Airports – the Writer’s Friend
Airport (noun): a place where people reveal hidden things about themselves.
That’s not what is says in the dictionary – but perhaps it should be…
Everyone hates airports. Right? They are busy, crowded places where almost everyone is under stress, in a hurry or tired and cranky. People snap at each other and at airline staff. There are not enough chairs.
Security men confiscate water bottles and there’s always that slight feeling of being no longer in control of what’s happening. People who have never travelled before are nervous, and unsure. Frequent travellers are bored and impatient.
I hate airports too. But… as a writer – I find them an endless source of inspiration.
It’s a rare month that I don’t take two or more flights for my day job. Airport security being what it is – that means up to two hours at the airport before each flight. Passport control, baggage handling and customs being that they are – there’s also at least another hour at the other end.
I watch people become increasingly frustrated and angry at the waste of their time. But for me, it’s not time wasted. In fact, quite the reverse.
Writing is all about people. Whether we are writing a romance or a thriller, a crime novel or something of a more literary nature, people are the centre of our stories. Our stock in trade, as it were. The more we learn about people, the better writers we become.
People let their guard down when they feel safe. We do it in our own homes and with our friends. But we also let our guard down when we are stressed or anxious and surrounded by strangers. At times like that, we often reveal more about themselves than we would like.
In Amsterdam, a man with an economy ticket tries to jump the queue and board his flight early. Why? And what is in the rucksack he is hugging so carefully to his chest?
The man sitting across the aisle from me as the plane taxies at London at 8 a.m. reeks of alcohol. He’s busy twisting his watch around his wrist. And he asks the flight attendants for another gin and tonic before the plane even leaves the ground. What has caused that man to begin a journey that so obviously terrifies him?
I once spent two hours in a passport queue at New York’s JFK airport. What an eye-opener that was! I think in that room we all become children again. We are waiting for someone in authority to give us permission to do something, and there’s that faint fear that maybe the answer will be no.
Passport queues are quiet. People talk in whispers, or stand in silence, intently studying the next queue in case someone else is getting a faster passage. And they sigh. A lot.
In the baggage hall, people are more relaxed. They have passed the checkpoint and escape is not that far away. They are talking on their phones. There’s a certain amount of grooming going on – hair is brushed. Wrinkled, slept-in clothes are straightened. Because just the other side of those doors, there is someone waiting. A lover? A business acquaintance? Or just a taxi driver?
Airports are a wonderful place to study body language. What do people do when they are tired and bored and maybe just a little bit nervous? How do they occupy their hands? They fiddle with their papers and phones.
They reach for cigarettes they are not allowed to smoke. They check the photos on their passports. They check the signs telling them where to go – and they still often go the wrong way.
It’s even harder for those who don’t speak the local language. There is often real fear on those faces.
The arrivals hall is a happier place. Anticipation turns to joy at every reunion.
I see faces … and imagine stories.
I see an elderly man holding a bunch of flowers and scanning the faces of the new arrivals. Who is he waiting for? And why?
A taxi driver greets a passenger. What will be waiting for that woman when she arrives at her final destination?
A man’s eyes are suspiciously wet as he hugs a woman. Lovers kiss with the pent up passion of a long separation.
I started writing my latest book while sitting in an airport lounge. The book starts there too. Because airports are places where journeys begin… emotional journeys as well as physical ones. And that is what we write about.
So the next time you find yourself waiting at an airport, or a train station, or a cruise ship terminal. Even a car park. Anywhere a journey begins or ends. Don’t get bored, or angry or impatient. This is precious time. It’s a gift to a writer. Look around you. Listen to the voices. Watch the faces. And ask who… why … what if?
You’ll never be short of inspiration again.
—
Janet Gover grew up in a small bush town in Australia – riding ponies and writing stories about them. Guessing she would never make a living from ponies, she became a journalist, a career move which has seen her living or working in more than fifty countries. While working in Hong Kong – she met an Englishman with green eyes, and as a result is now living in West London. She still travels extensively – but in her books she stays close to her Australian heritage. Or she has so far…
Website www.janetgover.com
Twitter @janet_gover
Facebook :janetgoverbooks
Category: Contemporary Women Writers
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I once finished writing a novel whilst waiting for a delayed train at Waterloo station.
Gill – that’s wonderful. As someone who has spent many hours waiting for trains at waterloo station, I can really appreciate the triumph in that.
Janet X
You’re so right. My dad says the same thing, and he’s not a writer (he has his own reasons for me to people-watch). But I have a few issues doing these things. I’ve tried people-watching. But the people always notice me watching them and things get awkward. How do you people-watch without getting caught?
I also would have trouble with those questions you come up with while watching people. I want to know the real reason. I’m not satisfied with making up my own. Am I the only one like that? Probably.
But all in all, you have a good point. And you’re so right. I look around at all the customers at work and wonder so many things that could make great stories. I should reconsider my whole “must know the real reason” thing.
It can be awkward if someone catches you watching them, Laitie. I try to watch people in the wide sense rather than one person in detail. That way I don’t feel as if I am being invasive.
I am the opposite with regard to reasons. I don’t to know the real reason. My made up ones are far more interesting (at least I hope they are).
Best
Janet
Hey Janet, I am 23 years old and currently a journalist. I am heavily inspired by the use of language and expressing myself in writting. Although I have never been in an airport before being a black sister in South African I frequent in taxi ranks. And heaven knows the drama and situations that happen in taxi ranks. Well like most aspirant writers I do find myself analysing individuals and situations. Next time I’m in a long queue at the taxi rank I’ll surely be on my tablet.Thank you!
Hi Tsholofelo
I’ve only had the chance to visit South Africa once – but found it a fascinating place – and the landscape was beautiful.
Taxi queues are great for people watching, aren’t they. Particularly long ones when the weather is bad – or it’s late at night. I look at people and wonder why they are there at such a time – and where they can possibly be going.
I’m sure you’ll find endless inspiration- good luck with your writing.
Janet
I am just as fascinated about watching people as you are. I have always believed what goes on around you, no matter how mundane, is a good source of material for any writer. I have watched, observed, listened and written down what people say and do at airports, the grocery, the pharmacy, parks, movie houses (yes I listen to the crackle of the candy wrapper), voting places or just anywhere there is a crowd or a queue. Thanks for this inspiring piece. And I thought it was just me …
It’s not just you Betty. These observations give our writing depth and realism. Carry on doing it… Janet
As everyone has already noted, you are so right about the wealth of writer inspiration in an airport. I also find, when I’m too frazzled to write, that people who are stranded in airports love to talk…and they love to meet a “real writer.” It can be a bit of an ego boost and a direct source of great material when bored travelers start pouring their hearts out to you. I feel so thrilled and at the same time humbled and honored when I get a few moments like this with a potential reader.
Hi Jacky,
Yes – I have found that too. One of the characters in Flight To Coorah Creek got her name after just one such conversation. I donated the naming right of the character to a charity to auction. It was nice to be able to help like that.
Janet
Traveling in the U.S. the past few months has been challenging to say the least. I was one of those people that just got so frustrated with the delays. I decided the time was to valuable to waste and I now type away.
What an education watching all of the different emotions, you are so right.
Hi Doreen
I used to get frustrated too – still do sometimes when there are delays and bad weather. But, as you say, time is too valuable to waste. Happy writing.
Janet
Hi Janet! I absolutely loved your article. It spoke to me, as a fellow people-watcher and writer. I also love airports, waiting rooms, check-out lines…anywhere that we collectively sit/stand and wait. In these places, I learn so much about people and about me. It never fails that I start talking with someone and soon learn their life story. I love learning about other people and in these spaces we are more likely to open up to strangers. The only way I can thank them for this gift is to delight in their story, empathize with their struggles, rejoice in their triumphs, and remember the wisdom and lessons they so willingly share. Thank you for reminding me of these special moments and helping me see how I can use this time to help me become a better writer. Big hugs!
Hi Kelly,
I’m so glad you enjoyed the piece. I find people endlessly fascinating. I guess that’s one of the reasons I am a writer. I try to explore their behaviour and their reasons for that behaviour.
Sometimes I am touched by the way people are. Sometimes I am horrified. But I’m always glad to add to my experience of the best (even the worst) in people. Janet X
I’m totally freaked by airports, but I’ve loved really long train journeys for similar reasons, giving in to that lack of control, observing other people and drifting
I love long train journeys too. I once travelled form Montreal to New York City in a snowstorm – it was a wonderful experience – watching the landscape changed by distance and the snow.
I, too, love airports, Janet, and the sense of excitement they convey. Everyone there is going to or from something, someone or somewhere, and that’s exciting in itself.
Liz X
I would not go so far as to say I love them, Liz. But I do love people watching in them. And you are right – there is a sense of excitement attached to the beginning or end of a journey.
Janet X
You put me to shame, Janet. I usually have my nose in a book or my face in a cake at an airport.
Well, pretty much anywhere, really.
I also write on the plane – but as I am usually in economy – it’s only when I have a spare seat next to me. I think it would be rude to keep jabbing the person next to me with my elbow. (Although occasionally I might think they deserve it 😉 )
I know you’re right, Janet, and will tell myself off the next time I whine at the airport!
No need to do that Angela – you are still allowed a good whine… especially if the plane is late. J X
I don’t hate airports (but I do hate flying!) and love to people watch. I also see airports as a chance to relax and read or listen to music because after all the packing/organising/running around that goes before travelling, once you’re at the airport there’s nothing more you can do. Have yet to come up with a story at an airport though 🙂
Try it next time Christina. Look around you for the most interesting looking person you can see.. and start to think about what brought them there. Or the most stressed person. Or the rudest person. The happiest person… Oh, I think I may just have had an idea…..
I absolutely agree with this idea,Janet. As writers we never know what ideas can come to us and where. But what better place than an airport? I’m always observing people no matter where I go. Can’t help making up stories about the man in the queue in the supermarket or the woman sitting on the bus opposite. All the best with your writing.
Hi Fran,
It’s nice know I am not the only one. I sometimes find myself muttering quietly to myself in supermarket queues – asking ‘what if..?’ I’ve given up being embarrassed by it.
You are so right – we have to be open to ideas wherever they find us – its part of what makes being a writer such a joy.
Best
Janet