As a writer you probably focus on words more than others. You spend a good part of your day trying out the different words to see which one gives your sentence the meaning and nuance you’re striving for.
But what does this do to you as a person?
Do you listen differently than you used to?
I’ve found that I certainly do.
Sometimes I hear what’s been said, then I process it, and then whammo – I think – that was an insult. I might not have noticed before I started writing, but now I have to turn down my sensitivity metre. Sometimes it’s not a good thing to understand the deeper meaning behind words. Sometimes I think, what a great way to hide an insult inside a compliment, and then I use it in a novel.
On the happy side, it means I’ll notice a compliment more often too. And that makes me smile.
Has writing changed you? Do you hear differently?
Thanks for reading . . .
Creative Story Editors 
I’m notice words more now too. Sometimes I wonder how carefully a person chose their words, whether they meant exactly what they said. Maybe they weren’t thinking or maybe us word-watchers are over-thinking?
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The over thinking is my worry. When we speak, we aren’t as careful with words as when we write. Hence the “turn down the sensitivity” comment on my part.
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I hear differently because I don’t listen as much . . . I’m always listening for the whisper of the muse. It’s a bad habit I’m working on! I don’t mean to ignore those “really” here . . . and further solidify my freak status, lol!
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Jamie, I can relate. My husband calls this zoning out. Sometimes he asks me where I am . . . I try to return to the room when that happens.
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I think I notice the sincerity behind some people’s words more than I used to and really appreciate it more when someone takes to the time and effort to be clear with their meanings. So, yes, I definitely hear things on another level now that I’m on the lookout for story material.
OTOH, I sometimes find myself being like Jamie and lost in another world entirely!
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Kirsten, you have such a positive attitude and it certainly shows in you blog and your comments. Appreciating when someone makes to effort to be clear probably makes everyone happier. 🙂
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