Writing Secret 23b: Are you reaching anyone?
THE NUMBER ABOVE IS BOGUS*, BUT THE LESSON IS REAL
Here’s a handy three question quiz that will help you determine if you are writing something meaningful, or just more click-bait “word twinkies” (props to Anna Present for that one!).
Question #1: Does your writing get highlighted?
Inspired by an insane quote by a wonderful writer, Victoria Easterday, I decided to start a collaborative book of online wisdom (shameless self-promotion here, early submissions, here). To find enough quotes to create a weekly source of humor and inspiration, I am trying to read stories by as many people as possible. And I look for highlighted text to help me find good quotes easier.
But here’s an interesting observation: writers with huge followings and hundreds of recommendations may not get any highlights at all. How is this possible? If they are writing something worthwhile, don’t you think a few people would highlight a line or two to recognize something that is brilliant, funny, insightful, inspirational, touching, or thought-provoking?
Answer: If your work gets highlighted, you may be saying something meaningful.
Question #2: Which part of your writing gets highlighted?
Coming back to these mega-popular articles, I have read a few where the only highlight was a quote written by someone else. Seriously? If the only thing in your article that is being highlighted is your quote by a famous person, maybe you should do us a favor and just quote their entire article.
Answer: If your only highlighted writing is a quote by someone else, at least you’re doing a good public service.
Question #3: Do you get comments that add a new wrinkle to your article or challenge your ideas?
Finally, as someone who likes to read, I also like to read comments. It is one of the ways I find other writers who are relatively unknown. Start with an article you like, find the most interesting comments and then check out the writer’s profile. You’ll see if they have a voice worth listening to. That’s how I found A McEnnis, who inspired me to write about her in one of my parodies about data-driving content marketing: “All the self-improvement, start-up, and entrepreneurial posts by the Gods of Medium combined can’t hold a candle to the emotional power of this one story.”
Answer: If you are getting comments that build on your idea, ask for clarification, or present opposing viewpoints, your audience, regardless of its size, is engaged. Good job!
Now please comment and highlight the hell out my story so I won’t feel like I’m manufacturing “twinkie words.”
Just kidding. I’ve had the good fortune to carve out a small community of like-minded cynics, subversives, and survivors, so it’s safe to say I have touched many of you in public and in private (please fill in the details and comment below — even us old dudes need a thrill).
Thanks for reading. Here’s to better writing.
- The number isn’t really bogus. It has a secret meaning known to only three people in the world, but I can’t speak for extra-terrestials, omniscient higher powers, or the spirit world, so the number could be higher.
[UPDATE 5/28: Read this seven-step guide to become an even better writer!]
[UPDATE 5/29:STEP EIGHT, follow this guide and you can skip steps one through seven!]
