Real life = great ideas

Considering writing is such a solitary endeavour, there are many times when I just want to unplug the phone and not have to go anywhere, or see anybody.

...but I swear, every time I throw off my antisocial tendencies, I end up with fabulous new ideas.

I was at someone's house watching the fourth Stanley Cup final game (not that I'm really a hockey fan... yeah, I know... blasphemy coming from a Canadian... get over it) and overheard someone tell a story of something... I never knew was physically possible.

...and since it's both hilarious and alcohol related, it's SOOOOOOOOOO ending up in 'Brake Fluid'!

Those of you who have been hanging around a while and reading first draft tidbits of 'Brake Fluid', might remember a scene with a 'one year older than dead' joke. Coincidentally enough, from a party at the exact same residence as the other night. Different person though ;)

As much as I think it's important to read, watch movies, listen to music, get outside, hike, run, try new things, etc. (because they both re-fill the creative reservoir and give the mind/body a much needed break) I think I often forget the importance of getting involved in social situations.

I'm not a wallflower, I'm not especially timid around new people, or get nervous, but I do find groups of people to be somewhat exhausting. I function better on a one-to-one basis. Quality over quantity.

...but you do miss something... a whole other dimension that isn't possible to experience when you compare a one-on-one hang-out to a crowd of people all laughing, telling stories and jokes, intermingling, etc. It's a vibrancy, an energy, and I think, especially for writing 'Brake Fluid', that I need a reminder to throw myself in a little more, drink in the chaotic noise, revel in it, and above all, remember it.

Because so much of 'Brake Fluid' happens at a crazy party...

Do you find it's difficult to capture the energy of different social situations in your writing? Any tips on tapping in/recreating all the different highs and lows that are running wild within the same space/time?

Which do you find easier, writing scenes with a limited number of characters, or those big battle-like crazy-energy scenes with a ton of things/people?

Any writers you can think of who are particularly masterful at recreating that kind of energy?