Final answer:
Mairs is focusing on her inner voice when she avoids checking the weather or having prolonged conversations. This introspection is vital for her writing and self-reflection, similar to the characters in the excerpts who engage in self-dialogue to navigate their thoughts and emotions.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Mairs is out and about, she has learned to "never check the weather or try to hold a coherent conversation" to focus on listening to her inner voice and staying connected to her personal experiences. By not getting distracted by the external environment or engaging in small talk, she is able to concentrate on her own thoughts and emotions, which is essential for her creative process of writing and self-reflection. This focus on internal dialogue is a common theme throughout the provided excerpts, showcasing how characters engage in introspection or battle with their inner monologues. Characters like Bernice and Mrs. Penn indulge in self-talk that reflects their concerns and reveals their character development. Similarly, the planning and mental rehearsal that Kaitlin goes through each morning evidence her predisposition towards being defensive and preparing for interactions with others. The practice of inner contemplation is a powerful narrative tool used by authors to give readers insight into a character's mind and the internal conflicts they face.