Should Writers Write the Way They Speak...?

As chance would have it, (or maybe serendipity), I ran into a young lady some time ago, at a creative function, who was an aspiring author. We hit it off right away.
In the hopes that we might collaborate on future creative projects, we exchanged information.
Excited to learn more about her background and her future events, I looked up her site to check her out, days later. What I found was impressive.

She was obviously educated, accomplished, talented, and eager to build a platform and make a difference. There was just one problem.

Her "About Me" page came across more like she was applying for a prestigious position, as opposed to connecting with readers and having an online "conversation."
She used lofty, 100 dollar words, when $5.00 words would have sufficed.

Don't get me wrong; I do believe that the words she chose to express herself on her profile were no doubt a part of her everyday vocabulary, given her credentials. Yet the language was cold and impersonal.
Not at all like the friendly and engaging woman I encountered upon meeting her.

But, it's a mistake that many bloggers and aspiring authors make.
Which begs the question...
Should you write the way you speak?
The answer is yes. And no.

Allow me to elaborate here...

In my professional capacity, I have had the opportunity to pen pieces for an array of different publications and projects. From academic articles, to blog posts, to columns and social commentary, to reviews.
My language, tone, and approach are dictated by related factors. As should yours.
Accordingly, here are some things you'll need to consider in deciding how to best use your "writer's voice":

•   Informal or formal project?

When I sit down to craft my blog posts, I typically write very informally. I want folks to feel as if they're sitting in the same room with me, perhaps over a cup of tea or a glass of Merlot. With this being the case, I write as the mood hits me, or as the creative process leads me. You'll read everything from fragments, to Ebonics, to Pig Latin, to a little Spanish, to the King's English. And I will, from time to time, end a sentence with a preposition, thank you very much. :-)
Word up!  But, when I'm writing for a corporate client or an article for academia, I am more "poised" and conventional in what I present. You should be too.

• Who is your audience?  

Are you writing a book for kids? A blog post for other writers? An instructional guide for employees? A speech to be delivered at a graduation? It's all relative. That's why knowing your audience is one of the cardinal rules of writing. The more you know about who your audience is comprised of, the greater the chance of tailoring your words to that readership and resonating with them.

• What is your purpose?

Is it to entertain? To rant? To educate? To raise awareness of an important cause? Your purpose will ultimately determine your word choices, the type of information you share, your level of "intimacy" with readers, and the delivery.

• What's your communication style?

Some folks are naturally inclined to be funny, while others may come across as more serious and low-keyed. By all means, when the situation dictates, "do you!" Speak naturally.
A case in point would be Dr. Phil. I love his colorful expressions: "That dog ain't gon hunt." And his frequent use of the words "y'all" and "ole boy." He comes off as someone who knows his stuff without being "stuffy."
I find that in a world with far too many imposters and fakes, being authentic has real value. Just make sure it's appropriate and applicable. Meaning, just because you may use four-letter words around friends, doesn't mean that you should adopt this philosophy for your blog. Keep it real, but be realistic.


Your turn.
What's your take on this topic, so to
"speak?"

"Class Clown" Graduates to Successful Comedy Writer

Remember back in school when "class clowns" were frowned down upon?
Teachers would warn you, (if you were one of them), that you were headed for a life of trouble and limited career options? Well, it turns out...not always. Not for everyone.

Meet Jonathan Savitt. A comedy writer and entrepreneur who seems to be "laughing his way to the bank" these days. Read on to discover more about his unconventional path, and how you can infuse your writing with more humor.  This piece has been a while in the making, so without further ado... 

Q.  Can you tell us a little about who you are and your writing background?

Absolutely. I’m a recent graduate so I feel I’m at the perfect age where I’m young enough to be doing what makes me happy without a stigma attached, but old enough where I can legally drink. So, yeah, life is good. Beyond that, I think my writing background really is who I am. It’s really what I focus most of my time into because it’s my passion - It makes me happy. I actually didn’t develop an interest for writing until I was about twenty, so a couple years ago in college.

 

It started from short one-liners on Twitter, once people started to positively respond and I started to gain a following I thought, “Hmm, maybe I can do more with this.” From there, it was pretty discouraging. I faced a lot of rejection because I didn’t have a portfolio or really any notable experience. I really had to reflect on how I was unique and how I was going to provide value for audiences. Once I started to further understand my tone and style I was ale to get my first piece published in“College Humor.” From there I did more consistent writing for some other larger publications and started to get paid for my work – that was a cool concept, getting paid for having fun, essentially – but money has never been a motivator for my writing.

 

My first big “break” I like to say was last year when I was brought on as a writer for MTV News in New York (where I currently contribute). Many more people were reading my articles and I was able to show my personality more. From there opportunities like Thought Catalog, Huffington Post, and some other projects presented themselves – it’s almost like a snowball effect.

 

Q. In this day and age of "political correctness" and protocol, how do you maintain that delicate balance of making people laugh without offending anyone? Or is it even a consideration in your comedic approach?

 

Yeah, I think it’s definitely in my mind. With the prominence of social media these days, you really have to expect that there will be comments about whatever or whoever you are writing about. I assume anything I write is permanent. I mean, look at what happened to Trevor Noah with his Twitter account when he was named Jon Stewart’s replacement.

That being said, I think a delicate balance, as you put it, is the perfect mindset. A big part of my humor is touching on societal issues and current events, so it’s important to me to talk about, what I believe, is the truth and bring these concepts to light for others – to make them aware of all that is going on, though not intentionally in an offensive way. Instead, in a way that initially makes them laugh, and then think and reflect. I’m not the type of writer or comic that is going to go out of my way to offend people, that’s not my style (though I definitely have). However, on the other hand I think being blind to situations that are so present in our lives is just as bad, so the answer isn't to just avoid certain topics. It’s all about balance.

 

Q. What advice would you give to other writers who would like to infuse humor in their blogs or other creative projects?

 

I am a huge advocate of humor. I think it’s just such a humanizing aspect in so many ways and can go a long way in creating a connection with your audience. But my advice would be don’t force it. I think the more important lesson is play to your strengths. If you’re funny then humor can go a long way, but there are also a ton of other writers out there who do things that I could never do and who have a style that wouldn't work for me. When I write I try to transfer my personality onto paper. Almost like I’m having a conversation rather than giving a lecture.

I try to be real – I think that’s the takeaway.

Q. If you had to compare your life to a popular sitcom or TV character, what or who would it be?

 

I love this question. It’s tough. This question is the most stressful part of my week. I watch a lot of Netflix. I might be a Ted Mosby type from “How I Met Your Mother?” Ya know, I tend to take risks and put myself in uncomfortable situations. Sometimes this results in some awkwardness, but I love that. I never like to be too comfortable. I’m also single, so there’s that (wink wink). I was a big fan of“How I Met Your Mother,” for a while (until I wasn’t) and I just view Ted as a nice, down-to-earth, funny guy who isn’t afraid to take risks even if they result in failure. OK, I have a little Barney Stinson in my personality, too.

 

 

Q. How would you complete the following sentence: Success is------?

 

Controlled discomfort. For sure. Looking back, almost every moment in my life that I have been proud of has stemmed from feeling some sort of discomfort – though in a way that makes me grow as a person. And these times spent out of my comfort zone have led to happiness, which is the ultimate goal, right? Now, what happiness means to various people, that’s a completely different story. Happiness can be measured by money, or profession, one’s family, or how many Oreos you can eat in one sitting (17). I’m not here to argue your definition of success or happiness, however, I do believe that taking a trip outside your comfort zone often results in both.

Thanks, Jon. It's been a pleasure having you with us here at Pen and Prosper.


BIO:
Jon Savitt is a comedian and writer who has work featured on popular sites such as: Huffington Post, MTV, Thought Catalog, College Humor, and Buzz Feed.
Connect on Twitter@SavittJ
 

Discover the Joys of Journaling...

The other day, while watching one of my favorite cooking shows, a chef shared a rather unusual "technique" that he feels enhances his meal preparations.

Much to my surprise, this culinary cutie revealed that he keeps a Kitchen Journal where he records his experiences with new recipes, products, variations and substitutions on ingredients, and the results of general experimentation in his "kitchen laboratory" for future reference.

Novel idea, I thought to myself. I would imagine that it allows him to save time and be more strategic in his cooking approach.
Which got my thoughts to "brewing," in terms of the usefulness of journaling, particularly for today's writer.

For as long as I can remember, I have kept one off and on.
My stash is comprised of big ones, little ones, ones without locks, ones with, lined pages, blank pages...red, pink, yellow, blue, black, multi-colored...well, you get the idea here.

What I've discovered is, not only are journals great for chronicling matters of the heart, they're terrific for capturing emotional growth, spiritual struggles, childhood memories, future dreams, travel adventures, conversations, observations, quotes, and other slices of life. This can eventually morph into essays, articles, memoirs, poems, and other creative pieces. Which can ultimately get you published and paid!

And I should know. My journal "scribblings" have found their way into several chapters of Simon and Schuster's popular anthology for women, "Chocolate for a Woman's Heart," while others served as the foundation for columns, commentary pieces, and heartfelt letters.

How about you?

Here are a few different types of journals I've logged in and maintained over the years:

• A Creative Journal--To brainstorm and outline ideas
• A Financial Journal--To record writing expenses and spending patterns
• A Blessings Journal--To remain mindful of all the positive aspects of my life
• A Relationship Journal--To "listen" to my woes, and avoid becoming a nuisance to my friends, to record special memories, to laugh and cry on paper 
• A Home Journal--To keep up with repairs and scheduled maintenance for things like the furnace, gutters, etc. and to document my experience with certain companies and service providers

Besides being therapeutic, journaling can help to shape and mature your writing, and combat periodic writer's block.

"Try it. You might like it."

Curious to know...

Do you journal?
Why or why not?
How does it enhance your creative process? Do tell...

A Tribute to Mothers **Happy Mother's Day

Mothers.
Where would any of us be without them?
They are our role models, our "rocks".

In fact, so crucial to our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual development, that their importance has been chronicled in various creative treatments, for centuries.

From book tales of Mother Goose, to the madness portrayed in the hit movie, "Mommie Dearest," to the popular song, "I'll always love my momma."

Accordingly, I'd like to take this time to salute all mothers, grandmothers, stepmothers, and
mothers-to-be, for your endless sacrifice and all that you do.

This bouquet is for you!

Happy Mother's Day to all mothers, and prayerful remembrance to those who have gone before us.


Curious to know...What's your favorite book, movie, poem, play, quote, or song that addresses motherhood in some way?

5 Ways to Stay Focused to Finish Those Projects!

One of the biggest challenges for writers today, with the Internet, social media, and the many "Ripley's- believe-it-or-not" things that beckon for our attention in the daily news, is staying focused.

Take for example, this week.

I wanted to check out the LinkedIn profile of a new client, for a project I'm working on, so I embarked upon a little research.
In so doing, I discovered I had received dozens of requests to add people to my network, since the last time I signed in.
Fascinated with their profiles, I ended up getting distracted, and spent way too much time on something that basically yielded no return on my investment.

Then there are the guest posts, book reviews, and "let's stay in touch" emails that must be explored and processed.

Factor into the equation, that as creative individuals, most of us have a natural and healthy curiosity.
We want the scoop on who's doing what, why and where.
After all, there's sure to be some story, interview, or essay potential in there somewhere. Right?

And did I mention the allure of Spring? Oh my!

..."Meanwhile, back at the ranch," you've got client work that requires your attention.
Bills that must be paid. Assignments from editors that compete to be completed.
Dreams you've been dying to pursue.

All the more reason you need to keep your eye on the prize and stay focused! There is too much at stake not to.

HERE ARE FIVE TIPS TO KEEP YOU ON THE "WRITE" PATH:

1. Make a list.
Lists provide structure, and often serve as visual reminders of the tasks you need to complete on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. Another alternative that is equally effective is the online calendars available for scheduling "things to do."

2. Set Goals.
Any game plan that is not accompanied by concrete, clear goals is often just a waste of time. For example, this summer, I want to complete two books I have been working on for myself, and one for a ghostwriting client. Knowing this helps me to govern my time better and to "budget" accordingly.

3. Recognize that "time is money."
It's okay to goof off a little. Go to the beach. Spend time gossiping with your girlfriends.
Kick back to a good flick and indulge in a little chocolate treat. You deserve it.
In fact, sometimes the best way to actually be productive is to allow ourselves to be periodically immersed in outside things (and interesting folks) that can feed our creativity.
But set time limits. Then get back to work.

4. Disconnect to go the distance.
Truth is, some distractions we can control; others catch us off guard and take us off course.
But, I find that when I need to be fully focused and in the moment, it helps to take the phone off the hook and disable all the electronic devices that ring, beep, chime, and toot to get our attention.
The world will survive without you for awhile.
Trust me on this one. :-)

5. Get a Goal Buddy.
People use them in everything from working out at the gym, to studying for school, to creative projects. Simply put, a Goal Buddy keeps you accountable. It can be a relative, a friend from church, a neighbor, or a fellow writer. The idea here is to share your aspirations and to keep each other motivated and moving forward.

If you suffer from the "Next shiny object syndrome" these timely tips will help you to keep things in perspective and concentrate on things that matter most for your career.

Now that I've shared my thoughts here, care to share yours?
Leave a comment...:-)