Replace These HO HUM Top Two Writing Problems with WOW Writing
|
Posted By: Pam Perry on November 10, 2008 Whether you are a professional, own a business; whether you have written a best selling fiction book, whether you are a nonfiction author best selling author, you may want to update your writing for the WOW factor. We know a lot about our topics, yet we want what we write to get read by our target audience. If they turn away once they start to read because our writing isn't easy to read and we don't pay attention to their needs, they won't come back and they won't recommend our products or services. Writing good copy is more important than just about any thing you do for visibility.That includes web copywriting, books, ads, articles, or books. Beyond what we know, we need to entertain and engage our audience where they are now. If our writing doesn't grab our readers by the collar and answer their questions at the opening line, this says HO HUM. The goal? Write for your reader rather than lecture what you know. Think the outline as a good start to good writing organization and direction. Motivate and engage your audience by talking directly with them. Think dialogue, which puts your nonfiction writing in the present tense and gives it more WOW. Make your writing easy to read with simple, rather than long sentences with a lot of phrases and clauses. Maybe in English writing class we learned some writing sins that we need to let go of in business and the adult world. The Two Biggest Writing Problems 1. Linking verbs make passive sentences. Our talking habits swing into our writing. We often say, "Mary is a published author." In writing, if we added specifics and a strong verb after the sentence subject, such as "Mary published a best selling children's book, called, "The Shortest Heroes in a Tall World," our readers would pay more attention. When you write in passive voice, your writing slides along into long sentences that slow your readers down, even bores them. Before you "send it out" print out your piece. Mark the linking verbs such as "is," "was," "have," or "appears." Set a goal of 2-4% passive verbs and use your grammar check to count them. Replace the passives with a strong verb that follows your specific subject at the front of the sentence. Practice will make this automatic in no time. 2. "Ing" verb constructions make long, unwieldy sentences. Today, people want clear, fast and easy to read writing. "Ing" constructions slow the reader down and confuse because they are passive. Think of a title that inspired you in the past. I like "Jump Start your Book Sales" by Marilyn and Tom Ross. "Jump Starting" lacks power because it doesn't ask for action. "-Ing" construction implies passive. Next time you think a web site or book chapter heading, title, benefits list, or even copy, think command verbs as sentence starters. Use other strong verbs in the present or past tense to create the "active" voice your readers love. In writing an outline for benefit statements, start with the command verb such as "Discover," or "Increase." Follow these with the changes your audience will experience after they use your product or service. Use visual words such as "See yourself with leaping out of bed energy." Or use a feeling word because your audience bases a lot of what they buy on their personal belief systems "Feel like a 5 year old splashing and wading in the ocean." Notice the metaphors? These help your readers connect themselves with you and your offerings. By Judy Cullins -- http://www.bookcoaching.com/tips-writing-a... From your www.PamPerryPRCoach.com If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
 |
Pam Perry
Social Media Strategist, Ministry Marketing Solutions Wayne St Univ class of 1983 Member Since July 2008 |
Comments
More From This Author
Latest Blogs
 |
JCSU Unique Courses “ LACTATION CONSULTANT TRAINING PROGRAM (CERTIFICATE)”The LCTP is a comprehensive, CAAHEP accredited Pathway 2 training program administered through the College of Business and Professional Studies Health and Human Performance Department at Johnson C. Sm ...more
How May I Help You NC • 38 Views • January 29th, 2026 |
 |
Nation’s Oldest HBCU Football Rivalry Returns in 2026 with 102nd Turkey Day ClassicThe nation’s oldest HBCU football rivalry will return to the field in November 2026 as Alabama State University and Tuskegee University face off in the 102nd Turkey Day Classic. The historic Thanksgiv ...more
Reginald Culpepper • 76 Views • January 28th, 2026 |
 |
🔋🪫🔋🪫🔋🔋🔋Gifts to recharge my BatteryREADY TO EXPERIENCE A MAYWEATHER WORKOUT? TRY IT FOR FREE
Some time is all that’s needed to get on the MAYWEATHER Fitness Treadmill
Have fun meet new friends get close to perfection https://may ...more
How May I Help You NC • 67 Views • January 27th, 2026 |
 |
Get Patreon for World Cup DiscussionChannel: https://www.patreon.com/cw/rtwcmod ...more
How May I Help You NC • 54 Views • January 27th, 2026 |
 |
Whoever picks the wrong team to claim the Lombardy Trophy has to indulge 1pound of ?🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁
ULTIMATE POND WINGS
What are those: https://dist13.com/food-menu-11-01-12-31-25
Our friends at District 13 gives ...more
How May I Help You NC • 55 Views • January 27th, 2026 |
Popular Blogs
 |
Divorce in America in 2009 – What’s love got to do, got to do with it?
Join Brother Marcus and the cast and the crew of the Brother Marcus Show live this Sunday evening on February 1, 2009 @ 8:00 p.m. for another hot topic in our community! “Divorce in America in 2009 ...more
Brother Marcus! • 70,794,973 Views • January 27th, 2009 |
 |
VISINE ALERT!!!Seemingly innocent medication such as Visine eyedrops are used by people to concoct a mixture with similar effects as a date-rape drug.
When mixed with alcohol and taken orally, the eyedrops can l ...more
Siebra Muhammad • 118,062 Views • May 23rd, 2009 |
 |
"Chain Hang Low" check out the real meaning of the Lyrics!Recently there is a new artist out of Saint Louis that goes by the name JIBBS. Jibbs debut single "Chain hang low" has a history that most people are not aware of. The particular nursery rhyme that th ...more
Tyhesha Judge-Fogle • 74,243 Views • November 9th, 2006 |
 |
HBCU Marketplace Gifts: Divine 9 Premium Fraternity / Sorority Playing CardsVendor: Charles Jones
Item Price: $20.00
Price Includes Shipping: Yes - Shipping Included
Item Description:
Pantheon Series - Divine 9 - Premium Playing Cards (choose Gold Series or Silve ...more
How May I Help You NC • 61,356 Views • December 2nd, 2018 |
