How To Engage Readers With Your Words
“Write for your readers, rather than yourself.”
This is a famous piece of writing advice, but I think it’s only half right.
It’s definitely helpful to remember that readers don’t know everything you know about your subject or story. And if you write as though they do, they won’t like it.
That means not opening your novel or short story with a dull ‘day in the life’ scene about a character you know intimately, but readers don’t know or care about…
…or peppering an otherwise informative blog post with ‘insider’ jargon that’s indecipherable to the people you’re trying to reach.
But to really engage others, you also need to engage yourself. If you don’t feel enthused by your writing, then readers won’t relax properly into your words, because something about them won’t quite fit.
So, whatever else you do, try to make friends with your writing.
(Genuine friends; the kind you tell everything to. Not those friends you see with a slightly heavy heart, because you’ve known each-other for so long that you’ll never be rid of them).
But aside from injecting personal enthusiasm into your words, there are other things you can do to help engage readers. Such as:
Start With The Action
One of the best writing tips I ever heard came from the thriller writer James Scott Bell. He advised aspiring novelists to ditch their first chapters, and start with the second one instead.
The reason? First chapters are usually filled with scene-setting, in the style of that dull ‘day in the life’ scene I mentioned earlier.
If you take all that dreary scene-setting away, and transport your readers straight to the action in Chapter Two, you’re more likely to hook them.
The exact same goes for blog posts, short stories… and just about anything you might care to write.
Ditch the waffly opening paragraph, and take your readers straight to the point.
Be Brave… Ask For Honest Feedback
Readers who can tell you honestly what they liked and didn’t like about your writing will help you make it better.
That doesn’t mean you should take every last comment on board (particularly snarky online ones, from people you’ve never met. I speak from experience).
But how do you know what feedback you should listen to, and what to ignore?
The bestselling writer Stephen King says he asks five trusted people to read his completed manuscripts, then he watches for consistency.
So, if all five of his readers say that something needs to be changed, he changes it. But if they all say something different, it’s just their opinion.
(This rule seems to have served him well over the years).
If you’d like to learn how to write engaging content, my six-week Bodacious Blogging Course starts on Wednesday 16th September.
You’ll be part of a deliberately small and supportive group, and you’ll write at least one piece of content for everyone to feedback on (privately) in each session.
If you’d like to join the fun, just drop me a line at [email protected]
Related Articles
The Art of Listening (Or How Letting Other People Talk Helps You, Too)
Good listening is more than just letting people talk.
Read moreHow to Tame the Fear That Lurks Behind “I Haven’t Got Time to Write”
Strategies to beat your writing monster into submission
Read more
Why Should I Write About A Subject, When Others Have Done It Already?
Nobody else can tell a story in quite the same way you can.
Read moreWhy (The Right) Words Matter, More Than Ever Before
In these unprecedented times, words count.
Read moreHow to Shape Your Book Idea… So You Can’t Wait to Write it!
Maybe you haven’t done anything with that idea yet, because it’s just too vague.
Read more
The Persian Flaw (Or, Why We Don’t Have to Be Perfect When We Write)
Don't let spelling and grammar fears stop you from writing.
Read moreHow to Learn from People Who Aren’t Like You
No matter how scary it seems, learning from difference will benefit you much, much more than the comfy mediocrity that similarity brings.
Read moreSecret Sauce to Give Your Blog Posts Added Spice
"If you want to grab readers’ attention, you have to start with the heart."
Read more
Writing Lessons From Improvised Comedy
There’s something fascinating about a group of people being silly on stage, especially when they’ve probably all got mortgages and serious jobs.
Read moreHow I Rescued My Stalling Novel
Struggling with writing a novel? Find the courage (and the effort!) to really get to know your work.
Read moreHow to Write a Review (That's Actually Useful)
Reviews get read, because people assume they might be useful. Don't disappoint them!
Read moreSEO Copywriting (and Other Ways to Make Your Business Sound Boring)
Don't write for search engines, write for people.
Read moreHow to Begin (And Make Progress With) Your Book, Blog, or Story
There's a magic ingredient that will help you start a new writing project, and see it right through to its rewarding end.
Read moreAre you too modest to write a book?
If you've always wanted to write a book, but were put off by the people who already have - help is at hand!
Read more
Is your business preaching to the converted?
How to sell your amazing ideas to a brand-new audience.
Read moreTop profile clichés – are you guilty?
Are you an easy-going enabler of success who thrives in a fast-paced environment?
Read moreSocial media bragging - yay or nay?
How to get away with bragging...without bragging about it.
Read moreKick-start your writing in 2019 (with a little help from me!)
I’ve gathered together some of my most-read blog posts, tips and tools to help you get writing.
Read moreStraight from the heart: how to write irresistible words
When you give people a piece of yourself, you will naturally engage them.
Read moreHow to give good interview (whatever side of the desk you’re on!)
Simple tips to help you breeze through any interview scenario.
Read moreWhy giving up on social media is a mistake...
Easy tips to help you fit social media nicely into your life - no mindfulness seminars required.
Read moreAppreciate your freelancers, and be rewarded with their best work
How to become every freelancer's favourite client!
Read moreWhat's in a name? Captivate and connect with simple business stories
Finding the 'what's', 'whys' and 'hows' of your business will help people connect with you.
Read moreBreak free from your CV: career transformation tips for 2018
Don't let your CV hold you back this year - it's time to think big!
Read moreHow to write interesting content for any business (even yours)
How will I sound like me, when you're doing the writing?
Ironically, it's when you're writing about yourself that you will sound least like you. Hiring a writer to do it for you can bring a whole host of benefits.
Read moreWhy storytelling is your secret weapon in business (and how to do it properly)
Learn how to live happily ever after through the power of storytelling
Read moreHow to brief your copywriter
Trusting someone else with your words can be one of the best things you do for your business - but it has to be done properly!
Read moreNo job for life? How a tailored approach to job-hopping can win your next career move
Did you know that so-called 'job-hopping' can be an asset to your career search? Whether you prefer stability or excitement in your career, planning your next move is all about packaging your skills and making the right kind of approach.
Read moreThe truth about blogging for business
Are you reading this over coffee, or maybe as you wait for a late train? Blogging for business is a handy way to keep in regular contact with your followers and show them the human side of your company, but it can be difficult to keep it going once you've started. It's worth it, though - so here are a few tips to keep your blog posts consistent and entertaining.
Read moreGive yourself a special Christmas gift...a happy working life in 2017!
If you're stuck in a job you don't particularly like, mindlessly searching job boards for something else, it can be hard to dredge up any enthusiasm to make a change. But that little bit of rest time between Christmas and a brand new year beginning is perfect for considering exactly what you want, and how to take the very first step towards making 2017 your happy work year!
Read moreHow to write your life story
With a new year on the horizon, why not make a resolution to tell your life story? Committing your personal tales to paper can be a rich and rewarding experience for you to write and others to read...for generations to come. Here's how to get started.
Read moreUse your sense of style to build trust and win business!
Looking for ways to sound consistent and authentic in your written communications? Here are a few tried, tested and original ways to do just that.
Read more"I'm a Quiet Revolutionary..." she whispered
I'm very proud indeed to be featured as this week's 'Quiet Revolutionary' - a celebration of all things introverted.
Read morePersonal copywriting - attract a new boss AND a new relationship with the perfect profile!
Are your online profiles a bit lacklustre? Don't waste a perfect opportunity to speak directly to the boss or partner of your dreams - use the power of personal copywriting to describe what makes you, you - and get ready to reap the rewards!
Read moreMaking meaningful business connections…in writing
Speaking up in networking groups used to bring me out in a cold sweat. So I sought out the people I really wanted to talk to and introduced myself in the way I'm best at - in writing.
Read moreSpecial Deliveries - writing fabulous letters
Getting the tone of a letter right - especially when you're writing to someone you don't know - can be difficult. No matter whom you're writing to, here's how to get started on a letter that's relevant, informative and authentic.
Read moreWriting memories - the story of a eulogy
The thought of telling stories about a loved one for the last time can be daunting. But you can create the most special memories by recalling all the details that made them human and real.
Read more