Life's Quirky Bits

Nov 15, 2011

I love life’s quirky bits and the things people say and do. It’s like we’re hard wired for greatness, the way we can mend broken hearts and learn to become tolerant.

I had the privilege of teaching a writing program in central Alberta a few years back. I travelled across 1800 kilometres to meet with small groups of emerging writers at local libraries. As a writing warm up, we shared a mit full of the little quirks our families had taught us. Gems like you must never cut your toenails on Sunday; if you eat your porridge your neck will stay white; if you see deer on the road, you should signal in the direction you want the deer to go.

These quirky bits can roll by unnoticed if we forget to pay attention, yet they provide the golden details that make good writing great. Details serve as proof, and details that are unique, singular, and concrete, can make a writing subject unforgettable. I try to remember that when I’m working on a new story. Of course I’m not always successful, but I try.

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