What do you think? Do we have enough writers following this blog that we can have a little fun?
Prompt: Write a story in which two characters are having a conversation in a public place, and a stranger cuts in. Or conversely, write a story in which your character cuts in on a conversation between two strangers.
I’m from Ohio. We’re a friendly but uptight bunch. If I’m having a conversation with a friend in a public place, it seems a little weird, awkward and even rude when a stranger cuts in. Some might see this as an opportunity to make new friends, but generally I want this person to mind their own business.
But I do find myself tempted to listen in, and sometimes respond myself, particularly when it’s a subject matter with which I am familiar (i.e. “Babylon 5 is a really good show”). 99% of the time I refrain, and the other 1% I feel just as awkward as when someone cuts in on me.
Other cultures, or even other areas of the country, might have a different view on this. It might be perfectly okay to walk up to you browsing in a store and strike up a conversation. If you and a friend are talking about something interesting, others may want to drop in their two cents. And what about Facebook, or the blogosphere? Anybody can comment on anything and this behavior is encouraged, even celebrated. Is Facebook the new public place where if a few of your friends are talking about something, it’s okay for anyone to interject?
Just a few thoughts to get you going. If you send links to your stories to bentrubewriter@gmail.com or post them in the comments, I’ll reblog my favorite next week.
In the meantime, what’s the social convention where you live? Is it okay? Massively rude? Spoiling for a fight?
[BTW] : Ben Trube, Writer 
As a fellow “friendly but uptight” Ohioan, challenge accepted. I’ll post the story on my blog tomorrow!