As writers, we study our craft and keep trying to improve. But what do you have to say?
Writing Tip for Today: Let’s explore the message you want to communicate:
Not the Rant
When you write nonfiction, the slant or angle that approaches the topic matters. Readers want a clear message, preferably by someone they can trust. If you write an article or essay that meanders (even with gorgeous prose) too long before clueing in your slant or angle, readers may give up. Be sure that you give your reader at least a hint of the direction of your piece early on.
If you write fiction, your characters are going to telegraph certain attitudes and biases. Readers want to walk away with some sort of pithy statement: Love is the most important thing or maybe good guys must triumph. While your fiction may not be as explanatory as nonfiction, readers want clues as to how characters change and grow over the story.
In both areas, be careful about ranting. We all have opinions that something in the world needs fixing. Rants vent all the spleen about what’s wrong but seldom give workable solutions. Readers are always looking for redemptive themes. Avoid writing such negative screeds that don’t solve anything—write in your journal if you need to rant.
Do Your Homework
When you think about what you have to say as a writer, first think of your purpose. Is it to edify? Entertain? Persuade? Make readers laugh or cry? Ask yourself why you write the things you do. Many effective writers are working out their own dilemmas and problems and questions about life.
Do your ideas veer away from the usual? If your answer to common problems is different from the usual advice, how is it different? If your strength lies in crafting compelling fiction, you can imagine your characters’ journey toward an answer. If you’re more of a nonfiction writer, be sure your facts are straight and be ready to defend your position.
Either way, always do your homework. Research (which some writers love) is a valuable skill. Readers desire an expert giving the message over someone who just conjures a position without any evidence. Ask yourself what field or topic you are expert in. Readers gravitate toward an authority on a topic to be able to trust what they write.
When you think about what you have to say as a writer, first think of your purpose.
Is AI Coming for You?
A word here about the rise of artificial intelligence. Although it’s convenient to ask Siri, Alexa or Google to give you facts or background material, I can usually tell if an author is skimming the surface or if that person has really lived the topic or circumstance. I think readers can too.
In the news, one AI platform was found to be skewed toward authoritarian and/or racist views. While the owner vowed to “retrain” it, artificial intelligence is only as good as the material it learned from. As these AI voices become more sophisticated, I wonder how people in general and writers in particular will trust these sources.
While writers are furious over AI systems hijacking their published material (and rightly so!), most new writers should focus on their own unique slant or way of looking at the world. As much as possible, back up AI with other sources and by lots of writing practice. Readers crave excellent writing, but they also need to hear original perspectives and attitudes. Your unique way of seeing life may be just what readers are seeking. Know what you have to say.
