or how Susan keeps a stash of cookies and candy bars in the drawer by the bed?

Does Kelly really shine his shoes with a hotel towel?