Comments on: How book promotion language can attract or repel readers

By: W. M. Raebeck

W. M. Raebeck — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 23:46:16 +0000

Couldn’t agree more.

By: Sandra Beckwith

Sandra Beckwith — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 14:34:00 +0000

Thanks, Wendy. My commentary only applies to using that language in marketing materials, not in a book’s content.

And yeah, like you, there are times when it makes me laugh — just not in the subject line of an email message that’s trying to sell me on how to make a living using words!

Sandy

By: W. M. Raebeck

W. M. Raebeck — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 03:46:39 +0000

I say save the expletives for comedy or true shock value. Otherwise, it’s usually just a lazy way of emphasis. I can’t tell you how many f-bombs I’ve removed from my own 1st, 2nd, 3rd, even final drafts. As much as I feel the passion behind them, in the end, I don’t want them marring my work.

But there are times and places when they really make me laugh.

By: Sandra Beckwith

Sandra Beckwith — Wed, 15 Sep 2021 20:04:39 +0000

In reply to John H.W. Rhein III.

I like your expression, John! That’s a good one. And if they sink, you learn from the experience to make sure they float the next time, right?

Thanks for stopping by!

Sandy

By: John H.W. Rhein III

John H.W. Rhein III — Wed, 15 Sep 2021 14:50:11 +0000

Here I was, after 2 years in the Army married, jobless and broke. The best I could do was in the mail room in an advertising agency. After a month I was placed in their Store Audit Department which was subsequently discontinued. It’s closure left 16 young, eager ad men on the street. After a dismal search and many turndowns I was given some sound advice (long story). I was hired as an advertising rep by Forbes magazine. The downside, I was given no training. It was like throwing a kid in the water over his head and telling him to swim. Cruel though it was I then developed what I call my GRIT COURSE. The only requirement was do the thing you hate to do often enough and you’ll end up liking it. That’s how I became a successful publisher. Your list of dos and do nots is excellent. I have a list of sayings a mile long (well not quite) I write almost every day. Here’s one you inspired: “Like any ship, your words will either float or sink” Wonderful. Keep up the good work.

By: Sandra Beckwith

Sandra Beckwith — Mon, 13 Sep 2021 00:09:53 +0000

In reply to Alejandro De La Garza.

I agree that writing is harder than it looks, Alejandro — much harder. I like what you said about how personalities emerge in writing. I think that whether we write fiction or nonfiction, we develop a “voice” with experience, and that writing voice is similar to our real one. What do you think?

Sandy

By: Alejandro De La Garza

Alejandro De La Garza — Sun, 12 Sep 2021 06:21:33 +0000

In reply to Olga Oliver. LOL! Exactly!

By: Alejandro De La Garza

Alejandro De La Garza — Sun, 12 Sep 2021 06:20:32 +0000

That wannabe freelance writer proved something we already know: writing is harder than it looks! As a technical writer, I’ve found myself working with engineers and programmers who basically know what they want to communicate, but just can’t. Their style of writing is too technical (nerdy?) for average people to comprehend. That’s where I feel my ability to work with people and help them transfer what’s in their minds into a coherent, logical format. Yet, some people still feel that splattering words onto a Word document or a cell phone qualifies them as scribes worthy of a web site or a podcast.

The message I convey with my creative writing is aimed at people who have similar interests. I’m a strange little man and tell people that up front on my blog. But, most importantly, I don’t insult my readers; assuming instead they have at least half a brain and enjoy weaving cerebral tapestries with me. Everyone’s true personalities ultimately emerge with their own words and actions. Getting others to understand it will always be key to personal success.

By: Sandra Beckwith

Sandra Beckwith — Thu, 09 Sep 2021 19:27:49 +0000

In reply to Olga Oliver. I can't argue with this, Olga! Sandy

By: Olga Oliver

Olga Oliver — Thu, 09 Sep 2021 19:25:30 +0000

In my opinion, a writer’s work gives a perfect X-ray of the writer. Cute, tacky, silly, dumb words show how one’s brain needs repair work.
Olga