Frequency illusion, also known as the Baader-Meinhof phenomenon, is a cognitive bias, an illusion of familiarity. That thing where you do/buy/wear/discover something and all of a sudden that something is everywhere?! I know you’ve experienced it, now you can put a name to it.

I got a new (to me) red car and all of a sudden red cars are EVERYwhere.
My son got engaged to his girlfriend and all of a sudden, EVERYone is getting married!
I’m referencing my novel in progress as The Writer’s Retreat, and all of a sudden, OTHER publications are called The Writing Retreat (close enough for post purposes).

I find this phenomenon fascinating! And maybe a little frustrating.

I reference it in my novel, MeTopia, another work in progress (aren’t they all), but now that I’ve put it out there, I need to finish it before someone else names their book that.

In the meantime, I love my new (to me) red car.
I’m very excited for my son’s impending nuptials, and everyone else’s too.
And the two Retreat novels are NOTHING alike, although I will definitely be giving mine a new title once it’s complete.

Funny how these things reveal themselves.

What is your Frequency Illusion?
Do tell.
I can pretty much guarantee others share it.