I stood in a long line last week while a single checker bumbled through multiple orders, finally requiring a manager to come take over. I’m a notorious snoop (I mean, people-researcher), so I began furtively sizing up the purchases of those around me while I waited. And what I found was a fantastic writing prompt.
One woman had at least a hundred dollars in makeup and a paring knife. Another woman had a huge bag of cat food, a tower of canned beans, and a head of lettuce. Two people in the line were placing bets on how long the line would take.
Stories seemed to be writing themselves right in front of me.
Writing Prompt: The Shopping Trip
How can you use a store as a backdrop for a new short story or a chapter in your work in progress?
As I’ve prepped writing prompts for my writers this week, I realized that what we buy reveals quite a bit about who we are. Plus, any kind of store provides potential for conflict, since people from all walks of life collide with different expectations for their shopping experiences.
John Updike published a story called “A&P” in 1961 about a young grocery clerk named Sammy whose day and life is interrupted by three girls in bathing suits who come in to buy a jar of herring snacks. Their nonconformity disrupts the sleepy grocery store and its patrons, and Sammy imagines their life in his mind, while the manager chides them for being inappropriately dressed. At the end, Sammy makes a bold decision, but the girls don’t see it or appreciate it.
Updike used a commonplace setting to put characters in trouble on several levels. You can use your shopping experiences to build fiction too.
3 Ways to Use a Shopping Trip for Writing Prompt Inspiration
Wondering how to leverage a shopping trip in your stories? Try these three strategies:
1. Use the store as a setting.
Look around the next time you shop. A gas station convenience store provides a much different set of props than a upscale department store. Where are the potential sources of conflict?
Is there only one lemon left in the produce section? Are the aisles overcrowded with cases of water bottles down the middle? Could the overstuffed racks of clothes be easily tipped over?
Any of these details could trigger a story.
2. Use the expectations of shopping as a conflict.
A store provides great material for fiction because everyone who goes to a store wants something. As Kurt Vonnegut famously said,
What is your character after? A discreet murder weapon? The perfect dress? A ham for the annual family reunion that has suddenly disappeared from the meat counter?
Whatever your character wants at the store, keep it out of reach due to availability, another customer, or some other obstacle.
3. Use a character’s purchases as an inciting incident.
Shopping requires decisions, another key for great fiction. What items are on your character’s shopping list? Bananas or apples? Bug poison or cleaning fluid? Shovel or ax? Paper or plastic?
Use these goals to kick off the inciting incident of the story. When a character begins making choices, watch out!
Your Shopping Is Research
Shopping lends itself to story ideas, so the next time you are out, take a minute to soak in the atmosphere, the shoppers, and the potential for conflict. Keep an eye out for your next story!
What did you see on your last shopping trip that would be great in fiction? Share in the comments.
PRACTICE
Take fifteen minutes and begin a scene in a store. Make the character want something and create an obstacle to keep him or her from getting it. Go beyond cliché Black Friday television grabbing and shoes that are out of the character’s price range (unless you can make those fresh, in which case, go for it!).
Share your practice in the comments and encourage each other!
I plan to do this, actually. In my story the Mcs meet someone quite important in a store:
Mr Comeau, the storekeeper, was wrapping a chunk of cheese in heavy brown paper. (Young cousin) Kelly had tagged along with Gerry and they were eyeing a big jar of marbles and other boy’s stuff.
Joy held (cousin) Karen’s little hand to keep her from grabbing anything. They walked along the far aisle of the store looking at all the boxes and cans on the shelves when the store bell tinkled. Curious, Joy turned to see an older man enter and nod at another customer.
“Mornin,’ Mr Gentleman.” The storekeeper nodded in his direction as he tied a string around the cheese. He quickly added up Aunt Patty’s bill and while waiting for her to pay he asked the man. “Finished you latest book yet?”
The man stepped to the cash register. “Just got the last chapter done. Need to edit it and then fire the manuscript off to my editor.”
Aunt Patty turned to the newcomer. “So you’re a writer.”
Mr Comeau answered. “Our Mr Gentleman is quite a famous writer. He’s published a number of books.”
Mr Gentleman seemed embarrassed. Joy wondered if he got tired of being announced as our Famous Writer. “Well… I guess that’s true. Not to boast, but my books do appeal to a lot of readers, judging by the sales.”
“One a year, isn’t it?”
“That’s my aim. I’m writing historical fiction and that takes a fair bit of research.”
“That’s terrific,” Aunt Patty said. She turned to Gerry. Maybe my nephew knows your books? He’s an avid reader.”
Joy looked at Gerry, too. He was staring at this man like she’d never seen him stare at anyone before.
Gerry walked slowly toward the cash register.“Are you… Are you…Reg Savage?”
The man chuckled. “Yes, I write under the pen name Reg Savage. I doubt anyone would credit a fellow named Reginald Gentleman with knowing much about life in the wild west.”
“Oh, wow! I’ve read all your books, Mr Savage…ah, Mr Gentleman. I’ve always wanted to meet you!”
“And here I am.” Mr Gentleman made a little flourish like a bow. “Your wish has been fulfilled. But now you see I’m just an ordinary fellow after all.” He winked at Aunt Patty. “I hope you can get over the shock.”
Love how you used this store scene to expose the writer’s humanity. It’s always a shock to see people we know from one place (school, work, etc) in a store. Hope the story continues to go well!
He prepares his latest manuscript for mailing and it disappears. Gerry and Joy help him search for it. 🙂
I like your story line, Christine. Hope to hear when you are finished so we can get to know all the characters. I have a middle grade story set in the same time. It is based on memories of me growing up in IN. There is much to consider that is different about that time period. Your use of the grocery store for your setting was great!
Thank you. I’m basing mine partly on my growing up years, too, and asking my husband (who was 15 that year) for his memories. You’re right about the different time period — before computers, the pill, motivational research in advertising, safety features for cars and…and… 🙂 One question I had for him this morning: did most men wear hats in 1957? What do you think?
My father did not wear a hat for work.
Did he wear one for special occasions like church or outings? Mine was a carpenter and I doubt he ever wore one to work, but any other time he did.
It MIGHT be a regional thing, but here, in Pure Appalachia, I worked as a carpenter’s apprentice in 1955, and EVERYBODY wore hats of one sort or another, virtually every minute outdoors, and for a lot of men, indoors as well.
There is another good story prompt.
I have read using a store before, but never had a scene in a story until my current wip for NaNoWriMo. Actually, I just thought of it now. The scene, the murderer sees one of those in store demonstrations and gets the idea of how to commit a murder. She is set upon a course to buy the items she needs and finds some problems in the course of obtaining them. Thanks!
Great idea! Hope it turns out great!
oh goodness, I just saw an entire short story. At the butcher shop two days before Christmas, the daughter/sister who must make everyone happy (her mission) has claimed the Christmas Dinner at her house celebration for the extended family this year, and came to get the Prime Rib Roast that her sister in law prepares every year for the extended family (~20+ people) – and finds it is not available. It needs to have been ordered at least two weeks ago. She usually does T’giving. Why didn’t she do T’giving? A turkey. What could be easier?! But she claimed Christmas Dinner this year. She wanted the what seemed to her to be the more ‘important’ holiday. Now what?
Great idea generator, Sue. Thanks!!
Great idea, Cathy! Love it!
Love this idea, had never thought of that before. And when I read this the perfect scene came to find. A young woman just starting out in her first place after being in a shelter for a bit. The head of the shelter who is in charge of seeing that she is comfortable and settled into her new place takes her shopping. Shes nervous as they go to a shopping center close to her new home. As they enter the store he tells her “don’t worry about the cost, get whatever you want.” Timid she looks at him making sure she heard right. “Really?” “Yes Really.” Suddenly she looks around lost because she had not had time to think of what she wants to eat, and suddenly feels overwhelmed… This is where the meat of the story begins.
Interesting, especially since there are subtle power dynamics at play through who’s buying (even when the motives are good). Hope the story continues to develop!
Thanks, I’m writing it for nano so there is a lot of room for growth
An interesting article. Thank you, Sue.
When I’m in line at the counter in a supermarket, waiting for my turn to unload my purchases, I can’t help looking at the items the person before me is unloading. i love to see what others are buying.
This is a scene that I can’t forget.
We, my husband and I, waited in line at the counter to unload our purchases.
Tha man and woman before us caught our interest because of their dirty, torn clothing. He wore a pair of soiled, khaki shorts which barely covered his knobly knees. His legs were spindly and prominent veins stood out along the calves. His sandled feet were mud-caked with overgrown toe nails. The women was chubby and dressed in an ankle- length, wide black cotton skirt and tight jumper. She had the espression of a fearing puppy and looked around furtively as she empited the goods from two plastic bags.
Suddenly the man began complaing in a loud voice.
“I came here to buy roastbeef, and there’s none. Why?” he asked, looking fiercely at the girl while she digited the prices of the items. swiftly.
She shrugged. “I don’t know. It’s not my job,” she said.
“Then call the manager,” the man said. “I need to tell him off.”
The vice manager was at hand and came to speak to the man.
“You said there was roastbeef at a special discount. Well, where is it?”
“All sold out, I’m afraid,” the vice manager replied.
“Well, that’s not fair. Who took all of it?”
” I don’t know,” came the reply.
“Well then, I don’t want this stuff either,” the man said, and ordered his wife to help unload the goods from their shopper bags.
I was amazed at the expensive goodies they unloaded.
My husband whispered to me, “I wonder where that couple get the money from to buy those things.”
They wore rags, I thought, but their tastes were refined.
Amongst the items they unloaded, were, patè di foie gras, cured ham of the best quality, out-of-season grapes, a twenty euro bottle of red wine, and two, frozen lobsters.
I began to create a story around those two characters.
Fascinating! Funny how real life is so often stranger than fiction. Thanks for sharing!
Yes, Sue. This is a true episode. We noticed what others were buying because it was a lean year for us, money wise. We had to budget wisely. We often wondered how some ‘poor’ people managed to buy scrumptious, costly food.Since then i can’t help looking into the trolley before, behind or witin sight to see what people buy.
I live down the road from the University of Oregon. Every now and than I take a walk around campus. I can almost see the words floating in wind.
Monkeys are not smarter than donkeys, as a matter of fact monkeys are very dumb
Bethany walks into the store only to run into the stranger she saw at the post office yesterday. “Well hello again”. The gentleman just smiled at Bethany and picked up his belongs from the floor. He just looked at Bethany and kept on walking out the door. What was up with this guy, way hasn’t he told her his name? Bethany was sure gonna find out what his deal was and why he was so strange.
Well this turned out much longer than intended! This prompt was a lot of fun. I wrote a piece with the main characters of my WIP, but out of the context of that story (maybe I’ll use it in a future one?). Reviews are always appreciated!
Alicia Cameron is a lot of things: a brilliant police detective, a great cook, a talented musician, and an amazing friend, to name a few. All of which usually works in my favor. Most of my evenings are spent eating home cooked dinners and then sprawling on the couch to listen to her play guitar. But, Alicia is a lot of things. In addition to the qualities already mentioned, she is also a world class clothes horse and makeover enthusiast. Which has led me to my current predicament.
“What about this one?”
“Sure thing.”
Alicia sighs, hands on her hips. “Alex, you didn’t properly look.” We’ve been wondering around the Back Bay area of Boston for an hour, going in and out of clothing stores in an attempt to revamp my work wardrobe – at Alicia’s insistence. She’s just stopped in front of another window display.
I shrug. “You’re the fashion expert.”
“We are shopping for you. Your opinion matters.”
There’s no arguing with her when she’s like this. I squint at the window. “Okay, let’s go in.” I know she isn’t fooled, but at least I get participation points.
The inside of the store smells like lavender and judgment. The women staffing it and shopping are elegant and effortlessly stylish. A whole different breed from yours truly.
Alicia lays a gentle hand on my back. “Go have a look around.” I wade into the maze of clothing racks and poke through their contents. I find a pair of black pants in my size. Seems like a safe bet. “What about these?”
“Alex, you own at least five pairs of trousers exactly like those. The idea of this exercise is to try something different.”
Dammit. “I just don’t see the point,” I say, hanging the pants up again.
“The point is that if your clothes makes you feel unattractive and insecure every time you leave the house – which you have told me they do – then you are wearing the wrong clothes. You should wear what you like.”
“Well what I like doesn’t fly at the office.”
“That doesn’t mean you can’t inject your professional wardrobe with some personality. Let’s see.” She looks me up and down with what I call her Detective Face. “Burgundy jacket and green sneakers – you have an eye for color. You typically prefer pants over skirts – case in point, jeans today – so practicality and ease of movement are important. But, you’re wearing skinny jeans and a fitted V-neck, so an element of femininity is still present. I’d say that’s enough to be getting on with.”
She whirls away and I follow. She pulls an orange blazer off a rack. “What do you think of this? It’s your favorite color.”
She’s right, as always, and – the blazer actually is pretty cute. “I dunno, wouldn’t it clash with my hair?”
“No, a warmer shade like this would suit you perfectly. And besides, the only rule of fashion that really matters is if you feel good, you’ll look good. So, do you like it?”
“Yeah, yeah I do.”
Alicia beams. “Excellent!” She hands the blazer off to me. “Go find a shirt to try it on with.” I do as told, finding a blue checked button down. Patterns aren’t usually my thing, but I’m already living dangerously. Alicia is delighted.
“One last touch!” She darts off towards the shoe section and comes back with a pair of brown Oxford heels.
“Really, ‘licia? The last time I wore heels I was limping for weeks.”
“The last time you wore heels you took them off to chase a suspect through the forest. I’d say the shoes were not at fault.”
Touché.
Moments later I’m locked in a dressing room questioning my existence. These clothes are beautiful and look good on their own, but on me? You can lead a horse to couture, but you can’t make her chic. Still, I’m not getting out of here till I try them on. My tenaciously helpful best friend will see to that. So I pull off my T-shirt and put on the button down and blazer and swap out my sneakers for the heels. I turn to the mirror. Huh. I – look good. The orange doesn’t clash with my hair and the shirt fits and have my legs always looked like that?
Alicia is waiting for me when I step out of the dressing room. “So?”
“I think I’ll buy it all.”
If Alicia smile gets any wider it’ll fall off her face. “Brilliant! Do you want to keep looking?”
“Um – maybe something in teal?”
She hooks her arm through mine. “Teal it is.”
Off prompt, more of a reaction to the title: A writing job I thought someone was proposing last summer, but they wanted something different, was a Twitter Romance–narrated in tweets on Twitter between fictional characters, in real time. Back in June I was thinking it’d be fun to write a Twitter rom-com about students in school this term, and one thing they’d be doing was shopping…at real stores near their fictional college.
Has anyone else thought of writing short or long fiction this way? Would you read it if someone were writing it?
(The idea was that first the characters’ accounts would be set up on Twitter like restricted accounts for children, only restricted to paying readers who could interact with the characters and contribute to the story. After that the whole thing could be printed like a book.)
hloooooooooo mam
writing prompts for my writers this week, I realized that what we buy reveals quite a bit about who we are.
http://www.emetechnologies.com/industrial-training-in-chandigarh/6-months-cse-training-in-chandigarh-&-mohali.php
hloooooooooo mam
great articles
http://www.emetechnologies.com/industrial-training-in-chandigarh/6-months-android-app-development-in-chandigarh-&-mohali.php
All of which usually works in my favor. Most of my evenings are spent eating home cooked dinners and then sprawling on the couch to listen to her play guitar. But, Alicia is a lot of things.
http://www.emetechnologies.com/industrial-training-in-chandigarh/6-months-network-training-in-chandigarh-&-mohali.php