Descriptive writing is supposed to be a style that’s used in fiction.
It’s a writing style where the writer is basically painting an image that you can see with your mind’s eyes as your read.
Have you ever heard someone say that they prefer to read a story rather than watch a movie of that story?
Maybe that’s you!
Well, it’s because in a movie, the images are just handed to you.
When you read the story, instead of watching it, you are seeing it with your own mind eyes, and you become more involved emotionally as you create your own images of the story.
For example, if I describe a blond, slender, young woman wearing a red dress, walking slowly down the street. You will see a blond, slender, young woman wearing a red dress, walking slowly down the street. But the image of this character will be created in your own mind with as many specific features as your creativity allows.
So, when you’re using descriptive writing, you’re guiding the readers where you want them to go, but you also let them fill in the blanks as they wish.
This is the magic of writing, you could say.
But why am I discussing descriptive writing here?
Well, beside the fact that I love to inform my readers about different writing styles, I also think that descriptive writing is a writing style that applies to bloggers.
Do Bloggers Need to Use Descriptive Writing?
In a word.
Yes.
Even a simple blog post, could benefit from descriptive writing.
Why?
Because it’s good to start an article with an attractive, eye-pulling story that can trigger interests right away.
This type of writing, usually pulls me in and get my interest right away.
What about you?
Where should you Use Descriptive Writing?
As a blog reader, I love to read posts that start with an attention grabbing little story.
There are some bloggers out there that are very good at introducing their article with a little story.
Yes, they are using descriptive writing, even to introduce a post about blogging, keywords, or traffic.
You can use this technique will writing about anything.
There’s always a way to start with an attention grabbing story, that gives the images in their head and help them jump right in the article smoothly.
So, yes, it’s OK.
What am I saying!
It’s more than OK to use descriptive writing no matter what you write. I think you should.
Why?
Because it works.
People love it, because they love stories.
We love stories, and it makes us want to know more.
In a recent blog post titled 5 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Move Overseas For A Year I started with a true story of mine.
That was the perfect descriptive writing introduction for that particular post.
Here it is:
We are at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, and my husband (now ex) and I are waiting three long hours for our connecting flight that’s going to take us from Paris to Lyon, France.
While waiting, I decide to walk around the airport to make the time go by faster, and my husband says to me; could you bring me a cup of coffee?
Without even thinking that we are now in France and no longer in the US, I say yes, and start walking away in the direction of a coffee shop.
As I’m walking, an alarm goes off in my head – like my subconscious mind awoke me – hey, we’re in France here, we don’t bring coffees. We come to the coffee, which is served only in real coffee cups and consumed on the spot.
A rush of old memories came back to me.
When I first arrived in New York, one of the first things I told my mother on the phone was; “mom, they walk in the streets with coffee cups here!”
It was something new to me.
My mother and I, both had a good laugh.
As all of this is rushing to my mind, in that busy Paris airport, I’m walking back to my husband and tell him; “we’re in France here, so I can’t bring you a cup of coffee, you need to go in that coffee shop yourself and drink it there.”
This was my way to pull the reader into my post, and seeing the few comments I’ve got, it worked.
Use Descriptive Writing to Engage the Reader
Descriptive writing is excellent to engage the reader, because whether you know it or not, reading is an emotional thing.
Oh, you didn’t know that?
Well, why do you think a product creator would pay hundreds to thousands of dollars to a good copywriter to write their sales page?
It’s because a good copywriter knows how to use what I like to call the “emotional buttons” of the reader.
Once you find out a way to reach the emotion, you have wined the reader in, and then, it’s easier to make him or her do what you want.
In the case of a sales page, it could be to have them click on the buy button.
In the case of a blog post, it could be read the whole post, and potentially take that call of action at the bottom of the post.
3 Important Things to Remember about Descriptive Writing
If there is anything your should remember about descriptive writing, is this…
1) Descriptive writing helps you get the attention of the reader right from the get go.
2) Descriptive writing is entertaining and makes reading smooth, effortless, and enjoyable.
3) Descriptive writing helps keep the reader reading and take the actions you want them to take in the end.
Maybe it’s because of my descriptive writing that I’ve been mentioned so many times lately on other blogs.
Oh, yes, by the way, I wanted to dedicate the last part of the blog post to introduce a new section on my blog…
Introducing a New Creative Way to Say Thank You!
I was inspired by Carol Amato, and Jaime Buckley who have a section at the end of their posts, where they give thanks to a handful of people each week (or as needed).
Actually both ideas came from Carol and here are both versions:
Jaime Buckley calls it You’re in the SpotLight! But it was a creation of Carol Amato!
I really liked that idea, and wanted to incorporated that into my blog too!
After thinking for a while, I decided to call mine Star of the week!
So, here we go…
This is my first one, and last week was a wonderful week too, so there are a lot of thank yous!
Thank you to Andrew Warner for asking me to participate with 16 other bloggers on this super post 17 Bloggers Reveal Their Reasons For Reading A Blog Post.
Thank you to Richard Martin for suggesting my blog for Jefferey Romano’s post about 34 Top Blog About Blogging in 2015
Thank you to Fabrizio Van Marciano for picking one of my blog posts in his December 2014 and January 2015 blog posts not to be missed.
Thank you to Don Purdum for having mentioning me more than once since I’ve met him, only about 6 months ago, and here again on this last week’s post about content marketing.
Thank you to Deborah Tutnauer for mentioning me in a post last month and saying this about me: “Sylviane is a woman I’m excited to learn more about, and spend time developing a relationship with. It is obvious from her writings and her actions, that she truly values people. Take time to meet her!”
Thank you to Jaime Buckley for the great inspiration that he is and for saying this about me: “First off Sylviane, let me say–you’re one of the smartest people I know. Incredible perspective, impeccable taste, able to spot a phony a mile away….uhhhhh I appreciate your compliments and love your company. Reaching out to you was easy as can be. You’re a delight to associate with!”
Thank you to Carol Amato for inspiring me to do this.
I hope you enjoyed reading this. Let me know how by leaving a comment below!
Heads up everyone!
No hard feelings anywhere. Carol and Jaime are good friends and I certainly admire and respect them both.
We all sorted it out and Jaime himself wanted to say this:
Oh no, no, no, Sylviane. I appreciate your thoughtfulness, but that was never my idea–the whole Spotlight idea came from Carol Amato. In fact, I mimicked her so closely, wanting to follow her example, I actually crossed the line. You really have to be careful when wanting to follow another’s example, not to corrupt someone’s hard work & uniqueness. Unfortunately, I didn’t see that until it was too late.
But you know what? Carol was a true friend and pointed this out to me and encouraged me to design my own art and buttons. She’s a true mentor–and I appreciate her instruction (and patience).
“You’re in the Spotlight” belongs to Carol. My homage to that idea has turned into “You’re my Hero” for Wanted hero instead.
Not as brilliant, but I think it fits the theme of my site well enough. =)
Sylviane,
This was very helpful. I know I use descriptive writing in my newsletters more than on my blog posts. But, I do also use it in my blog posts.
For me, I feel it’s a way for readers to really get to know who I am. I know when I read others posts, I find them more interesting when they use descriptive writing.
I especially like the nice touch that Carol Amato and Jamie Buckley are using. I think that’s totally cool. I like how you incorporated it. I think it’s something I would like to do as well, thank you for the great idea.
Have an awesome week. Lisa
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Ciao, Sylviane,
Thank you so very much for the kind mention!
I just love your Star of the Week! Awesome! 🙂 You’re super smart to do a blog post on this because folks can be inspired from following your lead (which you received inspiration from me on), which is such a blessing.
It is important to give thanks to folks, absolutely, and if something is given publicly, I think the thanks should be given publicly too.
Clarification:
– ‘You’re in the SPOTLIGHT’ graphic section was MY idea. I was inspired by Ana Hoffman of Traffic Generation Cafe when I saw her “Thank You” section in her Marketing Skinny.
You’re ‘Star of the Week’ is a wonderful way for you to thank folks publicly, Sylviane, and you’re awesome for using your own creativity to put something positive on your blog.
Have a lovely day, and thanks again for the mention.
Thanks,
Carol Amato
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Hi Carol,
I am glad that all is ending well between such beautiful people as the two of you.
I can’t tell you how I truly appreciate the both of you.
You both are REAL people with great personalities (strong to be sure :)) But so am I, so that’s probably why I connected very quickly with both of you.
At least we all have a learned a lesson from this.
You have a great day, Carol!
Also, you did a phenominal job of seeing something you liked, creating content out of it, giving attribution and implementing the same in your own business in a unique way. Well done!
Carol Amato invites you to read..Are You Missing Your Audience? If They Knew You Existed They Would Miss You Too!
Hi Carol,
I think that when we see something great that inspires us, it’s OK to use it as an inspiration, but not, but not copy it, because if we do every one loses. I feel.
Absolutely right, Sylviane. 🙂
Being the person doing the ‘inspiring’ of others is an honor, and it gives me joy for others to follow suit…In their own unique way, of course. Yes!
˜Carol 🙂
Carol Amato invites you to read..Are You Missing Your Audience? If They Knew You Existed They Would Miss You Too!
Hi Sylviane,
As a blogger I would say Yes Descriptive writing is essential and I have proof also. If you would see Google Search Result for any keywords with tough competitions you will find that those article are about 2500+ words which proofs Google love description content.
As well as giving a whole description help readers to solve their query very easily without asking any more questions.
Thanks for sharing
Regards
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Hi Suprabhat,
Indeed, I think that Google has shown how much they love descriptive, accurate, and detailed content these days. I guess they’re making up for the times when they used to favor crappy content 🙂 so that’s a good thing in my book.
Thank you for your input and have a great week ahead!
Ciao, Sylviane,
Most definitely – everything happens for a reason. 🙂 I also believe that without a doubt, and it’s a wonderful thing.
I don’t think it’s a can of worms, but a good lesson to bloggers/writers/entrepreneurs to do the right thing. I know you didn’t know how it happened because I kept it all behind closed doors, but asking who did what would have been good too.
You are right, Jaime didn’t think it was bad…
You are right again, what seems terrible to someone may not seem so bad to another…
THAT’S why I contacted him personally (and privately because I treat others the way I want to be treated) to let him know this is a completely unacceptable practice online.
I’m sorry that you’ve been taken advantage of also, Sylviane, and stolen from – that’s awful, and I’m so sorry you’ve had to go through that too. 🙁
I’ve also been the victim of blatant theft, and am dealing with a situation right NOW where my articles have been stolen – it’s terrible.
Clarification: It’s not that I want credit….I don’t ever seek credit for myself…
However, when I see credit given in print that’s wrong, it’s my duty to clarify and not be misrepresented – anyone would do the same, right?
Having had TWO elements copied from me, I had moved on – so it’s not that I’m seeking credit, just correct representation.
I appreciate you! You’re a Gem! 🙂
˜Carol
Carol Amato invites you to read..Are You Missing Your Audience? If They Knew You Existed They Would Miss You Too!
Hey again Carol,
I know you’re a straight forward person doing the right thing, so that type of thing is killing you.
On the positive side, when people want to take what we’ve done, it’s means that’s great stuff!
When I had my content taken (many times), I ended up telling myself, well, people don’t steal bad content, so if they did it’s because it was great stuff! 🙂 Actually that’s what other marketers had told me back then, too.
I know what you, mean. You don’t want credit, but clarification. Can’t do that right this second, but will as soon as I get home.
It’s funny, I didn’t ask you because I had no idea. I actually thought you first got this from Jaime, but that in order to make it different you changed the title/design. That’s why I said, everything happens for a reason. Now it’s all clarified. Otherwise it might never have been.
I just hope that you guys can keep on being good friends. You both have so much to offer and love you both 🙂
Ciao, Sylviane,
Yes, we’re good – I’ve commented on his blog, and he has commented on my blog since then. We’re definitely fine.
I got inspiration from Ana Hoffman for that Thanks section, and that’s pretty much it.
Now, folks are inspired by my “You’re a Gem – Thank You!” Section, and honestly, the thanks goes to Ana because it was a domino effect. lol
˜Carol
Carol Amato invites you to read..Are You Missing Your Audience? If They Knew You Existed They Would Miss You Too!
How interesting.
I met Ana a long while back, even before I met Adrienne, but that gal wasn’t very nice to me. I think her she thought she was too important, even tough I told her that we had lots in common – she used a Russian model and I used to be a French actress 🙂 but no can do, so I kind of dropped her my radar, and that’s both her and my loss I know. I know she shares great stuff, but I’ve got to have some kind of likeness for the person. At least that makes me a non-hypocrite 🙂
That’s why I was really hoping that you and Jaime were still friends 🙂
Hi Sylviane,
I found you on Don`s blog, and am I glad that I took the tour over? Yup, I am!
Descriptive writing / storytelling is the best way to grab readers attention and to hold them.
I have seen this on Jon Morrow`s blog – BoostBlogTraffic.com, and I have start to apply it to my posts and on my guest posts. And to be quite honest, the difference is night and day.
This was a rather long thread with comments, and I have never spent so much time reading other peoples comments on another blog, before I posted my own comment.
Hi Carol 🙂
Since Jaime answered your comment, I will graciously not comment on that topic, not wanting to pour gasoline on the fire.
Anyway, Carol, you rock and you inspire me!
I do have to admit that I like your creations: “You`re a Gem – Thank You!” and “If you like what you read…Click Here to never miss a post” sections.
I think I might want to do something similar, put your great template in the creativity bowl, pour in some own creativity, magic dust and pixel`s hair, and then…
I would hope that it would bring a cool result.
I will of course tribute the inspiration to you 🙂
Tor
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Hi Tor and welcome here!
I’m so glad you found me at my good friend Don 🙂
Well, well this comment tread has been a story, and after some agreements with all parties involved we have taken some down, and I’m happy to announced that every one is OK now.
I agree with you, that descriptive writing can make a huge difference – as in night and day like you said – and that’s why I’m using this more and more in my own blog posts and guest posts as well.
Thank you so much for coming and for your comment and looking forward to get to know you more 🙂
Hi Sylviane,
Absolutely, some bloggers should use descriptive writing if I’m understanding you’re talking about writing in a prose that includes story telling?
It’s powerful and gives people and opportunity to understand concepts, ideas and principles. It just brings everything to live in a way that people can relate to and understand.
I love the idea of the public recognition in posts. I’ve traditionally only done that via social media but I really like the idea. I first noticed Carol is doing it and now your article and I think it’s a fantastic idea!!!!
I hope you have an incredible week Syvliane!!!
~ Don Purdum
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Awesome, Don!
I really enjoyed seeing the graphic you created for your lead generation element at the end of your posts. Excellent!!
You are wonderful for taking an inspiration and putting your ‘unique voice’ to it and leveraging it to increase your subscribers. Absolutely loved it!
˜Carol
Carol Amato invites you to read..Are You Missing Your Audience? If They Knew You Existed They Would Miss You Too!
Hi Don,
Yes, you’ve defined it perfectly.
I just read your post over at Carol’s blog and you’ve done just that over there. You’ve used descriptive writing.
Yes, when I saw that recognition thing at Carol’s blog I liked that and been wanting to try it out, so today’s the start of this new feature.
I’ve seen the title of your own blog earlier today and I can’t wait to read that post of yours.
Thank you for coming 🙂
I am bad with key words and with sales, but I can describe through my writing. I think painting a picture through words is an amazing thing and that’s why I chose that as the tag line for my new travel writing blog. I think everyone should close their eyes and write what they see. This is how I see every day. Great Monday topic Sylviane. Have a great week and I look forward to what else you have here to come.
Hi Kerry,
Yes, but of course! You are an expert at seeing with your mind eyes, and that could be what makes a good writer out of you.
Thanks you for coming again. Very much appreciate it.
Have a wonderful week!
Hey Sylviane,
I actually like when people share a story like this in their blog posts. I admire those that are able to crank that out so easily. I think I’ve had my moments for sure but I lead such a boring life these days that I don’t have as many experiences to share. What a shame right! LOL!!!
It does though help draw the reader in and you feel like you’re right there with them in their story. Like the example you shared you used with you, your ex and the coffee at the airport. See, I would have never known that either since I’m not a world traveler.
I love Carol’s “You’re a Gem” idea at the end of each post and I haven’t been by Jamie’s blog in awhile since the holidays so didn’t know he was doing that as well. Either way it’s a very nice gesture but of course I see Carol’s point and we just had a similar issue with someone stealing our content. It’s just not right no matter what “good intentions” you may have.
Thanks for sharing this and hope your day has started off well. Take care and great stuff here my friend.
~Adrienne
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Hi Adrienne,
Well, the stories you can use to introduce your topic, don’t have to be real stories, they can be metaphors, made up stories, you name it. I know I don’t have to have a real story, at times I make one up. The point is that as you said, this type of writing drawn the reader in so it’s good stuff to use.
I know, no one likes to have content stolen form them. I’m sorry about that, Adrienne. I know all about it too. As I was telling Carol, I’ve had more than my share of content… whole tutorials and 2 eBooks totally stolen from me 🙂 I don’t even care anymore, but back then I did.
Nice to see you back my friend. I hope things are getting back in order at your place 🙂
Hi Sylviane,
I do have to get better with my descriptive writing. Thanks for bringing this into light. Sometimes when I do it or create an analogy, I do find that people like it better than just writing information.
It does pull the reader in and it is something I’m working on with my blogs. But when it comes to copy writing…oh boy that’s another story. I think David and I spend more time doing that than actually writing a blog. David does have more experience than me but still it takes so much time doing it over and over again until we (think) we get it right. That is one of our Do It Yourself things that needs to be changed this year. Hiring a good copywriter…wait…that’s you! 🙂
I like the way you did this post featuring all the places you have been mentioned. I do have a document whereby I keep posts and mentions in. I always wanted to do something like that. But I was reluctant because, well, I think I’m holding myself back by being shy….or maybe it is something more in my head….you should know about those things! 🙂
Thanks for this wonderful post that taught me many lessons.
-Donna
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Hi Donna,
Do you know what I think has helped me with my writing? Acting! I am sure my years of acting have helped me with my writing quite a bit.
There is a visualization exercise that I do, and it’s visualizing something that really made me feel good, happy and proud of myself and that mental exercise always takes me back to the theater. To some play I did, when I knew exactly how to make my audience feel with my acting. Hey I don’t get to say it much, but some handful of well known French actors have told me that I was good, so that’s why I start my visualizations there.
I guess that’s what I’m trying to put into my writing. I’m trying to lead my public with that too. As much as I can.
Now I don’t know if am any better than David though! I think is probably very good at writing considering he’s done it.
Me too, I was shy to do a mention section like that at first, but Carol Amato and Jaime Buckley were the inspiration to do so. Hey, after all it’s a good promotion for all of us 🙂
Thank you very much for coming by today!
Thank you for all the encouragement. I’m already looking forward to read another article from you!
Hi Jordan,
I’m glad you enjoyed this and than you for coming.
What you call descriptive writing I call storytelling, but no matter what it’s called I fully agree with you. We all love stories and when we can tell one that we’re in people get engaged, even if it doesn’t always have a happy ending. Lessons are learned better via stories also.
All that and it’s fun! 🙂
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Hi Mitch,
Yes, story telling is the official term, it seems, but that’s the same as story-telling. It’s great and works every time.
Thank you for coming by.
Hi Sylviane,
Ideas must be catching!
Or is it that inspiration is contagious and sometimes turns into a disease.
Was reading along, enjoying the trip to Paris, then we got into the meat of what you were sharing!
Mentally noted your three reasons to use descriptive writing.
Anyway…(Adult ADD in place and working) I got to the sections on
including a thank you or spotlight at the end of posts.
I almost always divert a little…blessed with an insatiable curiosity for how things work so was trying to figure out the technical aspects of creating the boxes you were displaying and keeping them interactive as well….(but they just looked interactive) just pretty png images!
The fun began in the comments!
Carol Amato dropped the Bomb.
Guess the problem with a lot of bloggers today is this:
they never somewhere along the way took a journalism or creative writing class which really preached about
plagiarism, publishing others work without citing and listing references for any “facts” used,
or just plain taking a publishing format, without adapting or making changes and putting in place and using.
Another big No No was using flawed documents or false corrupted citations…ask Dan Rather who left active broadcasting with a blemish on his 44 year career as a newsman.
(just a note, after years of watching Walter Cronkite a strict 5 W reporter. I often viewed Rather’s journalistic efforts with some skepticism as his personalization of the news was obvious.)
Sometimes agreed with him, sometimes not, but I was disappointed in him for not maintaining the ethics of good journalism and just reporting the facts.
If he wanted to give his opinion should have put it in an Editorial show somewhere…the equivalent of the editorals published in newspapers and magazines.
It is important to preserve your reputation as a blogger,
“borrowing” is ok when you do it properly using content curation and very plainly say to your readers:
“I saw this and liked it, and want to share it with you.”
You don’t take someone’s headline for a section on their site and publish on yours without following the rules because one day, you will get noticed.
C.
Hmm
Tried to post above comment (I had copied to note pad to edit)
clicked submit and got error code..need to enable Java?
What do I need to fix?
Try again!
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Hi Cararta,
Don’t worry about this Java thing. You don’t have to do anything this type of errors is supposed to be due to the browser.
Thanks you for coming.
Hi Carata,
Well, the bomb is gone and everyone made peace, or even had already did!
It was a misunderstanding between the parties involved, and in any case something better handled in private now 🙂
Thank you for coming and for your feedback.
Hi Sylviane,
Descriptive writing, I understand your point. 🙂
I often experience that when reading a novel. Yes, my mind works when reading a novel and describe every word I read automatically. That’s why writing descriptive becomes more enjoyable, I guess.
I agree with you. Bloggers should use descriptive writing in writing their post. It would be beneficial to them and to their readers. Thanks for sharing, Sylviane!
Have a nice day for you.
~Nanda
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Hi Nanda,
As you’re confirming here, yes, descriptive writing works and that’s why bloggers should use it as often as possible.
Thank you for coming by.
Hi Sylviane,
That was an informative post indeed, especially for bloggers 🙂
You are right, adding a little personal touch, your own or any other story to your posts, making it a little descriptive, makes it very interesting. And if you add such a paragraph or few lines at the start of your posts, you’re bound to grab your readers attention, and they’d come looking for more. There are a few blogging friend’s who are very good at it – I think Kevin is one such blogger, who mostly writes in this style.
I would say use variations in your posts, have a little of this and little of that, so that there is variety, just don’t follow one style always, as that becomes monotonous too. Love the idea of Star of the Week – a nice way to thank those who link to you as well. I’ve to start my such series, as I’ve been inspired by Ana Hoffman’s Weekly Skinny’s since years – though I do add them all up in my GEMS monthly posts and my About page, but with more links now, I might just think of something too.
Thanks for sharing. Have a nice week ahead 🙂
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Hi Harleena,
I totally agree with you, a little here and there, write in different ways depending on what we’re writing about etc. I think that’s what I’m doing more or less.
Yes, I’m finding out that this idea comes from Ana, and I think that’s a great one, even if I haven’t gotten it from her directly.
I know you do a lot of that over at your blog in other forms, so you’re doing a great job there!
Thank you so much for coming Harleena 🙂
Excellent info..Hope everyone who reads this post will now have some insights about including descriptive writing. As you said, descriptive writing is important because everyone will like to read an article which has eye catchy title and description. Also while thanking the readers it would be better if there is some personalization involved. Thankyou so much!!
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Hi Vino,
Well, you said it! I sure hope so too.
Thank you for your insight.
Oh no, no, no, Sylviane. I appreciate your thoughtfulness, but that was never my idea–the whole Spotlight idea came from Carol Amato. In fact, I mimicked her so closely, wanting to follow her example, I actually crossed the line. You really have to be careful when wanting to follow another’s example, not to corrupt someone’s hard work & uniqueness. Unfortunately, I didn’t see that until it was too late.
But you know what? Carol was a true friend and pointed this out to me and encouraged me to design my own art and buttons. She’s a true mentor–and I appreciate her instruction (and patience).
“You’re in the Spotlight” belongs to Carol. My homage to that idea has turned into “You’re my Hero” for Wanted hero instead.
Not as brilliant, but I think it fits the theme of my site well enough. =)
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Hi Jaime,
Well, I’m sure glad that everything got cleared away and due tribute is given back to the original author of the SpotLight widget idea, namely, Carol Amato. I know no one meant anything evil here. We’re just people, making common people mistakes 🙂 and I had my part in it too, as I didn’t make sure who was first in this case.
I think that your “You’re My Hero” is actually fantastic and totally fits YOUR own blog!
Have a wonderful day!
Hi Sylviane, what a post!
I’ve read some great books in my time, and you’re absolutely right, creating images in your mind of the characters, the environment in which they’re in, the emotional journey they’re taking is amazing and often cannot be recreated on the big screen, sometimes on the big screen things can be so predictable.
Oh man I never even thought about incorporating descriptive writing into my blog posts, now you’ve got me so intrigued, I’m going to head off and start thinking about how I can use story telling in my next post, but the thing is I live such a boring life these days, I don’t think I’ve got much of a story to tell lol, but I’ll give it a try.
Thanks for the mention by the way, I’m super stoked to be listed in your star of the week section, really appreciated Sylviane.
Have an amazing rest of the week.
– Fabz
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Hi Fabrizio,
Wow, I’ve got so excited reading your comment, because it’s when you encourage people to take some type of action that you really feel that your post was worth something. So I’m faltered here.
Then, I had to laugh as you said the exact same thing Adrienne said about having such a boring life, and not being able to use story telling much. So, here is the scoop I gave her too. You don’t have to use a real story, you could use a metaphor, a made up story, anything, really.
I was very spoiled last week, plus I had to mention a couple of people from last month so that Star of the Week was pretty full, and it made me so happy 🙂
Thank you so much for your great comment. Very much appreciated.
Hi Sylviane. I enjoyed reading this post as I’ve been thinking along the same lines with my own recent blog writing. I’m currently doing a short story writing course and realize that much of what I’m learning there is also useful for blog writing. Initially, I was surprised by that. Then I realized that I was just writing what I myself would like to read. I’ll keep experimenting. This is an exciting journey.
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Hi Rachel and welcome to my blog!
You said it, as long as you write what you would like to read, you’re going in the right direction.
I get that. I’m always experimenting myself and getting better and better. Writing is not static art it evolves and improves with the writer.
So glad you found me and see you around soon I hope.
Hi Sylviane,
Great post indeed and something we should all learn and do as bloggers and that is descriptive writing.
I am glad I read this post as I have been thinking that I need to incorporate some story telling in my writing as sometimes, I honestly feel that my posts are kind of boring and I need to spice it up a little bit. I would love to know the different writing styles and how to learn them. I wonder if you have an already written post about that as I came to blogging without any writing experience and all I do is read a lot about the topic and then write about it.
Thanks so much Sylviane for a great share and you always touch buttons within me that gets me thinking. I have to say I love your writing style although educating but captivating at the same time. Enjoy the rest of your week.
Be Blessed,
Neamat
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Hi Neamat,
Well, first off, thank you so much for your encouraging and beautiful words. Words like that go right to my heart, and in my new “Star of the Week” section I’m starting to name people who are saying the most beautiful things about me. Not to show off, but because it makes me so giddy and I guess it’s good for marketing too, by the same token.
I have written several posts about writing style, but I’ll have to look for them to send you the links, if you want.
I think you write very well, but if you want to juice it up a bit, try an introduction with a story telling style. It doesn’t have to be a true story, it can be anything made up that will introduce your topic well.
Then you could also incorporate questions within your content. Questions work well, because it make your content interacting, conversational.
Next Monday my guest of the month is an author. He writes children books (an even other books), and once you meet him here, I suggest you go over to his blog, and read a few posts. His writing inspired me, and I’m sure it will inspire you too.
Iron is sharpen by iron as they say. We improve our writing by reading other writers. And gosh! Do I love writers 🙂
Thank you so much for your input, Neamat.
We should use descriptive writing?
HELL YES! I’m with you, descriptive writing is compelling and immediately engages our attention. Stories are a more personal way of engaging the reader, especially if those stories can link into the content smoothly.
I don’t do it all the time for that reason – sometimes I just can’t link the story to the main content, it’s something i must improve on.
Terrific post as usual Sylviane, loving the new feature and loving seeing my name there – thanks so much i appreciate it!
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Hi Martin,
I’m like you, even though I’m trying to use story telling more and more, I don’t use everything single time if I can’t come up with something that ties in well with what I want to say.
Well, it was a pleasure to add your name there. I didn’t expected that at all, and was honored that you mentioned my blog there. Very cool 🙂 Thank you again.
Thank you for dropping by and have a great rest of the week.
Hey Sylviane,
You can never go wrong with descriptive writing. I love it when a post starts off with a great story, especially one that I can relate to.
It is a great way to draw your readers in and get their imaginations flowing and engaged. Although I work in IT, I really get bored when a post is really just all about facts even though I find some great nuggets. But as you know, great nuggets isn’t going to be enough. Having a smooth transition from a story to those facts will definitely do it, especially when it comes to the “Time On Sight” metric you would see on Google Analytics. The longer your visitors stay on your post the better!
This is a great reminder for all of us to use descriptive writing more! Thanks for sharing Sylviane! Have a good one!
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Hi Sherman,
Yes, totally agree with you Sherman, matter of fact information is very boring and hard to read. Plus a good appropriate story can help the reader retain what they read much better and much longer too.
Thank you for coming and have a wonderful weekend!
Descriptive writing does always get the attention. I know a couple of writers that always start with a story and it’s usually eye and attention grabbing. I love that because it means it’s going to be an interesting story. So you’re right in that descriptive writing helps you get the attention of the reader right from the get go. It is also entertaining (most of the time).
Great info and great points for anyone who wants to change their style of writing and get more traffic and attention.
Take care,
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Hi Barbara,
Yes, it seems that this writing style pleases just about everyone, so that’s why it’s a good style to use as much are we can.
Thank you for coming by today and have a great week ahead.