Observation is an essential skill for the writer of fiction and it must be practised at all times and under all circumstances in order to gain any understanding of human nature. This means watching the faces of strangers, studying the meaning of their voices, eyes, gestures and mental characteristics and cultivating a healthy curiosity without falling into the trap of indulging in petty inquisitiveness. In all cases, observation should be treated to a carefully chosen dose of inference and reflected upon before any decision is made, Otherwise the dangers of libel and the consequent possibilities of legal action will be hard to avoid.
So far, probably more by luck than judgement, I have managed to steer clear of prosecution and wonder what comments other writers have to make about this subject.
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