How to write short by Roy Peter Clark

(I read this book I got from the library and I really thought it was interesting. Hope you enjoy!)

(I acknowledge that this’s all Roy Peter Clark’s writing so I put it in quote marks)

“Begin to notice in longer works paragraphs with a sharp focus. Save the best ones in your day book. (Book for writing, diary)

Whatever you write, ask yourself:

1. What’s my point?

2. In a sentence what am I trying to say

3. What is the work really about?

Test your short writing experiments with these additional questions

1. Have I taken a detour

2. Have I squeezed in extra stuff

3. Have I shifted tenses or language styles?

Keywords to describe plot. What book is about.

What information can I afford to leave out?

Select the most important information to share with listeners.

Zero in on what’s important.

Excerpt the most telling quote

Translate jargon into common English

Play the role of the common reader.

If you find a great writer of short writing, follow the writer.

If he/she has a website or Facebook page / twitter account, ask to join.

Ask writers questions about particular works or preferred writing strategies. Find out who and what an author is reading.

Advice of Peter King:

Ask for help simplifying long, complicated material.

Use simple short words to build dramatic ideas.

Depend on characters, conflict, scenes, setting and narrators, no matter how short the story form.

Use repetition to hold narrative elements together

Authors of short writing: Jay Rosen and Stephanie Hayes.

When ad writing adopt a clear sense of purpose.

No element of copy is too small including typeface, paragraph headings and white space.

The first sentence should be compelling and easy to read.

Persuasive elements:

A clear product explanation

Technical language for credibility

Resolving objections

Gender preferences

Clarity and Rhythm

Product service (what happens when it breaks)

Trial period

Price comparison

Testamonial

How to order now.

Entice readers into buying product.

The Pitch: where the writer attempts to stand apart from the crowd in a sentence or two at the top of the page.

The Lure: where the writer compiles evidence (anecdotes, preferences, humour that he is worthy)

The Catch: where the writer ends with an irresistible call to action.

Example:

If you’re looking to put a bit of music into your life, I’m your guy… (listing qualities)

When starting on a website:

1. Chose username carefully (it’s the first thing people see)

2. Your heading, catchphrase is critical. Enticement to read further.

3. First few lines make or break you. Ten second rule.

4. Keep it brief and simple (250 words)

5. Check spelling & grammar

6. Pay attention to the close. Ask a question. Invite a resolution.

   
   

Short fiction told through text messages

Understand the focus of the story

The elements of words and pictures should not compete for attention but work together in support of the focus.

Combination of words and visual effects creates a singular tone, style mood or effect.

Exercise

Take a very short form (headline, blurb, or caption and blow it up to a length that accomplishes more than expected.”