The Introduction Is Everything - April 3|Day #3 - Diary of The Struggling Writer from Ife

Dear Diary

Someone once told me the first paragraph of any written piece is enough for him to decide if it is a worthy read or not. I have also heard of a publishing firm that (as the story goes) decides if they are going to publish your novel or not based on the first thirty (30) pages. I don’t know where these people get their metrics from; but I do know that the introduction is everything.

We live in a fast-paced world. Everything and nothing demand for our attention at the same time. To spare even a second for any endeavour can be tasking, especially if you are undecided of the value of that endeavour. We are the generation of advertisements. We are the generation of first impressions. Get the introduction wrong and you’ll find yourself struggling to get our attention. Fail to make a wow impression and find someone else take your spot, almost immediately.

Earlier today, a member of my magazine’s editorial crew and I were having a chat. One thing led to another and he suggested we feature a poet on the front cover of the forthcoming issue. I instantly told him this wasn’t a magazine for ‘us’ - meaning poets, writers, creators, nerds, etc. This was for the general public and we need something, someone that will catch the public’s attention. A movie star, popular artiste or stand-up comedian - someone the general public already believes has something they want to know about. Not poets, at least, not the ones he mentioned.

At this point, I ask myself if I am not drifting into the ocean of popular opinion, giving myself over to the boisterousness of the world’s ever-changing taste in fashion, style and lifestyle. I’ve never been a conformist; if I find myself in such, I either get out or drown. But my magazine isn’t me. In as much as I cannot betray my personality, I cannot also kill my magazine by trying to create it in ‘my own image’, in ‘our own image’.

The goal here is to make a good long-lasting impression. We intend to make this a monthly publication. This means there is no rest for us; at least, until we can find capable hands to run the enterprise in our absence. Just as soon as we publish this issue, we will have to begin work on the next one. If we do not get this issue right, we will struggle to get the attention we want or simply have to reinvent ourselves. Both are tasking and demand starting afresh.

Yes, the introduction is everything. First impression really does matter. But who decides the form and sets the standard? My answer: the person who has less to lose. Right now, Escola Magazine has more to lose. Unfortunately, I am not a gambler. We’ll try to make a good impression; and for now, we’ll let popular trends dictate the cover page.

What lies betwen the covers will be left to us. We decide the content. We set the criteria for the featured adverts. We set the price… everything but the front cover… It’s one of the most deciding factor of whether passers-by will throw a second glance at the magazine… This is too important to gamble with (in my opinion.) Dear Diary, forgive me if I am making a mistake. For now, popular trends will dictate whoever/whatever appears on the front page.

Gratitude - April 2|Day #2 - Diary of The Struggling Writer from Ife

Season of Crimson Blossoms - April 1|Day #1 - Diary of The Struggling Writer from Ife

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Daily contests

To appreciate those who come around, I am also hosting a daily contest.

I got four entries yesterday.
Thanks to @botefarm @moneyinfant @jo5h and @julietisrael for sending in entries

I couldn’t pick a winner so I asked a friend (who doesn’t know any of the contestants) to help out. He chose @julietisrael and @jo5h as winners.

For newcomers, here’s how to participate

1. Upvote and Resteem this post

2. Write your entry in the comment section based on the prompt for the day

3. Use the tag #myentry so I can tell entries from normal comments.

The prompt for today is: What’s your opinion on first impressions? Are they overrated?

The best two entries will get 0.1 SBD each

Winners will be announced in the next post

Thanks for reading

Blessings

[Image Source: I took the picture with my phone and edited it]