3 Tips for Writing With Purpose

To communicate effectively, you have to control your tone. Here’s how to do that.

A couple of months ago, I read a story about blackface. Initially, I felt relieved that someone was bringing attention to this issue.

Then, sentence after sentence, I realized my initial assumptions, based on the title, fell short. To my surprise, this article supported blackface. As a Black writer, I felt appalled that a misleading title effectively lured me into reading a story I found racist. Of course, I realize that is clickbait. But the plot thickens.

I left a comment mentioning how offensive blackface is to Black people. The writer then told me, “The article was satire. You just failed to understand.” Okay, so let’s put my offense on standby. Let’s say that, for the sake of argument, this writer attempted to write a satirical piece about blackface. As a reader, the bottom line is that the purpose of the writing was unclear unless, of course, he designed his article to offend.

Just when I thought I was the only one to find the article offensive, another writer I know came across the piece. She also felt offended and left a comment. However, the writer insisted she too “couldn’t understand” satire.

Feeling perplexed, I considered both sides of the matter. On the one hand, he insisted his writing meant no harm. But, on the other hand, another Black writer and I felt deeply offended by his writing. While this writer blamed the other writer and me for not understanding, I couldn’t help but see the real problem — he did not make his purpose clear. And as a result, he caused harm to Black readers.

While each writer has the freedom to decide what style, tone, and themes their stories should convey, clarity is always preferred. If you’re writing satire, astute readers should be able to tell from the piece itself — you shouldn’t have to tell them. After all, your work travels on its own and should speak for itself.

These three tips can help writers write with purpose.

Trust your prewriting strategy

Prewriting is, hands down, one of the most underrated steps in the writing process. Those sticky notes on your fridge or that one-liner you kept saying to yourself while sitting in traffic lay the groundwork for your next masterpiece.

The first step in determining your purpose is to jot down your ideas about a given topic. Start with something general and use your process to discover themes and compelling points. For example, will your writing inform, persuade, evaluate, or entertain? Answering these questions early in your writing process will ensure your article delivers a focused message.

If I wanted to write a comical article, I would write down funny aspects of the topic. Then, I would make sure to include those, bringing my points down to earth. Prewriting helps a writer to brainstorm and make critical decisions about their writing. Whether you create an outline or jot down some notes, trust your prewriting strategy.

Consider your audience

Think about who reads your work and who could read your work. What values do you want to get across, and how do these perspectives match the expectations your previous writing created?

No writer should bend to the whims of an unruly audience. That being said, readers find mistakes writers leave out in the open. Readers find themes the writer never intended to illustrate. And while you can argue in your comment section or book signing about what you “really” meant, it’s best to write with purpose. Your audience will carry your message further than you ever could.

The most healthy thing is to be true to your own self, but also, that you have a right to express what you see and what you feel and what you think. To be bold. — Alice Walker

Ask yourself “when, where,” and “why”

Imagine that your story goes viral and your favorite journalist contacts you for an exclusive interview. Now, answer questions describing your piece. This exercise will help you to find out what you want your writing to say. Next, reflect on your answers to find your purpose. Then, make sure your writing answers each of these questions.

When is the story placed, and what is the relevance of this period, whether real or imaginary? Where does your narrative take place, and is the scene relevant to the events? Why did you decide to write this piece, and what message do you want to get across? Finally, reflect on the answers while editing to ensure there are no loose ends.

Where do we go from here?

All writers try to convey a message. But, some writers miss the mark, leaving readers wondering or second-guessing their intent. Prewriting can help writers discover essential themes and understand how ideas relate to one another. Considering your audience will ensure your writing makes an impact. Lastly, answering fundamental questions about your piece will ensure your final draft reflects well-developed ideas.

Writing with purpose is a skill that provides clarity and strengthens your points. So first, decide whether you want your writing to persuade, entertain, inform, explain, or describe. Then make sure your writing follows through.

Reference

Brewer, R. L. (2019, November 23). 10 Alice Walker Quotes for Writers and About Writing. Writer’s Digest. https://www.writersdigest.com/be-inspired/10-alice-walker-quotes-for-writers-and-about-writing.