Secret tricks for making your writing sound more compelling
The whole point of writing is to create something a great deal better than we “really” talk - a great deal more interesting, more thoughtful, and more effective in every way - but to make it sound as natural and effortless as talk. What can help us? Only one thing - the rhythm of speech. This is the one thing we can borrow from it, the one thing we must borrow if our written words are ever to achieve an air of naturalness.
All spoken language, no matter who the speaker may be or what his subject is, has a natural rhythm. We hear this rhythm, wherever we hear talk. Rhythm is the way how the writing sounds. “It is considered to be a delicate and subtle aspect of writing, which is felt deep inside, and is actually, quite tough to teach.” Michele Pariza Wacek
Rhythm is a powerful element in your writing, which helps you generate sound images, sight, and feelings for your reader.
NB! The first principle of rhythm in writing, to capture the basic rhythm of speech, is variation of sentence length.
The important thing to remember is that the length of sentences in all speech is always erratic, always changing. One can notice that in written language, quite on the contrary, every sentence has exactly the same length. And as frequently happens when does not vary, almost every sentence has the same monotonous structure. Nobody talks like that.
* Hence, it’s advisable to write with a talking rhythm varying the length of sentences to suit the material. Generally the short, choppy and sharp sentence gives emphasis; the long, involved sentence provides depth and color. Together with the medium-length sentence they give writing the tone and rhythm of speech.
A cultivated awareness of rhythm inevitably increases the reader’s pleasure, and heightening an emotional experience.
* Another requirement for good sentence rhythm is regularity in the larger design of the sentence. This is a most attractive and effective rhetorical device, known as the balanced or parallel constructions. The matching of phrase against phrase, clause against clause, lends an unmistakable eloquence to your writing.
Daniel Kies asserts in his article “Sentence Euphony” that good writing is euphonic, which is pleasing to the ear and affirms that “…establishing and maintaining effective rhythm in writing is a combination of using parallelism for balance and controlling sentence endings for emphasis.”
* One more significant requirement for rhythm is that it should be appropriate to the context; a passage of exciting and vivid nature demands a rapid rhythm, while a passage of quite imaginative beauty - a slow one. Readers come to associate certain rhythmic effects with certain intentions on the part of the writer or speaker.
Rhythm, in other words, has its connotative value. In this meaning connotation may be employed to affect emotions. Consider the following example:
“Who can say at what point the revelations come? A man falls in love….. or suddenly sees the growing character of his son….. or knows the quick pride of being needed, although no longer young. Each has his discoveries …. a series, making up the sharp core of life. From birth and being…..through youth, maturity, and lengthening years…each follows his own way, and hopes to find it good. We believe that this is as it should be… we believe, too, that this is as it should be… we believe, too, that we can help plan to make your way a little easier, whatever it may be.”
* The key to the effective writing is the carefully wrought sentences. Many of the devices of good writing are demonstrated in this passage; these are the balanced clauses, the repetition of sound to give the effect of alliteration or internal rhyme, as well as the selection of words weighted with a certain kind of connotation.
Here the dots are used as rhetorical method of suggesting continuation of thought and mood even after the actual words are spoken. The reader is expected to imagine more than the words themselves convey.
Reading this passage a person is put into a meditative frame of mind: he is asked to meditate, that is, on whether he has enough insurance. This passage appears to be an extract from a book of meditations, and only the last sentence identifies it as a commercial appeal.
In short, written sentences should have the sound of speech, and the means to the naturalness is through variety in sentence length, avoiding long sentences, using parallel and balanced constructions, and making your writing rhythm appropriate to the context.
Developing Your Time Management Skills
Regardless of your daily schedule, whether you work for someone else or yourself, your goal is to compete against yourself to see how much you can get done that contains the most value every day. Think of it as a personal game that you are playing. Each day when you set your personal deadlines and making the most of your schedule, work to race against those set time goals. Work faster, beat the clock, and accomplish your tasks earlier than expected.
Do you want to know how to make the most out of your time? Are you searching for a way to get where you want to be in life faster than the speed you are currently going? The key to succeeding in these areas involves understanding and implementing time management strategies that high achievers use every day of their lives to make more money, increase time spent with family, and achieve all around happiness in life. http://www.eselfhypnosis.com
Now take a look a few years from now and imagine yourself as being the most productive and successful people in your career field. What would your day be like? What would you look like? How much work would you accomplish each day? What hours would you be working? These questions are to be written on paper to help you create a vision for yourself. Doing so and taking a look at your vision every day on paper will do more for your time management needs than anything else.
Keep the mental vision of yourself as a super product individual in your mind at all times. To help keep this mental picture alive in your head you can use a technique that works for thousands of successful men and women all over the globe. And that technique is to remember a time when you were the most productive in your life. Remember how effective you were at handling those tasks at that time. Consider how efficient you were. You were doing all of the right things and at the right time and at record speed. In addition to accomplishing more, remember how good you felt about yourself and the confidence that properly managing your time did for you.
Once you have created a clear mental picture of the our future self, continue to visualize your ideal self as if you already had the time management traits that you desire to have today. Strive to act as if you had the urgency of the “you-of-tomorrow” in everything that you are working for today. Remember that the person that you see in your vision can and will be the person that exists today, so long as you keep that vision regardless of the circumstances. “So starting today, set the same goals, work with the same vigor, and feel as though you were making the most of your time as you are with your future-self and as you did in the past. http://www.eselfhypnosis.com
Procure Men’s Swimwear on the Internet
At the moment a great deal of people prefer purchasing their swimwear on the World Wide Web; purchasing online is an easy and apt way to shop in the tranquil of your own sitting room.
It is imperative to make sure whilst procuring swimwear online that it fits you precisely. When you get swimwear on the World Wide Web always make certain that the shop offers a good quality sizing diagram that presents all of the measurements you might need. With the aid of a sizing diagram one can guarantee to buy a swimsuit or bikini that fits correctly, as a result reducing the necessity to change for another size. By and large most of the swimwear retail stores do not permit an exchange of goods with this in mind it is usually always better to pick a retail store where exchanges are permitted. Many stores will allow the returns of swimwear if the tags and the original packaging are also returned along with it. Find eye-catching and sexy mens briefs at great prices from designers such as HOM, Ginch Gonch, Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger.
Swimwear is an inevitable part of the summer; nevertheless a substantial majority of full-figured females feel intimidated at the notion of shopping for swimsuits & bikinis that fit properly. These women even contemplate about wearing caftans by the swimming pool or at the beach instead of looking unpleasant. Designers and shopkeepers have indentified the fashion problems of the larger woman, & are finally featuring a wide array of stylish bathing suit designs in bigger sizes, and the best place to locate such swimwear is to purchase swimwear on the World Wide Web.
Hero’s Journey - Goodfellas (1990)
Goodfellas is another successful story that follows the Hero’s Journey template. Mirroring this template allows the screenwriter to write effective screenplays and stories.
The Fade In introduces the context of the story. In Goodfellas we hear Billy Batts begging to be let out of the trunk. The protagonists respond by stabbing and shooting him some more. This Fade In is equivalent to the famous Star Wars text based roll-on. It is incredibly common, for example, in Al Pacino Scarface, we learn context through narrative and visuals (the expulsion of cuban criminals by Fidel).
Next we meet the hero in his Ordinary world and his motivations for wanting to embark on the journey.
The third sequence introduces us to the antagonist - headed by Paul Cicero, who is to be the hero’s supernatural aid.
The fourth sequence further enhances the rewards of the journey for the hero [”I was the luckiest kid in the world.”]
The fifth sequence presents the Interdictor and the Interdiction to the journey [Henry’s Dad].
In the sixth sequence the interdiction is overcome [the postman gets beaten up].
Now that there are no obstacles, we journey to meet the supernatural aid and mentor [Paul Cicero].
Again, the benefits of embarking on the adventure are extolled [”at thirteen I was making more money than the grown ups in the neighbourhood.”]
In the ninth sequence, the hero consciously agrees to the journey [Henry dressed in the gangster uniform].
The tenth sequence demonstrates that Henry, our anti-hero, still has a lot to learn [he tries to help and cleans up after the guy who is shot].
In the eleventh sequence the supernatural aid guides the way - he introduces the hero to the Shape Shifter [Jimmy]. We are meeting the allies that will accompany the hero on his journey.
We learn about the Shape Shifter.
The (dangerous) Joker [Tommy] is introduced.
A Threshold Guardian bars entry into the First Threshold [Henry gets busted].
There are warning of the new rules before entering the First Threshold [”never rat on your friends.”]
A celebration as the hero embarks into the First Threshold [Pauly et al greet Henry outside the courtroom].
The 106 stage Hero’s Journey and complete analysis of Goodfellas and other story structure templates can be found at http://www.managing-creativity.com/
You can also receive a regular, free newsletter by entering your email address at this site.
Kal Bishop, MBA
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You are free to reproduce this article as long as no changes are made and the author’s name and site URL are retained.
Kal Bishop is a management consultant based in London, UK. His specialities include Knowledge Management and Creativity and Innovation Management. He has consulted in the visual media and software industries and for clients such as Toshiba and Transport for London. He has led Improv, creativity and innovation workshops, exhibited artwork in San Francisco, Los Angeles and London and written a number of screenplays. He is a passionate traveller. He can be reached at http://www.managing-creativity.com
Write Rite” - How to Write Creatively (’Here, There and Everywhere’) and perhaps even have Inspirati
Article Title: “Write Rite” - How to Write Creatively (’Here, There and Everywhere’) and perhaps even have Inspirational Books Published Author: Craig Lock Line Space: 65 characters Web Site: http://www.kompuwiz.com/kompustore
Other Articles: http://www.soulful-writer.com and http://www.bridgeniche.com
Category (key words): Writing, Writing Hints/Tips, Inspirational Books, Writing Course
Publishing Guidelines: We hope that the following article (which is an early lesson from our online writing course) may be informative and helpful to your e-zine readers, or on your web site. If it helps others “out there” in any way, then we’re happy. This article (as with all my articles) may be freely published, electronically or in print. If you do not want to receive my articles as a member of an article list, you will have to unsubscribe from them, as I do not have your email address. If a lot of you do that, I’ll take the hint and rather not send out my articles! Thanks. “We share what we know, so that others may grow.”
* “WRITE RITE” # - HOW TO WRITE CREATIVELY AND PERHAPS EVEN HAVE INSPIRATIONAL BOOKS PUBLISHED (Extracted from Online Writing Course)
# Oops - sounds funny that phrase!
“I never had any doubts about my abilities. I knew I could write. I just had to figure out how to eat while doing this.” - Cormac McCarthy
“It took me 15 years to find out that I had no talent for writing, but by then I couldn’t give it up, because by then I was too famous to give up.” - Robert Benchley
To be a published writer is one of the most rewarding occupations and pastimes - both financially and creatively. I find it a very satisfying and enjoyable activity.
I can’t each you how to write, let alone how to be a writer. All I can do is give you some tips and guidelines, which hopefully will make it a lot easier…if that is what you really want to do. They are all based on what I have learnt by doing it myself - usually through the long process of trial and error. I hope they are interesting and helpful to you in your quest to be a writer.
There are no ABC’s in writing. Having the ability to put words down on paper is only the beginning to writing. There is a great deal more to be learned on the techniques.
There is a huge market for creative work. As a result of enormous demand, editors and publishers are continually on the lookout for new writers and fresh ideas. Freelance writers can earn good fees and royalties. However, I found that one has to specialise and make decisions: either write books or articles for “maggies”.
What is the size of the market? There are over 50000 magazines and newspapers published in English world wide, including the gate-way to the Asian market in Singapore. Incidentally, I believe the Far East is the growth area for English books in the future. Thousands of fiction and non-fiction books are published each year, as well as countless radio and television scripts. There are also numerous stage plays performed throughout the world. So you can see that there are enormous outlets for your writing - especially if you have more than a touch of talent…and I’m sure many of you do.
Once you have learned how to write for these markets, you should have no difficulty selling your work.
Don’t give up after rejection follows rejection. Whatever you do, PERSERVERE. Remember perserverance and not talent is often the difference between a published and an unpublished writer.
* I believe that writing is a skill, which like other artistic skills, you can learn and develop with practice. Just like a sportsman or artisan, the more you write, the better you will become. So write as often as you can. I definitely feel that my writing abilities have improved dramatically in the last two* long years, since I have totally dedicated myself to the pursuit. * Now ten!
I do not think that an aspiring writer needs any special educational qualifications or background to be a writer. Writers come from all walks of life and all backgrounds. Look at me! My father was a life assurance salesman, then rose to executive. The only family link is my grandfather Billy, who was a sports journalist.
Because writing is a relatively easy and inexpensive pursuit to get into, nearly everyone has the same opportunities. However, how far you go will largely depend upon your own creative talent and application. Also how much you really DESIRE to be a writer. N.B.DETERMINATION and PERSISTENCE more than anything else will get you there. I believe that most people will find abundant amounts of these qualities within them. If you look hard enough and are really tested. But only once they have found what it is that they really want to do with their lives. Hopefully there’ll be more writers around in the future, because they are “the eyes of the world”. You see the world through the unique perspective of the author.
Enough on that subject. I’ve written plenty about it in my book STEPS TO SUCCESS, PROSPERITY and HAPPINESS already. Plug plug!
Everyone has their own style of writing, as well as their unique life experiences they may wish to share in the form of words. Also they have their own reasons for wanting to write. To journal to merely express your thoughts and feelings, or with the aim of publication - to be read by others. I’m definitely not the “arty-farty-airy-fairy” type of writer, as I only write for a reason, a PURPOSE - to try to make a difference in the world through the power of the written word. To touch lives (pervert!) and make an impact on people through encouraging, uplifting, enlightening and hopefully even inspiring people around the globe. That’s me (and was my original intention and vision when I started out)… But no matter your reason for wanting to write, I find it the most satisfying and enjoyable “occupation/pursuit” I’ve ever had… and this has now evolved into something far bigger than I could ever have imagined.
(And with the invention of the www it’s now so much easier to be published and let your words touch lives around the globe… and you too can use this amazing tool of instant communication).
There is tremendous power in imagination: YOUR creative imagination. Albert Einstein stated: “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” Napoleon believed that “the human race is governed by it’s imagination.”
Pascal: “Imagination disposes of everything; it creates beauty, justice and happiness, which is everything in this world.” Use it well and it’s amazing power will astound you - in your writing as well as in all areas of your life.
I hope the above information may be helpful to you in writing creatively and getting published.
Enjoy the writing journey (of self discovery, as well as personal growth)
Happy writing
Craig Lock http://www.craiglock.com http://www.craiglockbooks.com
“It took me 15 years to find out that I had no talent for writing, but by then I couldn’t give it up, because by then I was too famous to give up.” - Robert Benchley
“The world would have you agree with its dismal dream of limitation. But the light would have you soar like the eagle of your sacred visions.” - Alan Cohen
Craig Lock’s humorous travel book ‘Here, There and Everywhere’: This is a captivating account of Craig’s adventures while traveling in Europe with some family members. His style takes you in his journeys with him and allows you to experience his anecdotes first hand. In the style of Bill Bryson, ‘Here, There and Everywhere” tells tales of his ‘crazy’ escapades in his younger years through ‘Grate’ Britain and the Continent and is available at: http://www.kompuwiz.com/kompustore (click on “SoulfulBooks”)
Writing Course: http://www.craiglock.com/downloads/cwcourse.html (the “original” online creative writing course)
P.S: Don’t worry about the world ending today… it’s already tomorrow in “little” scenic and tranquil New Zealand THIS ARTICLE MAY BE FREELY PUBLISHED
Property Index: Your Recognized Universal Real Estate Information Hub
Even though PropertyIndex.com is really a recent firm, they were set up only in March of 2007, they have proven their mettle very quickly. They’re a incredibly unassuming firm specialised in offering guidance to any individual who is meaning to let property in most popular areas of the world. Their guarantee: to lend you a hand to uncover smack what’s called for fast plus, even better, unproblematically.
Real estate is being offered in many parts of the world at the moment, unquestionably the swankiest area being property available in Dubai. It’s a no brainer to tally the fantastic property available for sale in Dubai, one motivation for picking realty here being realty available for sale and the chance of living together with such a spirited people. This is one of the most favored regions of the world at the moment, and considering the lovely landscape and great sunshine that surrounds you night and day, how could you conceivably go wrong? Real estate in Dubai is very rich in history, culture and art, this area of the world is and has always been home to a fair number of cultures.
Property Index are specialists for property in Dubai, view the site to see the different properties.
Only twenty years ago there’d be just a dribble of UK citizens in search of property in Dubai. Just ask any person who has removed to Dubai and they will tell you the same thing. Plenty of people would tend to view it as a basically irrelevant rage and others tend to view it as a practically an addiction! Customers that are looking to migrate to this place range from young freshly weds who are looking for a bit of a new challenge in life to elderly people who intend to rest and enjoy themselves. Do bear in mind, however, that there might be hindrances when trying to purchase property abroad — there’ll be a million actions when working out a plan, inspecting or actually purchasing. Even if but a single minor action is missed that is sure to definitely bring about far-reaching hindrances plus, even more importantly, a financial hammering.
Naturally, as is to be counted on with this fashionable location, property may well be incredibly upscale in this destination and that’s simply a consequence of the wide spread market pressure. Regardless of this real estate buyers presently are very spoilt in terms of choice in such a location blessed by fantastic terrain. It’s certainly got the lot one could conceivably crave, and lots more.
Using Metaphor Effectively
We’ve all heard a politician on their soapbox, pushing for some policy change or cleaning up after a scandal. Some will cut out a sharp point, while others leave the audience in bewilderment. You can often thank - or blame - the use of metaphor for the outcome of a speech.
Most often, the problem comes down to either poorly chosen metaphors, or “mixed” metaphors. A mixed metaphor is one in which half of the statement refers to something metaphorically that doesn’t match the other half. Here’s a hilarious example by cartoon superstar Homer Simpson:
—–”These people are the glue that holds together the gears of our society.”—–
The metaphors “glue” and “holds together” aren’t very appropriate when imagining gears. Gears are used in situations where there is movement, while glue is used to prevent movement. A sentence that puts these completely incompatible metaphors together is funny because it is perfectly ineffective but easily visualized.
Had Homer said “…the glue that holds together the pieces of society”, it would’ve been an effective metaphor and statement, but not at all funny. This is because “glue”, “holds together” and “pieces” are all metaphors belonging to the same metaphor system, one that, in this case, suggests that society is a solid construct of many parts.
But had Homer used half of the metaphors from “glue” and the other half from, say, “chemistry”, many listeners would not have found humor at all, having too little knowledge from chemistry to find the metaphors reachable. If you want people to find what you are pointing to in a metaphor, make sure it’s reachable to them.
Take great care in selecting every metaphor you are using in a sentence, paragraph or entire work. Do the metaphors you use work well together? Do they create an image in the reader’s mind that is consistent and easily visualized? Will most readers identify with the metaphor systems you refer to?
Points to remember when building effective metaphors:
1) Make your metaphors consistent.
2) Make sure your metaphor is easy to visualize.
3) Make sure your metaphor is reachable.
The metaphor has been held in high regard by many cultures for thousands of years. Its use as a tool in the right hands can build imagery that will stand the test of time. In the wrong hands, the metaphor will make one’s words fall flat, becoming soon forgotten. Build your metaphors to last - craft them carefully, deliberately and reachably.
John D. Casnig is a writer and publisher in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. His current focus is on the metaphor and its use as a teaching and learning tool. His online arts magazine, Jaywalker Magazine of the Arts, features some of his work, as well as works from other people in his region.
Writing For Sex Markets
Many professional freelancers will go their entire career without ever once writing a story about sex. Oh, they may craft a racy scene or two in the course of writing the next Great American Novel, or they might someday write an article about the latest in sexual research, but that’s about as far as many writers will ever take the concept.
Then there are those freelancers who, for a variety of different reasons, have actually chosen to write (and publish) in the sex genre. Societal notions of perversity aside, these writers are of the same ilk as those who write about horses or gardening or education, it’s just that their subject matter is often more controversial. Still, the act of writing as a profession is the same no matter what the genre, although sex writing does require more of an open mind and is not, as a rule, for the more prudish among us.
But the basics - a bit of skill, a professional attitude, plenty of perseverance and a whole lot of research - are the same as for any genre.
Sex markets offer great opportunities for writers at all different levels of experience. For the fledgling writer there are many digest magazines that buy a lot of fairly well-written (but rather formulaic) stories. The pay for these pieces is, of course, lower than for other, higher-quality, markets but they do give the beginner a chance to earn money while honing his or her craft.
On the higher end of the scale are markets that demand excellence in plot structure and characterization. These magazines usually pay fairly well and are for writers who are experienced at more advanced techniques like dialogue, subtle humor and deftly nuanced characterization.
In addition, the sub-classifications of the genre - letters, articles, stories and personal accounts - offer plenty of wiggle room when it comes to a writer’s ability and/or experience. Letters and essays are more of a train-of-thought process, and thus much easier for the beginner to write (and sell) than full-length stories or non-fiction.
This means that in sex markets, as in no other genre, a writer really can earn as she learns, starting at the lower paying markets and working her way up to the higher paying (and higher quality) fiction and non-fiction articles.
But don’t make the mistake of thinking that, because the level of “quality” varies, you can be more lax in presentation and attitude when submitting to sex markets. Most of these editors appreciate rofessionalism just as much as their mainstream counterparts. Writers wanting to break into this market need to make sure that manuscripts are presented professionally and that phone calls (or emails) are returned promptly.
There are, however, some markets that operate in a more “casual” fashion. While this can occasionally work in your favor - a query for an article, for example, can be as simple as a one-sentence email - it can also be frustrating. You’ll have to get used to the idea that not all of your submissions, queries and requests for guidelines will be acknowledged. Perseverance, so useful when writing in any genre, is even more of a requirement when writing for sex markets.
Another requirement is an exhaustive knowledge of your market and your audience. Sex markets tend to be even more specialized than mainstream markets; each magazine often targets a very specific personality as well as predilection. What this means is that in order to sell you have to do your research; you’ll need to study the magazine cover to cover and yes, that means the pictures, too. (Of course, some sex writers look at that as a perk of their profession rather than a hardship, but that’s another story.) It’s also imperative to request guidelines when possible because sex markets often are very specific as to style, point of view and word count; it’s important that you know exactly what they’re looking for before you submit.
Of course, the most important requirement when it comes to sex writing is that you enjoy doing it. It’s an excellent choice for those writers who relish a challenge as well as those who enjoy stretching their imagination. Yes, it’s a job, as is writing for mainstream markets, and it requires the utmost in professionalism and commitment.
But writing about sex is also a whole lot of fun. Getting paid to do it, well, that’s even better.
Write With Passion: 4 Steps To Emotionally Charge A Nonfiction Article
You have just completed a draft of an article. It seems flat, even to you. It needs some spunk. Needs to be more alive. Possibly you’re at a loss on how to spruce it up so that it creates an emotional connection with the readers.
A flat fiction character is easier to fix with emotional language than a nonfiction article. Especially if the nonfiction article doesn’t include a character or an emotional story. Keep in mind that if you have written the article from a personal experience perspective, then there is a chance you have already included some emotionally charge language. Then all you need to do is ask, “Does the article have enough emotionally charged language to touch my readers, to pull them in, to keep them reading, to move them to action or possibly a conclusion?”
Why would you even want to add emotion to a nonfiction article? It’s sure easier not too. Adding emotion to your writing, any type of writing, fuels the reader’s attention, helps them connect with the action. It gives the reader an experience. Experience is why people go to the movies or watch TV. More importantly, it keeps them reading.
“What does emotionally charge mean exactly?” Emotionally charged means using language that stirs the reader in some form. Not to sound flippy, but when and how frequently emotions need to occur depends on what the subject, tone, and angle. Yes, even tone matters in a nonfiction article. Is it to be terse, confident, or are you talking as an expert? Maybe it’s a learning tone? >From a previous student now teacher. An informing tone, usually overused in nonfiction, turns off readers if used consistently, like in a column, or multiple articles, on your web site, or in a newsletter.
Step 1: Find the Emotion
Begin by defining what main emotion you want the reader to feel or to understand. Were you peeved about something and it set off the writing of this article? Maybe you see a wrong and want to set the record straight, or to convey a different truth, a truth from your perspective. Is it compassion oriented or spiritually based? Maybe you want to convey an inspirational or motivating tone. Is it love that you want to convey? Love for a topic. Love for a hobby or something you’re passionate about. Your love, someone else’s, the world’s, who’s, and how much love do you want to send out?
You can limit the number of emotions according to the word count. Here’s a common calculation: <600 one emotion. <1200 two. >1800 three or four.
You can choose the emotion you want before the first draft. Yet, many writers, including this writer, prefer to add emotion during the second draft or first edit.
Close your eyes and feel your own inner self on your topic. Find the emotion, the tone, give it one or two words, and then write it in the article’s margin for easy access. If it’s a personal experience, think back to that time, reconnect with that emotion. Did you feel numb, affection, anguish, excitement, shame, guilt, remorse, violent? How about confused?
One of the many reasons I love writing marketing articles is because I see so much misinformation on the topic and it riles my feathers. When this occurs, I write from this emotion and that language naturally flows into the article. Since this isn’t the emotion I want to convey to my readers, I rewrite a second draft in the emotion that I truly want to convey. Usually, from a more loving and patient perspective.
What did you hear, smell, touch, see or even taste during the experience? If you personally didn’t experience what you are writing about, do you know someone who did? Ask them to share their emotions with you. Put words to those feelings. The taste language doesn’t necessarily have to be food related either. Your lips could be dry. You’re tongue can taste like you just liked a stamp. Relate the taste to something that the readers can understand because they have experienced it as well. We’ve all licked a stamp sometime in our life and remember the icky dull bad breath feeling it left on our tongue. My face is curling up just thinking about that taste.
Another way to find the emotion is to relate the article, topic, to music. Does it remind you of a fox trot, waltz, rock and roll, jazz, R&B, what? It could even remind you of a particular song. Can you access the song, or remember the lyrics? Musically lyrics are great places to find emotional words and language.
Step 2: Connecting
Close your eyes, sit quietly with the article. Sense yourself reading the article in your mind. No, not the identical words but the idea, the vision, the thoughts. If that’s a challenge, read the article out loud, very softly, as if reading it to an angel. Even notice where you take breaths. These are places where new paragraphs begin, commas or periods needs to occur. If you run out of breath, maybe the sentence needs dividing, eliminated, or even combined.
You can even tape record your reading. Listen with your eyes closed. This is also a great way to hear the flat places in the article. Identify the emotion from what you hear. Record all the emotional words you hear or feel in the margins. Every word is right, so don’t miss any. Place all judgment in a shoe box for now.
Step 3: Adding In The Emotion
Review your words. Brainstorm with a thesaurus, synonym finder, or dictionary. Online you can use: http://thesaurus.reference.com/, or http://www.acronymfinder.com/, http://m-w.com/netdict.htm. Continue your list in the margins. Now its time, before the editing process to add in the emotion. If the first draft is very dry, this is a good time to realize that it’s not uncommon for writers to rewrite the article completely because the emotion conveyed was too far off at the beginning. If this is the case, consider the first draft a brain dump, a warm up session. And now you’re ready to roll. Your hot, the feelings are sizzling.
Step 4: Editing
Usually, editing is to help clarity and tighten. Caution though, it is easy to remove the emotionally charged elements that you painstakingly added. Sometimes, when using an outside editor, someone that doesn’t hold the same emotions as yourself, they remove the emotions. And sometimes too, there are too many emotions. There is a delicate balance. However, many editors walk this tightrope carefully and with honor.
Most writing needs energy, needs emotion, that convey the story, the information, so as not to put the reader to sleep. Or even worse, stop them from reading. And your passion is what needs transitioning from you to them. Watch the magic when you read someone else’s material that conveys emotions. See how they use the words. When I’m in the flow, I feel the emotion pushing the pen as fast it can across the paper. I know, through experience, when this is occurring and I’m writing so fast, I have a tendency to leave words out. I use to stop at the end of every paragraph and reread and add them. Don’t, let the flow occur. Trust that whatever is needed will again be there for you to filling in any missing blanks. Let the magic come through. Your readers desire it.
Special Note: An accompanying list of emotionally-charged words is available in the Abundance Center’s Forms Section.
(c) Copyright 2004, Catherine Franz
Blackjack and POker Basics
When I first started gambling playing poker and blackjack, I thought that it was a crapshoot. If you got decent starting cards, you would do well, and if you got a bust hand, then you were most likely screwed. The excitement for me came when you made a stupid hit and lucked out with a small card instead of busting. Needless to say, I the novelty quickly wore off and I chose to stick with poker, only playing blackjack when I had a minimal time to play and a few bucks to throw away.
Eventually I decided to try blackjack with a more systematic approach, and I found that when you play the odds, things get a lot more interesting-and lucrative. Here are a few things to watch out for:
-The first thing is to always assume that any card you can’t see is a ten. More often than not, like in poker you’ll be right.
The dealer’s cards: -If he’s got a bust card (4 through 6), assume that he’ll bust. Don’t knock yourself out trying to get to 21. It’s also a good idea to double down and split if you can. -If he’s got a stay card showing (7 through 10), then try to at least match him, if he’s got a seven then draw until you have at least 17. It’s worth risking the bust. -Be careful if the dealer shows a 2 or 3. They’re usually called the dealer’s Ace, and for good reason. The dealer’s worst case in this situation is having a 12 or 13, and even then there are a lot of cards that can save his hand. I always try to get my card value as high as possible when I see those cards.