Found an interesting article in Writer's Digest from Karen Dionne, author of Freezing Point. She lays out what she believes were Michael Crichton's top 5 writing lessons for fiction.
In reading them I was struck by the fact that all good writing, including blog posts should be written with these 5 lessons in mind. Here's how I think they apply to blogging:
1. Challenge your reader: This is always a must. Wake people up with new concepts and ideas. Your blog is a great place to try out new ideas and let readers respond.
2. Surprise your reader: Keep her entertained and don't always go for the cliched ending. That means sometimes you'll even surprise yourself.
3. Keep the clock ticking: Don't be boring. Say what you have to say - no fluff or filler.
4. Get your facts straight: Always. Take the effort to research if you aren't sure.
5. Play fast and loose with the facts: Well, not really. Don't forget he was writing fiction. But the point that's paramount here is the idea of story. Screenwriter Robert McKee said that a memorable story 'unites an idea with an emotion." Be memorable.
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Thanks for the list. I think those principles will also be effective in creating online video, which is my favorite. Since finding http://www.Adwido.com it's become a lot easier to create traffic with video, because the targeted keyword campaign they assist with. Plus it's free to get an account.
Posted by: Seh | July 01, 2009 at 10:53 PM
Denise,
Would love to offer more advice. Please contact me directly at sdiamond@digmediaworks.com
Posted by: Stephanie Diamond | June 15, 2009 at 04:22 PM
My name is Denise Terry and I am the CEO/Co-Founder of Triglobal, a pioneer in developing marketing and promotional strategies for leading corporations to increase brand recognition and consumer loyalty by offering our clients the most cutting-edge, economical products and latest marketing initiatives to drive performance as well as cost savings through unique and creative advertising!
Can you make a recommendation re: the content and aesthetics of my site as well as any information that may assist us in amplifying our online hits? I am also interested in any advice that you could offer as to how to start commenting on blogs, specifically which blogs you believe would be most advantageous for my business (I've read your book, which was phenomenal by the way)! Since this is all relatively new to me and I'm juggling running a business with tremendous responsibilities coupled with trying to educate myself as to the myriad of advantages in participating in social networking as a vehicle to increase our online sales as well as introduce new prospects to our current initiatives (which are in process of being added to our website).
Any insight would be tremendously appreciated and hopefully by posting a comment to this site, after previewing hundreds of sites, I am pointed in the right direction.
Respectfully,
Denise Terry, CEO
TriGlobal
Phone: (818) 919-8866
Website: http://www.shoptriglobal.com
Posted by: TriGlobal's Success | June 15, 2009 at 04:10 PM
Billie, Thanks for the kind comments about my blog. In looking at your site I'd say the content is excellent but the format makes it hard to jump in and start reading. I'd make the font a bit smaller, take away the blue background and try to group things in chunks. Best of luck!
Posted by: Stephanie Diamond | May 12, 2009 at 12:06 PM
Your site is very good with lots of useful info. Do you think I am doing things right on my site? I've only been up since May 1st.
Posted by: Billie | May 12, 2009 at 11:54 AM