Blah Blah Blahg-ing

What's the magic that takes a sentence from blah blah blah to "oh that is interesting!"

What can writers do to put a little zippity in the doo da for readers?

Here are some suggestions - let me know your thoughts, too!

1) Get to the point (unless there is no point) - assuming there is a point to what you're writing, TELL US clearly what it is.

2)  If there is no point - add some cool graphics that give a reader a "feel" for what you are trying to say so we can get the gist of it.

3)  Find a point to write about before you start - that helps a lot!

4)  Ask the reader for help if you have an idea but aren't sure what all the answers are.  (For example, what is the magic that makes a sentence worth reading?)

5)  Keep it short and to the point (but set the scene)- please don't wander off mid-sentence and ask yourself why you are writing this when the sun is shining and you haven't made your coffee yet and it doesn't look like your husband is going to pause his Formula1 race to go make you a nice cup of Blue Mountain coffee.  Have I ever told you how much I love coffee on Sunday mornings?  Is there anything better in life than drinking coffee while blogging on your couch feeling comfy cozy in your oldest pair of sweatpants and a glittery orange butterfly t-shirt on a lazy Sunday morning?

6)  M A G I C:  love your writing, love your reader, love being alive.

7)  Suspense:  as I inserted the image below into this blog, my husband walked into the kitchen and ran the water...

Your readers know when you love them and are writing for them.

Your readers also know when you're not writing FOR them, but writing for some other reason (vanity, lunacy or just plain for the money).  Readers can sense when you've put your blood, sweat and tears into a book.

They may not like the book, but readers can tell when writers put their heart and soul on the line.

That gift of heart & soul is what makes writing magic.

Have a great week of reading & writing!
Shawna 

Join my writing community on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ZapWritingWithShawnaHansen



Check out what I'm reading and writing at http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4981156.Shawna_Hansen
 
P.S.  The lights just went on in the kitchen again!  I can hear footsteps walking across the cold tiles.  Will the cupboard where the coffee is stored open with its usual squeak...?
(If you thought you had enough suspense in your story, it really never hurts to add a little more....)