TOP 10 SECRET TIPS:
6. WRITE ON TOPICS ABOUT WHICH YOU ARE PASSIONATE. Your excitement about the content should burst through your writing. If you’re bored about your topic, you will kill your readers and prompt them to click “delete.” They don’t deserve linguistic purgatory—writing with the excitement of a wad of used paper towels. That can induce a coma. Light a fire under your writing to create at least a spark of interest by your readers, and torch the paper towels while you’re at it. If necessary, find a way to produce a percolating caldron of controversy or some other metaphor to stimulate your readers’ minds.
Writing Gifts: Leverage your knowledge and expertise with your writing gifts to put your unique spin on every topic. Express your passion for your serious subject in your writing.
What writers have inspired you? What words stop you in your tracks? Here are two examples you’ll know.
Two Writers:
David E. Kelley: Award winning TV screenwriter David E. Kelley (L.A. Law, Picket Fences, Chicago Hope, Ally McBeal, Boston Legal) revealed his signature style in his characters’ words and behaviors, even dancing, such as the “dancing baby” and John Cage on Ally McBeal. Kelley fused his quirky, off-beat humor with the surreal and the serious. He’s also known for seeding his plots with political and social “hot-button” issues, especially on Boston Legal. Kelley said,
“Often we try to seduce the audience at the beginning that this is going to be fun, a romp or a ride, and then once the ride has begun, to reveal some serious subject matter for them to think about.”
Aaron Sorkin: Aaron Sorkin (A Few Good Men, The American President, The West Wing, Sports Night) has a different style. His teleplays for the Emmy-Award winning The West Wing had his trademark rapid-fire dialogue (which I love) and extended monologues which were complemented by director Thomas Schlamme’s visual “walk and talk.” His style-mark was also the repartee between his characters as they small talk and banter about various whimsical events. What fun to hear and watch! Sorkin said,
“I enter the world through what I write. I grew up believing …that I am a screw-up…and had nothing to offer in any conversation. But when I started writing, suddenly there was something that I brought to the party that was at a high-enough level.”
Find a Fave Writer: Now you know a couple of my fave writers and why I do what I do in my writing. Both Kelley and Sorkin infuse serious material with humor. I bet you have your own faves. If not, find an author in print or visual media who can inspire you the way these guys have inspired me.
Tomorrow, I will continue to describe “passion” and putting your “heart” into your writing like William Forrester (see 1st blog if you missed it), no matter what you’re writing about, including a preposition at the end of a sentence.
COPYRIGHT © 2010 Ronald A. Berk, LLC
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