WHAT IS YOUR AWARENESS LEVEL? 

Stories thrive on details. The more specific they are, the more legitimate the fictional world becomes. A sound, a smell, a taste, a touch—the tiniest items have the power to trigger intense emotions inside the reader.

But first, we writers have to notice them.

Take the quiz below to check your awareness. How many questions can you answer about your surroundings without leaving your seat?

1. Who is the manufacturer of your bedside clock?

2. Which brand of shampoo did you use this morning?

3. When you dried off, what color towel did you choose?

4. How many light switches are in your home?

5. What are the dimensions of your largest rug?

6. Your bathtub is made of what material?

7. Does your clothes dryer have a light inside?

8. How many shelves are in your refrigerator, including the door?

9. What is the largest item in your garage?

10. The façade of your home faces which direction?

11. What is the pattern on your everyday flatware/cutlery?

12. Where is your smallest window?

13. Your favorite shoes were made in which country?

14. How many of your lamps have a wooden base?

15. What is the oldest piece of furniture in your home?

16. What are the dimensions of your front door?

17. When you step outside, what is the first sound you will most likely hear?

18. How many steps to your mailbox?

19. What types of trees do you have in your yard?

20. How far is the nearest streetlight to your front door?

21. How many red lights do you drive through to get to your favorite grocery store?

22. Your street is paved with what material?

23. What color are your dashboard lights?

24. What is the model and make of your neighbors’ cars?

25. What does your mail carrier look like?

If you knew the answers to all, your Awareness Level is that of an Eagle. Nothing gets past your sharp beak. Even the dust bunnies shudder when you walk into the room. Obviously your stories benefit from such acute cognizance.

If you knew the answers to half, your Awareness Level is that of a Cougar. You can certainly hone in on the big picture, your target, but the little things fall beneath your radar. That's easily fixed with a cat nap. Drop to the ground and watch the world go by. 

If you knew the answers to none, your Awareness Level is that of a Zombie. Are you sure you're in the right home? Go brew yourself a pot of coffee, and try again.