Tag: message

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Guest Posts

Writing Process for Business Communications

Guest posts

For many people, writing is difficult. But writing can become faster and more efficient with practice. When writing effectively for business communications, keep the reader in mind. For the audience to understand, you must be imaginative and communicate your point.

Do not drag out unnecessary details, and try to remain focused on your main goal. Read and explore various sources to enhance your knowledge and improve your vocabulary. To write for effective corporate communication, there are three main steps to follow:

3-Step Writing Process for Business Communications

The 3-step writing process for business communications includes:

1. Make a Plan of What You Are Going to Write

Making a plan for the content of your message is the first stage. Make the purpose or goal of writing clear first. Once a goal has been established, gather data while keeping the audience’s needs in mind. After that, devise a plan or choose a platform to deliver your message.

For the delivery of your desired message, use the appropriate communication channel. It’s time to organize the thought and decide whether to use a direct or indirect technique to convey a message. Wonders happen when writers’ motivation is practiced. The ideal strategy is to create an outline so you won’t forget to include key details. Thus, the process involves:

● Investigate the Situation

You establish the purpose of your writing in this step and create a profile of your audience. Without knowing your writing purpose, you risk having a limited comprehension of your target audience and creating a message that is ignored or receives no reaction.

● Collect Data

This step involves identifying the audience’s needs and gathering the data necessary to meet those needs. What information must your audience have? This process aids in helping you concentrate on the key components of your message.

● Select the Correct Delivery Vehicle

Now you must pick the most efficient means of communication delivery (medium). Does your intended audience read textual correspondence such as emails and letters? To effectively communicate your message, you must choose the appropriate media. If you don’t, your intended audience won’t hear you.

● Put the Data in the Proper Order

Once you’ve completed the fundamental tasks of obtaining, analyzing, and selecting how to present your information, it’s time to organize it all. In this section of the planning step, we will establish the key communication concept and decide whether to deliver the message directly or indirectly. In accordance with best practices, the communication’s substance should be outlined at this point.

2. Get Started with Writing Phase

Compose the message after careful planning. You will concentrate on the “You” mindset strategy during this phase. This approach seeks to engage the audience and effectively deliver the message.

This technique will help you learn more about your audience’s preferences in terms of fashion, age, education, and professional issues. It’s time to write a strong, concise, and meaningful statement. It would be beneficial if you used terms that impacted the readers.

● Awareness About Audience’s Requirements

The objective is to discover as much as you can about your audience. Find out about their prejudices, education, age, status, sense of style, and personal and professional issues. Convey the message in clear English with a conversational tone using the right voice.

After figuring out how to tailor our business communication to our target, you must write the message. Write the message with our audience in mind, in other words. You can communicate with them to meet their needs using this knowledge. Additionally, in this step, you should aim to develop credibility to forge a close bond with the audience.

● Write the Message

The final phase in the writing process is to select powerful words that result in phrases and paragraphs that make sense. If you are writing for a general audience, make sure you distinguish between abstract and concrete words in your writing and eliminate any jargon.

When writing to a technical audience, jargon is allowed since they will comprehend your message better than a general audience. Choose terms when writing your message that will affect both the reader and the message.

3. Final Phase

In this final phase, you will evaluate your message. Check whether it is effective or in presentable form. Now you need to revise and review the message. See whether the information is accurate and relevant to the target audience or not.

Ensure the message format is fine such as fonts, digital, analog, etc. After this, proofread the message to fix the grammatical mistakes and errors. Now it’s time to distribute the message to your audience. Use a reliable and authentic channel.

● Proofread Your Work

Check the communication component for layout mistakes. Verify your grammar and spelling as well. Read your message numerous times, paying attention to various areas with each reading. By reading your work backward, you can check for spelling mistakes.

After your initial examination, put the document aside and return to it a few hours or a day later. You will be able to find any errors you might have missed during the initial review with the aid of fresh eyes. Ensure that all the materials and documents you intend to distribute relate to your message.

Conclusion

Regular practice and use of the three-step writing process for business communication will help you become a better writer. Adhere to the above instructions to accomplish your goal.

For more information, check out these links:

1.     https://sugermint.com/the-importance-of-business-education-for-creating-better-quality-of-life/

2.     https://slocumstudio.com/a-10-step-guide-for-effective-business-writing-to-win-clients/

Pearl Holland writes well-researched articles for Perfect Essay Writing. She holds a good grip over the composition and structure of the English language. Her diversified abilities in crafting informative pieces in a unique style are a source of inspiration.

Categories
Platform and Branding

What Do You Want to Say, and How?

Platform and Branding

There’s a reason that one day you sat down at an empty screen or in front of a blank sheet of paper, and started writing. Maybe you had a character’s story burning inside you and just had to write it down, or maybe you wanted to express your own story.

But for whatever reason, that one day when you sat down to write, you started an incredible journey. You had something to say, and you wrote it down.

Great branding is a huge part of platform, and for today’s writers, platform can make or break your writing journey.

You’re here because you love writing. You have something to say. Now it’s time to determine what exactly it is you want to say, and how you want to say it.

As a writer in 2021, you have multiple avenues for communicating via writing, and choosing the best one for you can help take your writing from your desk to hundreds, thousands, and even millions of readers.

So, what do you want to say?

When determining this, think big picture. If you write young adult books, there’s likely a theme you want to communicate. For example, let’s say your work-in-progress is about a teenage girl growing up during the California gold rush and the bravery she must learn traveling west with her family. You likely want to communicate the theme of bravery, resilience, teamwork, etc., to your readers.

Now, other than your book itself, how do you want to communicate these themes?

You may want to consider creating a Tik Tok account and using those short videos to continue communicating these characteristics. Maybe you love the outdoors and your Tik Tok is full of videos of your summer hikes and camping adventures. Perhaps revamp your Instagram and post photos of your camping trips with captions talking about these topics.

If you write adult Romance, the themes you communicate will likely be love and other similar topics such as sacrifice, service, loyalty, etc. You may want to continue communicating these themes through inspirational quotes posted on Twitter or paired with a graphic and posted to Instagram. You could refocus your Tik Tok or YouTube channel by creating video content that reinforces this theme.

Being a writer today doesn’t just mean sitting down at the keyboard and writing books. That’s a big part of it, but writing and communicating stretches to social media and public stages.

As you continue to pinpoint exactly what your brand is and grow your platform, focus on why exactly you are passionate about writing the genres and characters you write. Use these insights to help establish your online presence with clarity. Then post regular, quality content, and enjoy the process.

Building your platform is often a slow and steady grind, but the resulting ability to communicate your passions to your audience is worth it.

Best wishes out there!

Sarah Rexford is a Marketing Content Creator and writer. She helps authors build their platform through branding and copywriting. With a BA in Strategic Communications, Sarah equips writers to learn how to communicate their message through personal branding. She writes fiction and nonfiction and offers writers behind-the-scenes tips on the publishing industry through her blog itssarahrexford.com. She is represented by the C.Y.L.E Young Agency.

Instagram: @sarahjrexford
Twitter: @sarahjrexford
Web: itssarahrexford.com

Categories
Screenwriting

Do You Know What You Mean?

Recently, I uploaded my latest screenplay to a screenwriting website for Hollywood producers and studios to view. I was excited to finally have a completed script on this popular screenwriting website.

What I failed to realize was the specifics of the process of getting a script uploaded. Not only were there numerous categories and subcategories and tags to choose to describe my latest WIP, but there are also some specific questions in regards to my script’s purpose.

  • Genre
  • Setting/locations
  • Theme

At first glance, one might think the first and last questions are the same, but they aren’t. Genre is more of a style of storytelling with its unique aspects. Theme is the ultimate message/beliefs/morals of the story expressed through specific genres.

The site has become popular for helping outsiders break into Hollywood circles, not just for getting completed works before the right people, but helping establish the screenwriter’s platform and area of focus in storytelling.

To some degree writers keep similar themes in all of their stories, because stories are simply a means for us writers to express our beliefs and ideologies in the form of the narrative’s theme—what we mean to say!

What You Mean?

The message of your screenplay is what you hope it means to your audience, so you need to understand your purpose for telling this particular story. Once you understand that, its theme will become clear to the audience.

A literary theme is the main idea or underlying meaning a writer explores in a literary work. The plot of the story is how this theme is expressed. A writer’s theme often reveals the narrative, gives the characters a purpose and helps the audience stay tuned.

Keep in mind the theme has to be clear to more than just you. Make your theme evident to give your story more meaning. Most of us writers want to do more than simply entertain a theater of strangers. We want to use this art form to make an impact on society, to enlighten others. And even simply sway them to our ideology. The following list is reflective of common themes writers express in their narratives:

  1. Beauty of simplicity
  2. Change of power – necessity
  3. Change versus tradition
  4. Chaos and order
  5. Character – destruction, building up
  6. Circle of life
  7. Coming of age
  8. Communication – verbal and nonverbal
  9. Darkness and light
  10. Disillusionment and dreams1

My personal goal as a writer is to inspire change in my audience. I enjoy seeing the spark in the eyes or the excitement when my readers catch on to my story’s theme. (My current screenplay’s theme is humility versus power.)

Each time I start the writing process, I try to determine what I want to say to my audience —what change I’m hoping to cause.

Say What!

Not that I am the best, but the best writers know what they want to say before they began writing. The plot usually develops later in the process, even for outliners like me. Sometimes even the characters reveal themselves by what they really want to say.

Thus, knowing your them or message/message beforehand can help you write a better story in the writing process. One of the beauties of screenwriting is we get to utilize multiple senses, so we have more ways to express our store’s theme. We can say what we want without having to spell it out for our audiences. Below are a few of my favorite movies with clear themes we can see.

What message burns inside of your heart and drives you to write? Our job as storytellers is more than just entertaining. We have an opportunity to make an impact on countless lives when we know what we mean.

Martin Johnson survived a severe car accident with a (T.B.I.) Traumatic brain injury which left him legally blind and partially paralyzed on the left side. He is an award-winning Christian screenwriter who has recently finished his first Christian nonfiction book. Martin has spent the last nine years volunteering as an ambassador and promoter for Promise Keepers ministries. While speaking to local men’s ministries he shares his testimony. He explains The Jesus Paradigm and how following Jesus changes what matters most in our lives. Martin lives in a Georgia and connects with readers at Spiritual Perspectives of Da Single Guy and on Twitter at mtjohnson51.

1 https://lah.elearningontario.ca/CMS/public/exported_courses/EWC4U/exported/EWC4UU2/EWC4UU2A1/_teacher/A%20Huge%20List%20of%20Common%20Themes%20-%20Literary%20Devices.pdf

Categories
Becoming an Author

What is Your Writer Mission Statement?

Every year around this time, I take a moment to reflect on the progress I have made as a writer within the past twelve months. I reflect on whether or not I have reached my writerly goals for that year. I evaluate the areas that I could have improved and what I could have approached differently. Then, based on this, I establish new goals for the upcoming year.

But these goals are not chosen at random; instead, they are created in accordance with my author mission statement.

This mission statement captures and distills the vision of my writing career. It keeps me on track when I start to wander too far from my writerly purpose. And since I have reaped the rewards of crafting this statement, I now encourage writers—especially new writers—to craft their own statement as well.

Here are just a few reasons why you should consider crafting your own writerly mission statement for the New Year:

This mission statement may help you…

  • Specify your author brand.
  • Define your core audience.
  • Brainstorm new content for your author newsletter and social media posts.
  • Reinforce why you have chosen to take this journey, which will keep you motivated for the long haul.
  • Make publishing decisions (for example: if you should write for the Christian market or the general market, whether you should pursue traditional publishing or self-publishing, etc.).
  • Enable you to see the “big picture,” especially when the going gets tough.
  • Navigate the maze of marketing.
  • Stay focused on what matters in your journey.
  • Avoid the trap of comparing yourself to other authors.

How can you craft this mission statement?

Here is the template that I have personally used to create mine, but feel free to modify this however you wish!

Your mission statement should answer the following questions…

  • What kind of books do I hope to write (e.g. inspirational, adventurous, issue-driven, historical, etc.)?
  • What is my purpose behind writing?
  • Who is my audience? (Be specific here!)
  • What do I hope to accomplish through the books that I write?
  • Is there a specific message that I want to portray through my books?

Need an example of how this may be crafted? Below is the mission statement I have created for my personal writing career:

“In all that I write—both fiction and non-fiction—I hope to minister the healing power of God’s love, show readers that hope is always available, and leave them with an appetite to pursue a relationship with Christ. In the books that I write, it is my desire to show teen girls that they are not alone in whatever it is that they are walking through. I want to encourage them to make the most of their youth by embracing their unique potential to further God’s Kingdom.”

This mission statement distills my heart behind my writing career. It reflects how I want to impact my readers. It focuses on what I believe is the message I am called to share to my target audience.

So if you need a little extra motivation for your own writing career—if you have been struggling with comparison, finding your author brand, staying focused, etc.—I challenge you to create this mission statement. Return to the why and the how: why you have chosen to write and how you would like to impact your readers.

Then return to this post and leave your mission statement in the comments below! =)

Tessa Emily Hall is an award-winning author who wrote her debut novel when she was sixteen. She is now a multi-published author of both fiction and non-fiction inspirational yet authentic books for teens, including her upcoming release, LOVE YOUR SELFIE (October 2020, Ellie Claire). Her passion for shedding light on clean entertainment and media for teens led her to a career as a Literary Agent at Cyle Young Literary Elite, YA Acquisitions Editor for Illuminate YA (LPC Imprint), and Founder/Editor of PursueMagazine.net. Tessa is guilty of making way too many lattes and never finishing her to-read list. When her fingers aren’t flying 128 WPM across the keyboard, she can be found speaking to teens, teaching at writing conferences, coaching young writers, and acting in Christian films. Her favorite way to procrastinate is to connect with readers is on her mailing list, social media (@tessaemilyhall), and website: www.tessaemilyhall.com.

Categories
Kids Lit

Writing Books that Matter

Kids Lit

I was in the window seat, thumbing through my recent issue of “Writer’s Digest,” just waiting for the plane to take off when a mother and her young daughter sat down next to me.

“Don’t worry, babe,” the mom comforted. “You’re going to be all right. We both will.”

But the little girl didn’t seem so sure. She fidgeted, hid her face in her stuffed unicorn, and eventually, her tears flowed.

She was afraid. Very afraid.

The mom in me wanted to help. I was so thankful I had listened to that still small Voice when I packed my briefcase that morning.

“Is this your first flight?” I asked the little girl.

Without looking at me, she nodded.

“It’s a first flight for both of us,” her mom quickly added. “And, we’re both a little scared.”

I locked eyes with the mama and asked, “I’m a children’s author. Would it be Ok if I shared a book with your daughter? I think it might be helpful.”

“Of course,” she answered.

I reached down and pulled out my book, “I Will Not Be Afraid” (Concordia Publishing House) and handed it to the little girl.

“I wrote this book for my little girls when they were afraid,” I told her. “I want you to have it.”

She looked up at me with her big brown teary eyes and gave me just a hint of a smile. She and her mama read every page and every accompanying bible verse about fear, and by the time the plane took off, a calmness had blanketed our row.

That, my friends, is why we do what we do.

Our words, whether written in rhyme or narrative, hold great power. They can encourage, empower, educate, and comfort our readers. They can bring much-needed laughter, and they can provide a temporary escape into a world of story.

As Christian writers for children, we can make a difference, and just knowing that fact makes all the difference. Knowing you’re not just throwing together a manuscript for the sake of another sale, but rather you’re crafting a story that might encourage a child who never receives any support at home, or that you’re writing a book that could bring comfort to a scared little girl, that’s what keeps us writing.

That should be what drives us when we’re putting in the hours—studying the craft, learning the market, revising and rewriting, praying over every word, and promoting so our books can go everyplace they were intended to go and do the work they were destined to do.

Felt needs

Many publishers call these kinds of books “felt need” books, which basically means these children’s books fill a void. They address a need or they deal with a difficult situation in a very kid-friendly way. I love writing these kinds of books because it feels like ministry. You know why it feels that way? Because it is!

Some common felt-need topics include being afraid, being sad, feeling overwhelmed, feeling angry, and not feeling good enough. These types of needs can be narrowed down through story to address a very specific aspect of the felt need. For example, it’s not just that the child is afraid. The child in your story might be afraid of the dark. That’s a very common childhood fear. My daughter Abby was very afraid of the dark, which is why I wrote “Operation Moonbeam” (Little Lamb Books) which debuts in 2021. Or, it’s not just that your main character feels sad, it’s that she feels sad about her best friend moving away. Now, you’ve got the seeds of a story.

              Felt need books are also referred to as issue oriented books. For example, there have been several books released in recent years about a grandparent’s battle with dementia. It’s very sad when Grandpa no longer remembers his grandson’s name. Helping a child understand the disease a little more and assuring the child that Grandpa’s lack of memory certainly doesn’t mean his love for the child is diminished, provides education and comfort to that reader. This can be handled through fiction or nonfiction, or you can combine the two by addressing the situation through story as well as providing nonfiction backmatter about the disease and resources to learn more.

              As I walked through Book Expo in New York City last year, I couldn’t believe how many more companies had begun felt need/issue oriented lines. Just as I walked into the main room at Book Expo, I saw a whole wall of board books that all began the same way, “When I feel…”

Do you know why these kinds of books are becoming more and more popular? I believe it’s because they are becoming more and more needed. Kids today are facing adult situations, and as these little kids battle big problems, they often suffer anxiety, fear, anger, and hopelessness.

I’m not saying that as Christian children’s writers we are expected to have all the answers, but I am saying this—we know the One who does! He can help us help them! And, it’s our privilege to hold the little hands of our readers and walk them through these difficult seasons.

In order to do this with skill, however, we need to study others who have done it well. Here are just a couple of suggestions to get you started. Read “The Rough Patch” by Brian Lies to see a masterfully written children’s book about dealing with grief. Read Crystal Bowman’s book, “I Love You to the Stars: When Grandma Forgets, Love Remembers “ that tackles the topic of dementia head on. And, of course, you can check out “I Will Not Be Afraid” to see how I handled many of the most common childhood fears in one book.

Let me also challenge you to make a list of the things that most bothered you as a child or a teen. Was it anxiety over being bullied? Was it feeling embarrassed over not being good enough? Be specific when you make your list, attaching emotions to events or situations. Next, look at your list and ask, “Do children today face these same types of situations? Is there room on the shelf for another book addressing this topic or emotion? And, am I the one to write it?”

Once you’ve answered those questions, pray and ask God the best way to share your story so the pain you experienced as a child (or the pain your own children have gone through) has purpose. Let it motivate you to write a life-changing book for children, or maybe just a comforting book for a little girl sitting next to you on your next flight. Be excited that God has chosen you for such a time as this…your healing words are needed now more than ever.

So write.

(This post is an excerpt from Michelle’s upcoming book with Cyle Young: Writing & Selling Children’s Books in the Christian Market: From Board Books to YA being published by Iron Stream Media.)

Michelle Medlock Adams is an award-winning journalist and best-selling author of over 90 books with close to 4 million sold. Her many journalism and book awards include top honors from the Associated Press, AWSA’s Golden Scroll for Best Children’s Book, and the Selah Award for Best Children’s Book. Michelle currently serves as President of Platinum Literary Services, a premier full-service literary firm; Chairman of the Board of Advisors for Serious Writer, Inc.; and a much sought-after speaker at writers conferences and women’s retreats all over the United States.  

When not writing or teaching writing, Michelle enjoys bass fishing and cheering on the Indiana University Basketball team, the Chicago Cubbies, and the LA Kings.

Michelle is celebrating the recent release of her books, Cuddle-up Prayers; The Perfect Persimmon; I Love You Bigger Than the Sky and is anticipating the upcoming release of her book Writing & Selling Children’s Books in the Christian Market: From Board Books to YA (Iron Stream Media) with her coauthor and literary agent Cyle Young.

Categories
Embrace the Wait

Survival Tips for the Waiting Part of Writing Tip #18 – Keep your social media posts social

As a writer, Christian, and citizen I have made a purposeful choice to keep my social media posts social. What does that mean? Now more than ever social media has become a hotbed for debate. Debate can be good when there is mutual sharing of ideas and opinions for the purpose of learning from each other or understanding one another better. But for that goal to be accomplished, the people involved in the discussion must be willing to listen and treat others with respect. Here are some reasons why social media may not be a great forum for that.

1) If there’s an issue we are passionate about or feel the need to stand up for–social media is the least effective place to make a difference. If we’re simply trying to vent to likeminded people and get them to hop aboard our rant train, posting a passive-aggressive meme or a long-winded post will accomplish that easily. But in the process, what do we forfeit? No one has ever changed anyone’s mind about an issue by simply posting about it. The best place to have these important discussions is face-to-face. For more information about how science backs up this theory, see the links below.

2) We don’t want to alienate the very audience we hope to impact. We all have beliefs and issues that touch our very core. Our calling, as Christian writers, compels us to express those beliefs and issues with words. But we must remain mindful of the platform we choose as a vehicle for those words. One indiscriminate post, that feeds a divisive issue, may ruin our ability to reach a lost and hurting world that needs the hope the lies within us.

3) Our brand and our calling should draw people in, not divide and conquer. We find ourselves at a time in history where we are divided in every way—physically divided because of the quarantine, politically divided, spiritually divided, divided on issues of health, education etc. Although social media has become a tool for further division, we have the potential to use it as place to bring people together. With every post, meme, video, or thought, we have the ability to strengthen the weary, shine light on truth, and provide a haven for those who need rest. May God help us do this, as we seek Him for direction and purpose during these unprecedented days.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:1-2, Proverbs 12:18, Proverbs 13:3, Proverbs 25:11,

Fun Fact or Helpful Resource:
Resources for why it’s better to leave weighty and debatable issues to face-to-face conversation:

Why You Should Never Argue with Anyone on Facebook

https://carrierclinic.org/2019/08/08/the-good-bad-and-in-between-of-social-media/

Annette Marie Griffin is a award-winning writer who speaks at local women’s group meetings and women’s retreats on the topic of biblical womanhood and finding our identity in Christ. She is the Operations and Events Coordinator at a private school for special needs students and is the editor of their quarterly newsletter. She has written custom curriculum for women’s retreats and children’s church curriculum for Gateway Church in San Antonio, Texas where she served as Children’s Ministry Director and Family Program Director for over twenty years. She and her husband John have five amazing children and two adorable grands. She’s a member of Word Weavers International, ACFW, SCBWI, and serves on the Board of Directors for The Creative Writing Institute.

Categories
Screenwriting

What’s the Point?

Recently my best friend and I met up for our first guys’ night out of the year, after eating dinner we decided to go see the latest Star Wars film, THE RISE OF SKYWALKER .

For us it was more than just an appropriate “guy movie,” it was a trip back through our childhood on a cinematic journey. How could we resist the nostalgia of spaceships, droids, the age-old battle of good versus evil and of course seeing Princess Leia one last time?

The real caveat has been the real message of hope, against all the odds. For over forty years this series has inspired viewers with the idea of hope, starting with Star Wars: A New Hope.

Two generations of fans have left theaters with the idea that hope is the answer. When I first began my training as a writer in 2011, the first term I learned about was takeaway. If we always think reader (audience) first, they will take something with them from our writing.

I learned that the takeaway is inspired by numerous factors:

  • Plot – the course of events that make up our story.
  • Theme – the underlying idea behind the events that take place.
  • Message – how the theme is acted out or upon.

Through these three fundamentals of a story, the takeaway inspires us to take action in life. And I believe deep inside of all writers we have a desire to change lives, and we attempt to change perspectives through our art. This is why takeaway is important to stories.

Takeaway?

Granted there are many forms of writing and each one has a different function: to entertain, to inform, persuade and my favorite, to enlighten.

Regardless of the function, a writer’s ultimate goal is to bring some form of change. We want to encourage our audiences to take action and that is why our prose needs takeaway value.

Even in fictional writing takeaway value is critical. It may be an inciting or motivating incident that gets our audience moving.

When I attended my first screenwriting conference in 2011, it included a speed pitch session. Similar to speed dating, writers were allowed to travel from one industry insider’s table to another for a short amount of time.

During that time we were to pitch our project to each prospective studio or producer. Regardless of the professional I pitched to, they all wanted to know what my screenplay’s takeaway was.

A studio or producer and even networks aren’t willing to invest their resources into a project unless there is a unique and marketable takeaway value in the project.

When writing has takeaway value, an audience or reader gains an understanding or perspective that can be incorporated into day-to-day life. As I learned in one of my classes through the former Christian writers Guild, “Editors look out for their readers—and they want to work with writers… who do the same. They publish articles that provide strong takeaway value.”[i]

They do this to meet a need in their readers’ lives. Once you decide on what you want to encourage your audience or readers to do or think, be sure to take steps to encourage them to take action. Below are a few steps you can take in your writing.

  1. Create an eye-catching title.
  2. Open with a real-life story.
  3. Anticipate the opposition.
  4. Evoke emotion.
  5. Keep readers interested.
  6. Write in the active voice.
  7. Invite readers to take action.[ii]

While these are intended for article or nonfiction writing, they easily apply to screenwriting:

  • Titles can imply a lot about a movie.
  • Most audiences can relate more to real-life stories.
  • Most moviegoers are movie critics and want an enjoyable experience.
  • Emotional stories touch audiences at a deeper level.
  • Be creative and keep the audience interested.
  • The age-old truth for screenwriting is to always write in the active voice as the story is unfolding before our eyes now.
  • Give your story a conclusion that will motivate your audience.

By the time the credits start to roll at the end of a movie, the audience should have followed the plot, understood the theme and have a clear message from your narrative. No one likes leaving a movie unsatisfied and wondering why they invested the time and money into it—what was the point?

What’s The Point?

Every writer has a story, message or point they want to share. If you’re human you have a perspective, personality, and a voice. Screenplays are a visual way of expressing each.

  • You can entertain.
  • You can educate.
  • You can inspire.

The best movies change us or something in us. Below are a few of my favorite, can you relate to their takeaway?

Shawshank Redemption: Redemption/change.

A Very Long Engagement : Real love never dies.

The Grace Card: We all need grace.

I’m sure you can think of many of your favorites that have impacted your life, character, and beliefs. Because if a story has no takeaway, then what’s the point?

Martin Johnson survived a severe car accident with a (T.B.I.) Traumatic brain injury which left him legally blind and partially paralyzed on the left side. He is an award-winning Christian screenwriter who has recently finished his first Christian nonfiction book. Martin has spent the last nine years volunteering as an ambassador and promoter for Promise Keepers ministries. While speaking to local men’s ministries he shares his testimony. He explains The Jesus Paradigm and how following Jesus changes what matters most in our lives. Martin lives in a Georgia and connects with readers at Spiritual Perspectives of Da Single Guy and on Twitter at mtjohnson51.

[i] Jenkins (2010) Apprentice Course CWG publishing Colorado Springs, CO p 87.

[ii] Jenkins (2010) Apprentice Course CWG publishing Colorado Springs, CO p 93.

Categories
A Lighter Look at the Writer's Life

You Are . . .

lighter look at a writer's life

Your not going to like what I say. You might feel like pulling you’re hair out.

I am assuming you know what is wrong with those first two sentences. As a teacher, a writer, AND a regular person on social media, I see these words abused all the time.

I have a new phone (Yes, I am finally out of the dark ages. What’s next? An iPad? Flavored Cheerios?), and, any time I am typing a message like Your package came, it tries to autocorrect to You’re. The opposite is true as well. If I type You’re a nut, it autocorrects to Your.

What is this world coming to when Mr. Autocorrect is not so correct anymore? I may have to send him to his room and make him type You’re not alone with your problems one-hundred times.

I have mentioned before, I had a great English teacher in high school and college who was something of a Grammar Tyrant. He pounded proper usage into us until we wanted to cry for help. Those lessons stick with me to this day.

“Remember, you’re is a contraction for you are, while your is a possessive. When in doubt, say you are to yourself and see if it fits the sentence.”

So, if you see me mumbling to myself while I am typing, it is not senility. It is me saying you are to myself. I do the same thing with they’re, but that is a lesson for another day.

The moral of the story? Be careful with your word usage. If you already know these rules, you’re on the right track.

A final note to my readers: I appreciate you. You are great!

Carlton Hughes wears many hats. By day, he’s a professor of communication at Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College. On Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings, he does object lessons and songs with motions as Children’s Pastor of Lynch Church of God. In his “spare time,” he is a freelance writer whose work has appeared in numerous publications, including Chicken Soup for the Soul and several devotional books from Worthy Publishing—Let the Earth Rejoice, Just Breathe, So God Made a Dog, and Everyday Grace for Men. Carlton and his wife Kathy have two sons, Noah and Ethan, both of whom recently flew out of the nest. He is on the planning committee for Kentucky Christian Writers Conference and is a year-round volunteer for Operation Christmas child. He is represented by Cyle Young of Hartline Literary Agency. His book Adventures in Fatherhood, a 60-day devotional co-authored with Holland Webb, will release in April 2020 from Worthy/Ellie Claire.

Categories
Mastering Middle Grade

Preachy or Peachy

My critique group says my MG fiction is preachy. Now what?

First let me say that I love my critique group. I’m not writing about y’all. We’re solid.

Getting productive feedback on your work is a lifeline. It’s critical to have fresh eyes to review your words and point out where things are working, where they can be improved, and what should be thrown out.

Now, unless you’re a pastor, you probably don’t want people to react with “that chapter/section/story is a bit preachy.”

If your first response to this kind of criticism is like mine (i.e., hackles raised and shields up), may I share with you something I’ve learned that might ease the sting?

Many people feel a calling to write for kids because they want to share their love of Christ. As one of my sisters would say, “ain’t no shame in that.” It’s only natural for that love and enthusiasm with sharing the message seep into our writing (okay, maybe for some of us it’s less of a seep and more of a flood).

At the Blue Ridge Christian Writers Conference Children’s workshop, one of the faculty reminded us that our primary target audience is between eight and twelve years old. Our audience is soaked in a learning environment six to eight hours a day, five days a week.

This means they can smell a lesson from 500 yards away. If you come at them with teaching wrapped in a cute main character, they will put your book down.

Like us, kids read fiction to be entertained, escape their troubles, and explore the world. Who can blame them?

Do you have a lesson or a story?

Ask yourself – and honestly answer – if you are trying to impart a lesson or tell a story. Knowing your objective is half the battle. If your heart is telling you to teach children about Christ’s love, as important as that is – it’s not a story.  If your heart has named a character who has a unique adventure, you have a story.

If you have a story, go back through your manuscript and find ways to let the story shine. Bring it to life with realistic characters, imperfect allies, obstacles to overcome and plenty of excitement.  Doubt that it will be “Christian” enough? Don’t. Because you’re you and you love Christ, your world view will show up in the telling of it, I promise. And you never know how God is going to use your words.

Maybe you feel like you have less of a story and more of a lesson.  That’s a great thing to know. If this is the case, writing a nonfiction book may bring you more success. In nonfiction, you still have freedom to use more direct language, cite more Scripture, conduct interviews and collect data that will bring your lesson home in a very real and accessible way for kids. Instead of trying to force a tale around a message, just bring the message.

Most importantly, when you receive feedback that shakes your gut a little bit, know that you’re not alone. We’ve all been there (multiple times, probably) and lived to tell the tale. Use it for good and know your Father sees you and is working for your benefit.

Oh- and if this post comes off a little preachy, know that I hear you and I’m working on it.

Kell McKinney earned a B.A. in journalism from the University of Oklahoma and an M.S. in documentary studies from the University of North Texas. She’s a part-time copywriter, double-time mom and wife, and spends every free minute writing and/or hunting for her car keys. Connect with her on Twitter @Kell_McK or kellmckinney.com.

Categories
A Pinch of Poetry

Poet Snapshot: Langston Hughes

I fell in love with Langston Hughes’ poetry when only a teenager in high school. Still today, I enjoy reading and re-reading his beautiful word pictures. This talented African-American poet’s work contributed greatly to the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920’s.

One thing I admire about his work is that he wrote in simple, everyday language. Yet his poetry exhibits creativity and beauty that examines the struggles of everyday life, especially of black Americans. Although his poems are usually easy to understand (and some are quite short) the complexity is between the layers of figurative language he uses.

I connect with his poetry personally because the themes touch on our common experiences: disappointments, love, sorrow, hopes, etc…

As you read through five of my favorite poems below, note his simple, elegant style and the depth of his messages. We can learn from this poet that powerful imagery, figurative language and themes are more important than word count.

[bctt tweet=”Powerful imagery, figurative language and themes are more important than word count. #poetry #poets”]

“Dreams,” probably one his shortest poems, examines the effect of disappointment. Take a look at the metaphors and the imagery. Did you also notice the sound devices of alliteration and rhyme?

“Theme for English B” addresses the issue of race on the surface. Underneath it reveals the power of poetry to break the barriers between people and find common ground. Yet even with the complex theme, he still uses simple language and imagery to communicate his message.

“Mother to Son” is a brilliant poem in which he takes on the persona of a mother encouraging her son. He reveals the darkness we encounter in life but leaves us with encouragement to press on. The extended metaphor of the broken down staircase paints a detailed picture of the speaker’s struggles. Each attribute of the staircase can symbolize a different kind of difficulty.

“Dream Deferred” is another short poem that paints a distinct image of disappointment through the use of metaphor. The message poignantly comes through his use of rather disgusting images. His technique shows that it’s not the number of words you use for the effect, but it’s how you use them.

“Dream Keeper” is probably my top favorite Langston Hughes poem. In a succinct way, the poet describes the delicate nature of dreams. His metaphors of “heart melodies” and “blue cloud-cloth” are such unique, amazing images that leave a deep impression on the reader.

Hopefully, you’ve enjoyed reading just a few of the many poems Langston Hughes penned. If you want to read more poetry by this poet, click here.

Did any of these poems resonate with you? Tell me below.

Categories
A Pinch of Poetry

Understanding Poetry: 5 Questions to Ask

Many people are discouraged from enjoying poetry because they claim it’s too difficult. Trust me. I’ve had those moments when faced with an enigma of words on the page.

One way I hope to lessen the fear of reading poetry is to show you how to read it—especially for more complex poems. These five questions will help you crack the code of many poems you might come across.

What is the imagery in the poem?

Understanding poetry begins with visualizing the central images in the poem. What do you see, taste, smell, hear, and feel?

Then figure out what those images have in common. For instance, in Langston Hughes’ “Mother to Son” the imagery centers around a broken down staircase and reflects personal brokenness and hardship.

What is the mood of the poem? (Or How does it make me feel?)

The imagery can help you determine whether the mood or feeling of the poem is positive or negative. In the poem above, the negative imagery conveys a negative, or somber mood. Yet the speaker shows her determination to overcome life’s hardships by saying things such as “For I’se still going honey” which in turn allows the poem to end on a more positive note rather than desperation.

Who is the speaker of the poem?

The speaker is the voice of the poem, and it’s not necessarily the poet. In Hughes’ poem, the speaker is a mother speaking to her son, while the poet is a man. You should identify the speaker by describing him or her as “someone who…” and fill in the blank. Does the person admire nature? Or does she have a message for someone? Maybe the speaker is complaining about something or questioning his life. In this poem, the speaker is a mother who is encouraging her son not to give up just because life is difficult.

What structural or stylistic techniques does the poet use?

Notice the punctuation, informal language and repetition in the poem.

Usually poets use structure and style to emphasize the message or reflect the meaning of the poem. In Hughes’ poem, the repeated line “And life for me ain’t been no crystal stair” is a big key to the message he’s trying to convey. Also, the poem is written in dialect which makes it sound more like we’re overhearing part of a conversation. This makes it more personal.

What is the message of the poem?

All of the above questions point to the message the poet wants to convey. Consider the negative imagery that represents the hardships of life and the negative mood that contrasts with the speaker’s words of encouragement. Her words emphasize that she’s not given up and kept going despite the hardships. So we can guess the message the poet means to share is to persevere through hard times no matter what.

Now I know you’re probably thinking that was too easy. And yes, for teaching purposes I picked a simpler poem. However, if you get in the habit of looking for these things when reading any level of poetry, you will find it much more understandable and enjoyable.

[bctt tweet=”Crack the code of poetry with just 5 questions! #poets #poetry”]

Do you have a special technique you use to uncover the messages in the poetry you read? Tell me below.

 

Categories
A Pinch of Poetry

5 Ways to Keep Your Poetry Simple

Simplicity is extremely valuable when it comes to communicating through poetry. I’ve always wanted my poems to positively impact the reader rather than turn them away.

From my experience, here are five things to keep in mind as you craft your own poems that will allow readers to appreciate them fully.

1: Relatable Subject

First, choose a recognizable subject that will resonate with your audience. If the reader can relate to the subject, he or she will appreciate the poem that much more. Many poets, if not all, write from the unique inspirations of everyday life. Example

2 : Simple Language

You might be tempted to use academic words or jargon in poetry, but I recommend that you do this sparingly and only for a certain effect, such as humor or reverence. Your ideas can still be complex, and you should use unique words and phrases. Just make sure your poem on the whole is decipherable. Example

3: Comprehensible Message

What meaning do you want to convey through your poetry? Whatever it is, try to make sure that it fits our common experience. People understand themes such as beauty, death, joy and disappointment. Choosing a simple message will make sure that the reader “gets it.” Example

4: Clear Imagery

Every poet should use figurative language and poetic devices to create imagery and mood in their poetry. That’s where the true complexity and skill comes into play. Whatever techniques you use should create easily visualized images that touch one or more of the five senses. Example

5: Familiar References

Allusion is a powerful poetic tool, but it can often leave the reader confused. If you make references, try to allude to people, places, events, etc… for which most of your readers will have some knowledge. If you make an obscure reference, the readers might miss the entire point. Example

Knowing Your Audience

Most of these suggestions have to do with knowing your audience. As you consider these ideas, also keep in mind your readers. If they will understand academic vocabulary, obscure subjects and references and extraordinary topics, then by all means use them.

Warning: Simplicity Doesn’t Mean Easy

[bctt tweet=”If it’s too easy to write, then you probably didn’t try hard enough. #writers #poets”]

I want to be very clear about what I mean by keeping poetry simple.

When writing poetry using my suggestions, you may be tempted to simplify the techniques. For example, forcing rhyme in a poem at the expense of your diction (word choice). Or using clichés instead of coming up with original similes, metaphors, etc…

Be reminded that writing poetry shouldn’t be an easy task for you, the poet. It takes much skill to craft a commendable poem that resonates with a reader. If it’s too easy to write, then you probably didn’t try hard enough.

Just saying.

Because poetry is an art, we want it to be worthy of appreciation as well as accessible to the world. We want our readers to understand it, but not oversimplify it so it loses its aesthetic value.

And I’m not suggesting that you should never write poems that have mystery and depth—both add value to poetry.

I simply believe that the complexity should mostly challenge the poet rather than the reader.

Do you have any other suggestions for writing understandable poetry? Tell me below.

[bctt tweet=”Let the complexity of poetry challenge the poet rather than the reader. #poets #poetry “]

Categories
Truth Be Told

God in a Booger

Truth Not Lies Board Showing Honesty

“Mom, I think Tina could make a sermon illustration out of a booger.”

I saw the two of them giggling back in their pew as I delivered my sermon that morning. When service was over I cornered my friend and asked what she and her daughter found so humorous, since I obviously missed the joke.

She told me what her daughter said, and I couldn’t help but giggle myself.

Truth be told, I do believe we can find a spiritual implication and application in everything.

Isn’t that what Jesus did?

He wanted to make a point and the nearest thing at hand was a wineskin, or a woman’s sewing. As he walked the paths teaching a team of oxen, a fig tree, or an ear of corn became the vehicle to explain a truth.

Over and over Jesus called attention to the obvious and everyday things around him to point to the truth of God.

Look around you. What do you see? A leaf, a car, a baby? What do you hear? A siren, a bird song, a laugh?

Do you see God? He’s there. He wants to be seen. He wants to be shared.

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord. (Jeremiah 29:13-14a, NIV)

Oh, and just to relieve your wonderment: I’ve never preached about a booger!

[bctt tweet=”A sermon illustration out of a booger?#messgae #mess” via=”no”]

Categories
Truth Be Told

Your Mess May Be Your Message

Shame is an incredible de-motivator.

Shame whispers questions and breathes doubt into our hearts and minds, stifling our creativity and limiting what God wants to say through us to others.

Truth be told: I know this because this demon did a nasty number on me for several years.

Thankfully, I’ve done some major work on my thinking in this area and God has lavished his balm of grace to my heart and mind. Still, it is a weak spot the enemy likes to attack.

When he does I have two tools to remind me he doesn’t get to win.

First, is a little picture I keep on my desk as a constant reminder. It was a gift from a seminary professor many years ago.

The brown tape spots in the corners might bother some people, but they remind me how it has reminded me in different places and times over the years.

I found the other reminder while writing a book about the Prodigal Family. The Christian faith is full of people who understand the battle with shame. And the Book we revere, the Bible, tells their stories.

The next time you feel like God can’t use you, just remember………..

Noah was a drunk

Abraham was too old

Isaac was a daydreamer
Jacob was a liar
Leah was ugly
Joseph was abused
Moses had a stuttering problem
Gideon was afraid
Samson had long hair and was a womanizer
Rahab was a prostitute
Jeremiah and Timothy were too young
David had an affair and was a murderer
Elijah was suicidal
Isaiah preached naked
Jonah ran from God
Naomi was a widow
Job went bankrupt
John the Baptist ate bugs
Peter denied Christ
The Disciples fell asleep while praying
Martha worried about everything
The Samaritan woman was divorced, more than once
Zaccheus was too small
Paul was too religious
Timothy had an ulcer

…AND
Lazarus was dead!

Now, no more excuses.
God can use you to your full potential.
Besides you aren’t the message,
You are just the messenger.

I wish I knew who wrote this. I would like to thank them.

There are many ways to use the ugly, shame-filled parts of our lives to bring healing and redemption.

You mess may be your message. Will you be the messenger?

[bctt tweet=”Shame is an incredible de-motivator. #writer #novel” via=”no”]