Friday, May 27, 2022

Three things writers need to remember


Keep it simple. When a reader stumbles over difficult words, that distracts them from the story and becomes frustrating and mentally exhausting. If you want your readers to stay with the story, keep it simple so they will enjoy it. Try to use one or two-syllable words with the same meaning that are easily understood, when possible. 

Your goal isn't to impress the reader with your fancy words 

but to bless them with the story. 

Take the time to edit out any stumbling block words

Stay with the theme and expectations of the genre. If your book is an adventure, don't let the action lull. If it is a devotion, make every sentence point to the main thought. If it's a memoir, not every detail needs to be included unless it plays a part in the overall theme of the book. Always choose the important elements that hone in on the major theme of the book. 

If the sentence or scene doesn't move the story along consider deleting it. Put plenty of interest, adventure, or excitement into the storyline rather than adding unnecessary details that distract from the main theme. Think of moving forward on a journey, instead of stopping to discuss every roadsign along the way.

Consider having the main theme in front of you while you write to keep you on track. You could put it on a sticky note on your monitor or write it in the header of each page. 

Evoke emotion.  People read for education, escape, and entertainment, but they usually aren't looking for a list of information or a statistics chart. They want to experience something. An ordinary book will provide information, but an extraordinary book will evoke an emotion in the process so the reader feels as though he has been immersed within the story. 

Let the reader identify with the main character and feel what they feel. Let them experience the joy or pain of the characters. Put them inside the action rather than describe it from a distance. 

People will remember how they felt more than what you say. To give them something they will remember, it will need to touch their heart and leave them changed. 


Dear Father in heaven,

I pray we as writers will consider our words carefully and use them to bring blessings. I pray You will shine through our words and be glorified. May we be obedient to Your calling with all we do.

In Jesus' name, amen.


Dear writer,

Keep writing. Keep learning. Keep editing. 

As He prunes and shapes us, we can prune and shape our words to have the best impact and bear fruit. There will always be room for improvement but keep striving to make your words the best you can for Him. 

Let His light shine through you!

Lisa

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