Writing: Write Mystifying Content!

JDC Art of Writing: "In response to your many emails expressing your frustration and confusion of what content is...I hope the following article composed from years of business and personal writing; blogging, will provided valuable answers and encourage some outstanding writing..."

What composes content - the essence of writing? -- It's the words and subject matter richly applied, that sings out to the reader entrancing and fostering one's desire to read-on. It's word magic.

* I have found it to be those selective thought-provoking words, of information, vital subject matter and profuse expression and style, that leads to writing with clarity of purpose and emotional content. Those sentences of words, should leave a positive lasting expression even when dealing with negative issues. -- Your selection of words should always elevate your writing above others showing the professional you are or can be.

Words by themselves are dead. Words used to create content in writing are brought alive with a breath of color and play-on-words for whatever writing purposes designated. ... Understand what you want to say or what action you desire, and give it "life," and meaning. -- Anticipate your reader's questions and needs; what you want to express and then make them feel it. Keep them emotionally connected and reading by using the right words.

* I try not to forget, that writing content is the ability to not only satisfy oneself ... but also satisfy the reader's expectations by design in the way any subject matter is expressed and presented from life's experiences. The frosting...is the labored research of topics, ideas, and facts that adds depth and credibility, and can add emotion and energy.

* -- Content becomes much more, than just writing on a specific subject, or wanting to make a statement, or entice to action. ... It's the magic of the right words played out in the right manner, adding value, making for memorable and desired reading.

Be exact. ... Less actually does become more in terms of quality! Eliminate fluff. -- Revise, eliminating unnecessary words and phrases. Use words that remain true to the direction and ultimate end result being sought...For your reader.

* How does that mystifying content emerge? It may start from the unexpected process of a couple of ideas, words, sentences, or can explode out of the subconscious in paragraph form. There are times of confusion where thoughts are vague needing to be deciphered. The subconscious does not always relay in an easily identifiable form. You have to work for it. -- The exciting part is: what your creative juices can come up with!

Some of the best content reels itself when least expected, suddenly awakening like a sleeping giant. Keep pencil and paper handy in several places, to capture from the moment, that treasure of future composition.

A REMINDER: Be aware of the way you express your thoughts and phrase your words. It is the reader you wish to impress and please. Not your self-ego.

Mark Twain once said: "The difference between the right word and almost the right word is the difference between 'lightning' and 'lightning bug.'" Writing content goes beyond grammatically correct sentences. You are constructing meaning, which must leave the reader with the ability to interpret. -- "The meaning to a reader is not just in the text ... but, in the reader's ability to connect as if playing an active role - mentally envisioning, or emotionally feeling." (*)

* I keep a framed card on my desk ... "The devil is in the details." The quote reminds me how important it is to pay attention to the process and content of what I am doing and to not worry about what I don't need to add, such as careless repetitions. It helps me to discipline myself not to rush an article, so there are no surprises that may make the article less then it can be.

Milo Ogden Frank a nationally acclaimed authority on communication skills and strategies writes: It is: "what allures, entices, tempts, tantalizes, fascinates, captivates, enchants, attracts, bewitches, catches, hypnotizes - that makes you remember and gets you to keep reading." ... So, hook with the magic of the best words. The better your article in the way you present it, the more successful you will be.

* All good writers share a key ability: That they present themselves and their ideas effectively with rich and exciting content of words. -- Challenge yourself the next time you sit down at the computer. Don't rush - look at how much you can tweak the original draft. Eliminate less significant words and phrases, playing up the powerful. -- Polish it and put it aside overnight and continue fine-tuning and revisions the next day. You may just be surprised ... You will be mystified with the winner you see before you. A diamond carved out from the rough of the keyboard!

Free Reprint: This article may be reproduced in all venues so long as the content and by-line are reprinted intact and any and all links are set live. http://www.thejanedoechronaicles.blogspot.com/

Jane Doe Chronicles - CeCe Day Hill (cgh) (c) 2005-2007 - All Rights Reserved
The Jane Doe Chronicles-CeCe Day Hill (cgh) (c) 2005-2007 - All Rights Reserved

References: (*)

• Frank, Milo O. - How to Get Your Point Across in 30 Seconds or Less, Simon and Schuster 1986, Chapter 5, pg 40 - 1. Communication in management HF5718.F74, 1986 658.4'5 85-2782