Last week I asked you to think about the very first step on your writing journey…deciding what book you have inside of you. What you want to say that will impact the most people? What message will reach the soul of your readers and bring about their transformation in the process of YOUR transformation?
You may have taken those first steps to becoming a transformational author and reaching readers with your message. Now, that you’ve begun to put pen to paper…..or fingers to keyboard…..it’s time to start thinking about the basics of writing. You know what you want to say, but now we’ll focus on how to say it so people understand and connect with you on a soul level.
The market is so saturated with non-fiction books on every kind of topic. How can you make your book stand out from the crowd? The content is, of course, the most important aspect. But, the style of writing, the ease of reading, the correct use of language….those things are what make a reader stay with you on the journey through your book. These are the things that make your book flow effortlessly and allow your message to greatly touch your reader and make a lasting impression.
If you can’t express what you want to say, the reader isn’t going to feel you. Grammar and spelling can be easily learned and easily fixed…that’s what grammar check and spellchecker is for, right? Don’t concern yourself over the minute details at first. Your most important job is to get the words down. You can worry over the grammatical stuff when you’re done. Or hire a professional editor. Your job is getting your book out.
The best transformational books out there make the reader feel. They make the reader stop and say, “Yes! I feel just like that.”
Here are some tips on basic, overall writing that you may find useful in your book writing process and that may allow your own unique message to impact the most readers:
• Use a clear, friendly writing style. The use of a more casual, less pretentious language engages readers. Remember, you want to inform and engage, not impress them with your large vocabulary.
• Never talk down to your reader or seem pretentious. Think of them as a friend, a confidante. You want them to relate to what you are saying, so write in a conversational voice that is comforting and engaging.
• Let your personality shine through!! Show some warmth, humor. This book is a physical manifestation of what’s inside of you. Put YOU on the page!!
• Write lean. Avoid long, wordy, convoluted sentences. Cut out words that may not be necessary. A concise, clear, and direct style has much more impact than sentences that a reader gets lost in.
• Avoid a lot of adverbs. For example: “walked slowly” Use words such as: strolled, sauntered, meandered, ambled.
• Try not to use the word “very” too frequently. Instead of very hot, for example — use scorching, blistering, sizzling, searing.
• Create pictures with your words. Be descriptive. Use sensory imagery so your readers can feel the mood and the tone. Make your readers feel.
I hope you find these general tips to be helpful in your writing journey. Remember you are transforming as you write…….you want your readers to transform as they read. Let me know what tips you found useful.
I’m here to help you make 2015 the year you get your book done and into the hands of those who need your words and wisdom. It’s going to be an amazing year for us all. By the way, I’m putting the final touches on something I’ve never offered before for writers… I’ll share more info as soon as it’s ready. For now, let’s just say, I’m super excited about it – and you’ll never feel SO supported to write your transformational book!
Happy Writing!!
