Be a Word Warrior and Grab your Reading Audience.
Some writers do it, and they don’t get results. Some complain that they’re out of ideas, and they let it go. But, others dash into the fray with flags flying. These are the word warriors who use their voices and find their reading audience.
You can get that blog post done, you can write it so that it attracts readers, and you can even have a good time doing it. You are a storyteller, right? Get into the groove and tell a story that will connect you with people who will love your writing.
Here are three ways to get material for your posts.
1) For years, I loved the National Enquirer, without shame, and I bought it until it cost as much as a book. Before you laugh–okay, knock yourself out, I’ll wait–consider there is a reason that The Enquirer is one of the largest selling rags in the world.
The next time you’re in the market, check out their headlines. They often contain these words: Shocking!; The Real Truth!; His Hidden Life; How to…(live to be 150, etc.); What BLANK doesn’t want you to know; Ten Tips that May Save Your Life. They are titillating, they push your curiosity buttons, they offer hope and they scare you. Write down some headlines, take them home, and see how you can tweak and twist them for your audience. You can.
If you write romance, look at Cosmo magazine covers, too. They’ve been serving up the same dish for 40+ years, and it still works for them. Tweak their headlines so they work for you.
2) Use your natural voice. This means write the same way you talk to people. Don’t use the word “you” when you really mean “I”. Example: You really feel scared when you’re inside a cave. No, no, no. I don’t feel scared inside a cave, you do. Own it. Say it. Using your own voice means you’re being a real person. Your authentic self.
Along the same lines, don’t say, One might really feel scared inside a cave. Come on, ‘One’? We broke away from aristocracy some time ago. Using the words, “You” and “One” instead of “I” distances you from your readers. Don’t distance yourself!
Now, this part might be tricky. You must make a decision regarding your voice. Should you use the voice you use when you write (stay in character), or should you use your natural voice? Choose the one that is easiest for you. Write posts in your different voices and see which get the most response. After you make your choice, then remain consistent.
Your readers want to hear from the same person, and they know that person by their voice. Voice is one of your biggest cards, your king or ace. Play it.
3) Enjoy yourself. What? Writing a blog? You have got to be kidding! I’m not kidding.
If it takes you a couple of hours to crank out a blog that you’re grudgingly satisfied with, you’ll stop blogging unless you are a supreme masochist. In that case, I don’t know what to tell you.
I do know this: Whether we are cleaning the house, writing a scene, painting, or playing with kids, we’re going to have the best time when we’re fully present. (Unless we’re at a family reunion or reading an insurance policy. In those cases we can excuse our brains until they feel like coming back.)
The rewards of being present are tremendous for a writer. Your readers will feel your joy or your pain or your pride. They will be on your side. They will want more. For yourself? The writing won’t feel like a struggle. Let yourself go. Indulge yourself. Pass along what you have learned along your own writing journey. Don’t whip yourself into doing something you hate.
When you have a community that roots for you because you’re authentic, everyone wins.
Bottom line: In writing, as in life, sometimes you have to be a warrior to get to that place where you can express your true voice. That’s okay. In the end, it’s all about the joy. Everything is about the joy. And that includes blogging!
About Meredith and Win Blevins
You’re right. I used to have such fun blogging when it was new to me and I did not know much about blog world. I made new friends from all over the world (still have some of them) and I had a blast.
Then, logic struck. I was trying to say a particular something and it didn’t work. I found I just did not have time for blogging any longer and it fell by the wayside.
I’m going to look for the fun in it again. Thanks, you two! Always a pleasure. :^)
I think blogging is a great way to jump out of your skin and experiment. They’re all your own voice. Use them, and see what kind of responses you get, how different they depending on which voice you’re using.
You can translate that into your writing. I will bet that the juicier your blogging, the freer your writing, the more responses you get. That may help you free up the fun real-life Cynthia and stick her on paper.
Pleasure back! — M & W
Loved this! Helpful advice delivered with plenty of punch. When I was a kid, my grandfather used to buy THE NATIONAL ENQUIRER, and so during summer visits I would read it from cover to cover.
I confess that I felt pretty intimidated when I first started blogging a few years ago, but once I hit my stride and relaxed with it, I’ve found it to be a … breeze.
Deborah
Wonder what we could do to make the front page of the INQUIRER.
Funny you should bring up the Natonal Enquirer! I used to buy them when my daughters had their friends sleep over. They were, probably still are, good for a giggle. I read them too. Who wouldn’t want to know what a space alien baby looks like?!
And do you remember? An alien named Lomax has picked every president since Lincoln. On that particular cover, Lomax was shaking hands with Hillary Clinton. We all knew that Bill was a done deal. (I think Hillary went on to adopt an alien baby and she kept it hidden away in the White House…)
Okay, these are crazy examples, but we repeat — their headlines work. Just get the aliens out (unless you are writing about aliens) and tweak them for your own use!
Writing a blog? Way too much trepidation. What about subject matter? Running out of ideas? Punctuation and spelling are huge concerns. Saying something rediculous or lighthearted and then having it come back to bite you.
Nope, no blog for me.
Charlie
You’re right, a blog is not for everyone. But, do you want to market you books, your business, your anything? If so, be bold, Charlie. Jump in and go for it!
Charlie, if you are yourself, flaws and all, people will come to you. Subject matter, no problem. It’s all around you.
You can always write a blog and save the posts as drafts. Go back and see if you feel okay about them. If not, there you go. Your posts may be better than you think. Just the fact that you seem willing to make yourself vulnerable is a big asset. If you choose to use it Charlie, people will root for you.
All best to you, Charlie — Feel free to write us any time you want some support or a boost. We’re all in this boat together.