by Suellen | Write Your Own Book, Writing Tips
You know the old proverb that “a picture is worth a thousand words.” That is so true. People are visual, and because of that a picture – especially a picture explained in detail – will get points across better than lots and lots of talk.
That’s why Jesus used parables to deliver the truth. He was a master at the tool of story-telling.
So let’s take a look at how we can incorporate that tool into our writing.
Here’s why it works:
Stories make people pay attention. Indeed, people pay huge sums of money to read stories (novels) and watch them (movies).
Stories make people remember. If you want to teach something to someone, tell a story. That’s why the world’s most famous teaching tool, the Bible, is packed full of stories.
Stories tap into emotion. You can’t convince your readers to hear your advice until they feel something emotionally. So what better way to put them in the right emotional state than by telling them a story!
You can see the benefits. But maybe you’re wondering how this works for you.
Indeed, one of the best places to tell a story is on your blog. And that’s because it gives you the opportunity to really connect with your readers.
Here’s how to create a story-telling blog post…
Hook Your Readers Immediately
Forget about an article that starts by telling the readers what they’re going to learn. Instead, jump right into your story. And engage the reader’s senses whenever possible.
Example: Perhaps you’d start a Marriage-Help article like this: “Suzy felt hopelessness wash over her. Every Monday morning seemed to be the same. There were these issues between them that they just couldn’t seem to discuss. Their attitudes toward money. Their attitudes toward the children. They seemed to disagree on so much!”
Transition From Story to Facts and Benefits
Now you need to start tying your story into the points you wish to make.
So often people who face these hard times want to give up and think there is no hope for their marriage.
Yet you are armed with scriptures and wisdom from God about prayer and faith. You can use this story to share testimonies of people who have faced worse but who have trusted God and entered into a new era of excellence in their marriage.
Conclusion
The truth is, story-telling is just one way to turn your blog posts into great teaching moments – without being pedantic. When people engage in the pictures portrayed in these stories, they are able to see the hope offered them.
by Suellen | Write Your Own Book, Writing Tips
Has this ever happened to you?You’re all excited about writing an article, report, or book. You open up a fresh document on your computer. You type in your file name, maybe a title, maybe even a few sentences.
But then it feels like your brain shuts down. Suddenly you find yourself just staring at a nearly blank screen. The words don’t come.
Uh oh, you have writer’s block.
If you do any writing at all, you’ll probably experience writer’s block from time to time.
Here’s how to overcome it…
Of course, prayer is always the first order of business. Relax and ask the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart and remind you of what He wants to say.
Then here are some additional practical tips.
Get Inspired
Sometimes you get stuck simply because you’re tired of looking at the same four walls, the same computer screen, etc. It helps if you can do something to kick start your creativity and give your brain a change of scenery. For example:
- Put on music that inspires you.
- Get out of your usual office and go someplace completely different, like a park or a coffee shop.
- Spend 15-30 minutes doing something different, such as exercising (which will make you feel better).
Copy a Good Piece of Text
This is a way to force your brain to get in the “groove” of writing well. Simply take a passage from one of your favorite authors and start copying it by hand. You can also copy poetry, good sales letters, or anything else that’s well-written.
Naturally, you’re not using this content for anything. You’re just jump starting your own creative process by really thinking about someone else’s well-written piece.
Write Anything That Comes to Mind
Another way to get over writer’s block is to just start writing anything that pops into your head. If you have to write about this week’s grocery list, fine.
If you have to start off writing, “I don’t know what to write” two dozen times across the top of the page, fine. But the point is, just get your fingers moving across the keyboard. After about 20 minutes, your mental “log jam” should be broken up and your creativity released.
Create a Piece About Something Else Entirely
Sometimes it helps to write about something else that isn’t even remotely related to the thing that you need to write about.
So if you need to write an article about Christian Living, you can start by writing an article about how to tie your shoes. Or if you need to create a knowing who you are in Christ, then write a story about how you met your significant other.
Again, this is just a way to loosen up your creativity and get those fingers moving across the keyboard. Once you turn to the piece you do need to write, it will likely go much more smoothly.
Start in the Middle
Have you ever noticed that the introduction is often the hardest part to write? That’s because you use it to give a sneak peek at what the rest of the article, report or ebook is about. But if you haven’t yet written the rest of the content piece, then it’s easy to get stuck on the introduction.
The solution is simple: Start in the middle.
Just skip the intro and go straight to the next paragraph or the first chapter. Then you can do the introduction last, which makes it much easier since now you know exactly what all topics you covered in the rest of the piece.
In sum…
Every writer gets the dreaded writer’s block from time to time. However, don’t let it slow you down.
Next time your brain is moving like molasses, just use the tips above to jump start the creative process!
by Suellen | The Church Awakening, Write Your Own Book
As I scan the internet, I am aware of something very significant. The Christian voice isn’t out there as it should be. Oh, there are lots of blogs promoting this doctrine or that – and even running down other doctrines. But that’s not what I am talking about.
I remember several years ago ministers talking about how we Christians let opportunities slip when TV first came on the scene. They said that many Christians even shunned TV as a necessary evil, rather than capturing the potential within the medium.
Now I am seeing the same with the internet. This is such an opportune moment for us as Christians. The internet is rich with ways we can get the message out for free – or at little cost. I would like to see us saturating this new medium with the Gospel…Many voices proclaiming the truth of God’s love, mercy, and redemption. And the message doesn’t have to stay in our neighborhood, it can be sent around the world with one click.
There are millions of people in the world who have no idea about Jesus – who He is or what His life, death, and resurrection meant to us and to them. So where are those who could help get the message out? You might be one of them.
Do you dream about writing a book? Have you been planning to start a blog? Have you been mulling over your special ideas? Do you ponder the impact your story will have on the lives of others?
Well now is the time to move forward – not just a step or two, but to a whole new level.
Are you ready?
Maybe.
Maybe as much as you long for this dream, you are also a little scared, a little nervous, a little hesitant. Maybe as much as you think you might be ready, you’re blocking your own way. You may be your own worst enemy.
The good news is, if you’re your own worst enemy, then the only thing standing between you and that book or that blog you’ve always imagined is… you! And once you recognize the issues that are holding you back, you can address them, one at a time.
That’s what I hope to help you do in a free e-book I’ve just published. I’ll discuss some of the main ways you can achieve lasting change and progress towards your dream. It won’t be easy, but it’ll be life-changing – if you are willing to do the work.
Be sure to click on HOME page to download your free copy of my e-book. I hope it will help you get started.
Forever Upward!
