6 Essential Elements for Writing Evocative Posts
Writing Steemit blog posts, an essay for class, or other non fiction work uses many of the same techniques for writing fiction. You must grab the reader in the beginning or they will move on to something more entertaining.
If you want to successfully hook 'em, these techniques are cheaper than a fishing pole and worth more than all the bait in the jar.
Bait Your Audience
A good fiction story seduces you from the very beginning so you keep turning the page. Use the same tactic for your non-fiction blog posts!
When I am shopping for a new book, first I read the blurb on the back. If it sounds intriguing I open the book and begin reading. If it doesn't capture me in the first couple pages I set it back on the shelf and try a different book.
The one I go home with is the one that grabs my attention in the beginning and does not let go. I am driven to read more.
The same goes for successful articles and blog posts. What captures my attention in my Steemit feed first is the image and title. After I click on a post if you have not captured my interest in the first couple of sentences I will back out of there and look for something else to read.
Time is a precious commodity. With a limited amount of time for reading and a million choices on the web, you must entice users to read yours by presenting information in an entertaining way. Your first sentence must tempt the reader to want to read the second. Your second sentence must compell them to want to know what is in the third, and so on.
Tell an exciting (related to the subject) story or personal anecdote. Ask a question. Word your sentence so they will feel this article has something they need. Ask a question like I did at the beginning of this article. Or start with an interesting tidbit: for instance, if you are writing a post about how to capture attention you could write, "Did you know that the first 6 seconds are the most important in gathering attention? If you haven't in that time, you probably won't!"
Tell a Fascinating Story
You are the creator. You came here and decided you were going to be the author of a blog. Therefore you are presenting yourself to the world as someone who can do the job of educating the public with reliable information while subsequently entertaining them.
If it has been said before, find a different way to say it.
Calculus is boring. But if you tell a good story you can make any concept, multiplication problem, or subject memorable!
Your post or essay will be entertaining if you add interesting experiences or stories and use exciting language.
Instead of saying "Bitcoin is a good investment," you can say, "A teenager invested $1000 in Bitcoin in 2010 and cashed out a millionaire just seven years later!"
Tell the Truth!
Presenting the information in an exciting way will do no good if your information is false!
Do your research: I make it a point to check out facts not two but three times especially when researching on the web because anyone can and does write anything. Pay attention to little details when doing your research- those little details are often overlooked and can make your article stand out against the many others written on the same subject.
Play on Emotion
Do not get stuck simply presenting facts. It may seem tempting to use complex or sterile structures to sound more credible- unless you're a technical manual writer! Use imagery instead, and paint a picture for your readers.
Your choice of words directly affects how the reader reacts. When writing, remember that something you can picture or touch is better than non physical words. Replace "the market fluctuated greatly" with "more ups and downs than a rollercoaster." Your audience is not sitting in school so don't make them stare at a sheet of facts! You want them to experience the information you present, to feel it, so use power words to evoke powerful emotions and keep their eyes on your work.
Use all 5 senses. Writing is the only medium where you're able to do so, so take advantage!
Simple is Best
Have you ever stopped reading because the wording frustrated you?
Eliminate unnecessary words and say it simply. Your posts will be valuable to your audience if you give them bite sized, easily digestible bits. Ask youself if this bit is important. When in doubt throw it out.
Keeping it simple will help with evergreen status- will someone understand this in 30 years?
Keep it short, sweet and to the point, and use easily understandable vocabulary.
Keep 'em on Their Toes!
You want to write in such a way to keep them on your article- they have to see what's next!
Life is full of surprises, as is fiction. Keep your posts and essays anything but dull by adding unexpected turns and twists here and there. (Paying attention to little details from your research helps greatly here!)
Be imaginative and you will keep them interested. And don't be afraid to experiment! Steemit is a wonderfully supportive and encouraging community.
And always leave them wanting more...
Images via Pixabay, Storyblocks, and Pexels
I appreciate your support :)
With Love, Light and Good Mojo!
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Great advice babe.
I believe a good mix of posts opens you up to a wider audience. I've written on many subjects over the months and a lot of my early following was from the comedy pieces I did, now however I gone from comedy to truth to history. If you offer a variety you don't stagnate, I think that's important.
Don't forget quality formatting too, a well presented post quite often does well.
Just my 2c babe,
You are absolutely correct. You must write, and read, about different things in order to grow. Open yourself to different styles, topics and opinions.
Ok @arbitrarykitten get out of my head :-) I had been attempting my first novel, and it started out slow. I'm excited for what I have in store for remaining chapters, but don't feel I held much attention. It's a learning step for me, as I do plan on another one. I will remember this post :-) (or at least take notes, lol) I do the same, read the back before deciding.
Then these are perfect for you if you haven't caught them yet: How to Develop a Compelling Character
&
Elements of the Story Plot
Keep rewriting the first paragraph until it is exciting! This is a must for a novel :)
Good luck, or break a pencil ;) lol, and keep me posted
Lol why thank you. I have plenty of pencils, so no worries there. Thank you for the articles
to read. Writing them down now. Will wait another day to write the next chapter and see
if I make it more exciting.
Break a pencil is to writers like break a leg is to actors ;)
Lol, yeah I thought that right off when I read it last night, or this morning, whatever time it was. My next chapter is playing out in my head. Took lots of notes after reading those posts.
Just read the first one. A big thing I missed with one of my main characters, is how he looks
or acts. The female (Maddie) I did both :-)
I'm happy it's helpful!
Fantastic post for all content creators! This is what changes writing from being a boring old report I did cause the teacher made me, to ENTERTAINMENT!
...or marketing depending how you look at it. Lol
And by the way...resteemed and including a link to this is my latest guide.
Yes! Exactly!
Thank you so much :)
Haaah.. i was about to write a post on the same thing. Guess you beat me to it.. ^_^ but how? Telepathy ?? ;)
But i am glad that you did because i could not have written it the way you did.. Beautiful. Amazing. Precise..
I had 5 points in mind that i wanted to write in my version of post. I would have had missed the "tell the truth" part.. come to think of it, it is indeed a very necessary part of story telling that we often overlook. While in reality, this part is a game changer and can make or break your entire story..
Good post my friend.. guess there is no point in writing my post now so i will be resteeming it..
Ah, but you are a completely different individual with a unique perspective. Everything has been written before, but its how you present the information that will resonate differently :)
Thank you so much <3
If I could just master the trick of remembering all the things you post about concerning writing, while I'm actually writing, that would be great.
Perhaps do a post of how to achieve this? lol
Hm. Yea, I usually just put links to posts from the past week, with the idea that those are what is new for my audience. You make a good point here, especially with how rapidly Steemit is growing!
I need to do this before I am here too long, just going back a month to find a post in my page is an exercise in patience lol!
You make a good point, but you missed my point (clarity has now returned to patriots brain, btw lol).
Because this writing malarkey is very new to me, (or a lost skill from decades ago, should I say) trying to keep one eye on your principles of writing, while engaging the brain in the creative realm simultaneously........mmmmm.
I can't do both! lol - maybe it's just mental training, and I'm being impatient.
(it reminds me of the optical illusion - the two faces and wine glass? - you can't see both images at the same time.)
How to stay mindful, while being creative... Multitasking is hard
Ah, ok.
It will become easier with practice :)
Mhhh, I love when you boil these down to their essence.
It's gonna be a long week of crafting ;)
But a worthwhile week...
;)
For sure.
Universe-deal was made. Now both sides will hold up their bargain. <3
Sweet!
Enjoyed reading those recommendations to grab the attention of readers. Actually that way your article will be still echoing in their minds long after they've left your blog and they will not just depend on seeing your posts in their feed to check them out, if they don't see them, they will look for your profile to see what's new in your blog. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you!
You're welcome. Keep the good work up :)
I was stunned reading this post. Some of what you said are things I'm familiar with but your presentation is peerless. It is classy. I hope to apply most of these tips in my next post.
That means so much :) Thank you!
These are solid writing reminders I needed to hear. And your VOICE!!! Thanks for a fun-to-read and very helpful post!
Thank you so much :) I'm honored that you find this motivational!