Don’t Miss This One Controversial Idea on How To Write
Actionable tips and friendly conversation for the business writer
Adventures and Updates
Exciting Times
We've sent out a flurry of pitches to new prospective clients this week at Moore Towers.
(A huge "Hi and Welcome" to those who signed up for the newsletter as a result!)
The ones I'm most excited about?
Offering free samples of simple improvements to the website text of small local businesses, charities and startups.
It's the side of my work that really gets my creative energy flowing.
And the future relationships it could lead to may become the most enjoyable projects of all.
Don’t Miss This One Controversial Idea on How To Write
Another way to get three articles from one idea, but do you agree?
There are only three reasons to write.
And if you think otherwise, you're in danger of losing your focus and your audience fast.
We've previously looked into methods for turning one writing idea into several articles. Sometimes, it can be a matter of changing perspective. Sometimes, it can be a question of whether you set out your story in the past, present or future tense.
I have identified three core "Reasons for Writing". It opened my eyes to how to take one idea and turn it into many.
Do you have a subject burning away inside you, desperate to get out?
Today, you'll see how to turn your idea into three types of articles that your readers will love.
So, those three reasons, then?
It All Comes Down to This
Why do we write?
Why do we podcast? Why do we videocast? Why do we art?
There are only three reasons to do so:
To inform
To educate
To entertain
You'll lean naturally towards Number 3 if you're a creative writer.
But even then, I can count several of my favourite fiction authors whose work has informed me of facts I did not know. Nuggets of info they wove into their stories:
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Desmond Bagley
Douglas Adams
As a corporate scribe or blogger, you'll usually consider the first two styles.
But a question springs to mind immediately:
What's the difference between Numbers 1 and 2?
It's worth taking a moment to explore.
Alright, So What IS the Difference?
Yes: "inform" and "educate" might seem similar.
But closer inspection reveals a distinction.
Consider this:
Inform
Purpose: To convey information clearly and accurately
Examples: News articles, research papers, technical manuals
Techniques: Clear structure, concise language, supporting evidence, visuals
Educate
Purpose: To offer knowledge and understanding, often leading to a change in perspective or behaviour
Examples: Textbooks, instructional manuals, documentaries
Techniques: Clear explanations, examples, analogies, real-world applications, assessments
The critical difference boils down to whether your article seeks to impart a few facts. Or actively change your curious reader's behaviour.
It's all a question of depth.
So, How Deep Are You Going?
Once I had mastered these differing points of view, I found a new dimension opened up for my writing.
And you will find the same.
Focusing on the purpose of your article will give it a clear direction. Doing so will provide you with a massive advantage in four crucial aspects of the creation process:
Outlining
Drafting
Editing
Title
(And, bonus pro tip: Yes — you should probably do those steps in that order!)
By understanding when and why to use each of the three reasons for writing, you can pitch your article to perfection.
You'll get your reader's attention
You'll satisfy their specific requirement
And you'll have them coming back for more
And remember: working in a bit of Entertainment can be one of the most powerful engagement tools of all.
Don't forget to check out my other newsletter, The Dancing Stepdad, for insights into the challenging and rewarding world of step-parenting.
And if you found today's issue helpful, I'll bet you know someone else who'd like it too. Share the love and tell your friends!