A big welcome to my guest, Melissa Barker-Simpson.  Check out her blog by clicking on the name.  Now off to the fun:

It goes without saying that writers are observant by nature, though this varies in terms of conscious awareness. I have a friend who takes in every detail of their surroundings. If asked a question, he can describe in detail the colour, texture, and mood of the environment. The kind of skills which, I imagine, would make a good detective – he doesn’t miss a trick!

I, on the other hand, observe in a less subtle way. It’s an unconscious awareness and, truth be told, I’m prone to daydreaming my way through a given situation. Unless I’m working, and I’ll get to that in a minute. What I rarely miss, is body language, tone, or even facial expression. I’m sensitive to how people communicate and interact with one…