If you find yourself having trouble getting into a story you want to tell, it is always a good idea to get up very close and start using your senses. — Judith Barrington
Sensitivity is a creative superpower, not just a personal trait. It comes in three forms: physical, emotional, and spiritual. Physical sensitivities are obvious—you know when you’re cold or when a bright light hurts your eyes. Emotional sensitivities are trickier. Two people can receive the same news and respond in wildly different ways. And spiritual sensitivities are often the least recognized—yet for writers of faith, they can be the most transformative.
As a writer, your ability to notice, feel, and interpret these layers of sensitivity will shape every character you create and every scene you craft.
The Human Spectrum
Not everyone perceives the world in the same way. Some people instantly sense a shift in a room’s mood. Others remain oblivious, caught up in their own thoughts or wounded past. For a storyteller, this is gold. Characters with different sensitivity levels bring natural tension to a narrative:
- The empath who picks up on every unspoken word.
- The self-absorbed character who misses obvious cues.
- The guarded character who’s learned to shut out feelings to avoid pain.
These differences are what make your stories feel authentic—because they mirror real life.
Attentiveness and Care
True sensitivity is caring enough to engage, which is more than just noticing. It’s a willingness to step into another person’s story, whether that’s a stranger in the store’s check-out line or the main character in a scene.
As you write, ask yourself:
- What does this character truly need?
- What is he or she afraid to say out loud?
- How can I show this person’s feelings without explaining?
This mirrors the ministry of Jesus, who didn’t just see people—he knew them. When he spoke to the woman at the well (John 4), he addressed her deepest need, not just her appearance.
Spiritual Practice
For believers, growing in sensitivity requires aligning with God’s heart, not just improving a skill. In writing, this means:
- Praying without ceasing—a mindset that is continually asking God for insight into the emotions we’re portraying.
- Listening for the Spirit’s nudge when a character’s arc could reveal a deeper truth.
- Being willing to rewrite when we sense that our work isn’t giving enough honor and respect to the people or themes we’re portraying.
Like faith, sensitivity grows with practice and intentional focus.
How to Improve Sensitivity
Muscles grow stronger with intentional practice. Improving sensitivity requires slowing down, noticing details others miss, and engaging with the world in a more deliberate way.
- Observe People Intentionally: When spending time in a public places, notice expressions, posture, and tone.
- Ask Better Questions: When talking with someone, go beyond “How are you?” to “What’s been on your mind this week?”
- Read Widely: Exposure to diverse perspectives that can sharpen your emotional understanding.
- Journal with Honesty: Reflect on your own responses to events and relationships, and then expand those thoughts for deeper meaning.
- Write from the Senses: Let physical sensations anchor your scenes. Look beyond the seeing and hearing to the senses of smell, touch, and taste.
These strategies will help you cultivate greater awareness, both in your social skills and in your writing style.
Getting at the truth is like a deep well, but intelligent writers will make the special effort to draw it out. — Proverbs 20:5 Scripture for Writers
Refocusing from Self to Others
One of the greatest barriers to sensitivity is self-focus. That’s true for us in everyday living. It’s especially true in our writing efforts. When we’re overly concerned with our own comfort, approval, or performance, we miss the subtle threads that can make our stories rich.
The best storytelling comes from looking outward—at our characters, our readers, and the God who gave us the ability to write.
Writing with God’s Awareness
Sensitivity transforms our writing from good to unforgettable. It’s the difference between a flat, boring character and one who feels alive and engaging. Ask God to open your eyes to what others overlook—in research, life observations, and on the page. As he shapes your awareness, you’ll find yourself writing with deeper compassion, sharper detail, and greater truth.
Ultimately, the most powerful stories are the ones that do much more than entertain. They see us, they know us, and they remind us that we’re not alone.
From the treasury of a good heart, a great writer brings forth good things. From the treasury of an evil heart, an evil writer brings forth evil things. — Matthew 12:35 Scripture for Writers
Seeing
A writer once sat with a pen in her hand,
She dreamed up a world and a wonderful land.
She scribbled and scrawled with a curious eye,
And noticed the who, the what, and the why.
She spotted the smile that was hiding a tear,
And caught the whisper that nobody could hear.
She saw in a glance what most folks would miss,
A longing for hope … or the ache of a kiss.
Some rush through the day, never pausing to see
The hurt in a “hi” or the joy in a “we.”
But writers are supposed to notice the clues.
They look for hues of pinks, purples, and blues.
Stories are built from the tidbits they collect,
From faces and places they choose to inspect.
And when they write true, with a heart open wide,
Their readers will step in, walking right on inside.
So put your hands on the keyboard. Let your seeing grow.
Ask questions. Take notes. Let your caring heart show.
For the best kind of stories, whether many or few,
Are the ones that can see … like Jesus could do.
For a practical guide to storytelling, check out Storytelling at Its Best
