From Meh to Writing Momentum: 5 Quick Techniques to Try
Add these methods to your toolkit
Do you find yourself running out of emotional and creative gas that keeps you from being the prolific writer you want to be?
Finding the mental fire to start or finish your drafts isn’t about waiting for motivational lightning to strike. It’s about actively establishing systems that intertwine with your drafting process and using formulas you can seamlessly integrate during that stage.
Write to your fullest potential
Maximize interest by using themes that include unexpected pivots and detours, skillfully playing with words and phrases, inserting intriguing data, and having relevant quotes to support your claims. Artfully using some or all of these techniques will improve the readability and overall quality while preserving the original meaning.
Even while writing my dissertation, I incorporated some of these elements to make it more exciting. I started off using a surprising metaphor comparing the aggressive behavior of birds with mobbing in higher education. I showcased the most poignant data and highlighted relevant quotes to add emphasis.
Throughout the chapters, I focused on making it interesting, which is a challenging task when writing a dissertation. My previous advisor continues to use it as a sample for other students to read in her intro Ph.D. writing courses.
So, with a little editing effort, you can turn ordinary prose into extraordinary ones. If I can do it with a dissertation, it’s achievable with any content.
1. Incorporating an unconventional twist
Find ways to throw a curveball into your copy to draw your audience in once they click on your story. According to the latest data¹, only 2 out of 10 people who read the headline go on to finish the article. The last thing you want is to lose one or, worse, both of those individuals because your publication lacked a powerful introduction.
I like to compare topics that seem completely unrelated and weave them together like I did with my dissertation intro. Stories, metaphors, and imaginative analogies build mystery and intrigue. It’s an effective way to connect people with unfamiliar topics or situations from a unique angle. It keeps them with you to process ideas or concepts they might normally find confusing or boring.
To further illustrate, I wrote an article discussing my battle with wasps, where I drew parallels between their behavior and toxic bosses and work environments. It addressed a heavy topic using metaphors to explain and show how too much resilience, a concept viewed positively, can produce negative results. Comparing the behavior of yellow jackets with that of humans instantly adds curiosity.
One of the most effective ways to get buy-in from another is by telling a story. The approach is non-threatening since it doesn’t force your ideas on anyone. Instead, it presents the concept in a relatable manner, subtly guiding them towards your perspective.
People don’t like being “told” what to do but don’t mind being shown and given the freedom to draw their own conclusions.
But don’t just take my word for it. Alex Rotar writes articles where he masterfully compares elements of writing with bees in one publication and cats in another. It’s a fun way to discuss the nuances of being a writer that might otherwise come off as bland or lecture-like.
2. Experimenting with text and phrasing
As writers, we know words have power. Finding the perfect combination can make your article flow and resonate with readers. I constantly experiment with phrasing and avoid repeating the same word or expression throughout my stories. I love using OneLook and ChatGPT to help me find appropriate synonyms without making the piece sound or look odd.
To use the Find and Edit feature quickly, use the Control + F option or edit function at the top of your documents. This allows you to search for any duplication and make changes accordingly.
For example, if you find a sentence with too much repetition, you might rewrite it completely or break it into two sentences. Similarly, if you’ve repeated a word too often, you could replace it with this or it — or look for an alternate.
Redundancy can make your final version monotonous and is one of the fastest ways to bore your audience right off the page.
3. Utilizing numbers to make a point
Inserting facts or statistics adds depth and credibility to your copy, especially those that surprise or shock the audience. Data enhances understanding and makes your assertions more convincing. But you want to avoid manipulating figures to emphasize a point or misleading readers.
When quoting or citing a source, provide the necessary attribution so readers can find the original article or report. Using data in your writing and being mindful of accuracy punches up your content, making it more persuasive.
4. Changing up grammar and syntax
Innovative writers can experiment with their format rather than strictly adhering to formal structure or grammatical rules. In more traditional compositions, connectors like similarly, furthermore, and however are essential to transition between topics and ideas to make them more coherent. But in a relatable or informal context, avoid using them to maintain a conversational tone.
Replacing a complex word with a simpler one helps to reach a broader audience. Research by Oppenheimer² suggests people judge you as less intelligent and trustworthy the smarter you try to sound. Using tools like the Hemingway App can help you gauge the grade level of your writing to ensure that it’s not too pretentious.
Vary paragraph length throughout your publication to maintain interest and enhance the visual appeal and readability. Short sections containing just one or two sentences break up long passages and highlight key points. Bolding, italicizing, or underlining also adds emphasis. Modifying how you write can make it stand out in the online sea of sameness.
5. Infusing quotes and anecdotes
Including compelling quotes or anecdotes that back up your claims injects an extra layer of authenticity into your publications. It also adds to your argument and reinforces learning. With these powerful snippets, you evoke emotion and more profound meaning by adding a touch of humor, seriousness, or motivation.
Dr. Ben Hardy, a best-selling author, organizational psychologist, and YouTuber, is a skilled master at weaving quotes into his material. Not only does it support his ideas, but it breaks up the information and makes it easier to comprehend. His sources are always reputable, giving the utmost credibility to his opinions.
“You can have brilliant ideas, but if you can’t get them across, your ideas won’t get you anywhere.” — Lee Iacocca³
Conclusion
Waiting for the perfect post to craft itself doesn’t work. Trust me, I’ve tried. The blinking cursor will mock you while you stare into the abyss, hoping for inspiration to pour out of your fingertips onto the keyboard. But there are some approaches you can use to help turn meh into muy increíble.
Playing with words and phrases is one of the most effective methods for bringing content to life. Re-framing ideas differently using creative metaphors or unique analogies can make it more exciting. A few strategically chosen statistics or well-placed quotes can help break up long blocks of text and make readers pause to reflect.
You have more control over how your writing takes shape than you may realize. So try some of these techniques — you might be surprised by what comes out on the other side.
References:
- Smith, K. (n.d.). 73 Easy Ways To Write A Headline That Will Reach Your Readers. CoSchedule Blog. https://coschedule.com/blog/write-a-headline
- Oppenheimer, D. M. (2005). Consequences of erudite vernacular utilized irrespective of necessity: problems with using long words needlessly. Applied Cognitive Psychology, 19(2), 139–156. https://doi.org/10.1002/acp.1178
- Iacocca, L. (1984). “You can have brilliant ideas, but if you can’t get them across, your ideas won’t get you anywhere.” In Iacocca: An Autobiography (p. 16). Bantam Books.
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