4 Reasons I Work with Words (and will never stop)
1) Words are fun!
Words are puzzle pieces to a picture you can’t see yet.
(Take that Rubik's cube!)
(Take that Rubik's cube!)
2) Words are powerful!
Just ask content managers such as Charity Stebbins
who highlights the importance of keywords for SEO optimization in her article,
“Why It’s Crazy Not to Track Your Post-Publishing
Keyword Search Volume”: https://lnkd.in/dQGWDF8. The science of
using words to lead consumers to your content is not new, but the language we
use to search for content is constantly changing.
When writing copy, I think of the words that live in the language of the audience I would like to attract: what does my audience value, how do they talk about what they value, what words do they use to describe their values? For example, when I write to attract the attention of teachers and parents, I ask myself the question, What values do teachers and parents have in common? Chances are both groups of people would like kids to value sharing and learning! Hence, I came up with the tag line “Share More. Teach More.” for educational book covers. Short. Simple. Relevant.
When writing copy, I think of the words that live in the language of the audience I would like to attract: what does my audience value, how do they talk about what they value, what words do they use to describe their values? For example, when I write to attract the attention of teachers and parents, I ask myself the question, What values do teachers and parents have in common? Chances are both groups of people would like kids to value sharing and learning! Hence, I came up with the tag line “Share More. Teach More.” for educational book covers. Short. Simple. Relevant.
In a very real way, the words we use are outdated.
We talk to each other in a language that is already in the past. We speak in
ancient ways. Our language is constantly falling behind us. Yet, we have to use
words to shape the future; words are a frontier and the tools to reach that
frontier. For a more concrete example: we are quick to learn how to use technology, but
the language we have to talk about technology is increasingly becoming both
diverse and specialized (a paradox, yes) in so much that tracking the language
of technology can feel like running the race behind the hare.
However, to be writing at the point where language pushes itself to reach the reality of our time is exhilarating. There is no doubt the tortoise signed on to race the hare because it was going to be a challenge in the best possible way.
However, to be writing at the point where language pushes itself to reach the reality of our time is exhilarating. There is no doubt the tortoise signed on to race the hare because it was going to be a challenge in the best possible way.
4) Readers are everywhere!
The potential audience that words can reach—and
affect—is mind-boggling. Writing is an ethical practice so it has its responsibility
for writers, should we choose to accept it. And I believe most of us do. Or
else writing would much, much easier (I dare say) and a lot less interesting.
But when we keep potential readers in mind when we are writing, then we have to
juggle language carefully because the words we choose and how we arrange the
words will impact our readers. And the impact we want to have is a positive
one!
Have you ever tried to juggle anything carefully, say, glass snow globes? The act is exhilarating in its own way and not unlike the writing process!
Have you ever tried to juggle anything carefully, say, glass snow globes? The act is exhilarating in its own way and not unlike the writing process!
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Shannon Mullally has a doctorate in Creative Writing and loves food studies. Find Shannon on twitter @SMMullally.
Shannon Mullally has a doctorate in Creative Writing and loves food studies. Find Shannon on twitter @SMMullally.
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