Truth of Writing #5: If Your Writing is Boring, People Won't Read It.

I’ve learned along the way that, if your blog sucks, people won’t want to read it.

Unfortunately, this is true for all types of writing. You can have all the motivation, inspiration, and great ideas in the world, but if you don’t structure your piece in a way that entrances your audience right away, good luck getting them to finish it.

Sure, you’ll want to write short stories/books/poems with your audience in mind. But what about cover letters? Blog posts? Resumes?

How do we write and make sure readers aren’t bored by the second line?

1. Make your opening line pack a punch.
If your piece doesn’t grab your reader right away, you might as well as goodbye to them now. Think about writing a cover letter—how many applications are actually original and non-formulaic? Start out with a quote or a fact that you find interesting and relates to the position at hand. Deviate from the norm and you’re sure to find your submission closer to the top of the pile.

For creative writing, craft an opening line that is a statement. Usually something short and sweet, instead of some lengthy description, is the way to go. If you hook them in right away, your chances of success are much higher.

2. Edit out the boring details.
I’ve discussed the importance of editing before, but here it is again: make sure you edit any extras that don’t advance your plot/letter/etc. You can talk at length about the brilliant color of your main character’s tulips, but if it doesn’t help your story (or exist as symbolism you’ve crafted), then all you’ll do is bore your audience. Edit, edit, edit.

3. Consider your audience—think like a reader.
Put yourself in the audience’s shoes when writing. If you’re applying for a job as an animal handler in the circus, but your résumé only discusses your circus experience as a ride operator, you might want to reframe how your résumé is written.

Similarly, if you’re writing a creative piece that’s supposed to appeal to the Stephen King horror crowd, maybe leave out the flowery descriptions of your character’s love life. Get to the good stuff.

4. Write in your own voice.
Hemingway once said, “All you have to do is write one true sentence. Write the truest sentence you know.”
By all means, write your grand Elizabethan epic in a British accent. But if you haven’t immersed yourself in the culture, the history, and the experience of that time frame, you might end up looking like a fraud. Write what is true to you, in your own voice, and your piece will feel more authentic.

5. Make the ending worthwhile.
Echoing the sentiments of item #1, make the ending worth reading. If you’ve done your job correctly, your readers will be sad that your piece is almost over. Make them hurt even more with a devastatingly crafted ending line.
 
I don’t pretend to be an expert in any of this, but by following the five tips above, I’ve found great success in attracting and securing readers, and hopefully provoking some thought along the way. And that, my friends, is what matters to a writer.

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