Inspire, Inform, Entertain
Some people have ‘the gift’ – a seemingly effortless ability to inspire and inform others. They’ve got that special quality, a charisma that energises and influences those around them. They know how to work a room, pen their thoughts, and connect people and ideas. Ever-adaptable, they find the angle that resonates with their audience. They speak, conduct, and lead us safely into the unknown. If only all writers were like this...
Maybe you’re a subject expert or a consistent high-performer. You know your stuff. You’ve done the reading, applied yourself, and achieved results. People turn to you for advice. You are, after all, their hero. Flattered by their praise, you take a deep breath, puff out your chest, and start writing.
Having read your words, your unworthy fans will be blessed by your magnificence and – perhaps – be as brilliant as you.
But it was never about you. It was only ever about them.
“Leaders lead. Managers manage.”
As a writer, your role is to lead and inspire others. You’re not there to control, manipulate or patronise. You’re there to engage. And because each and every one of your readers is different, you’re obliged to go at their pace and do what’s required to feather their wings.
Be present, and be real.
Today, readers have more choice. They’re less tolerant of ‘Any colour you like so long as it’s black’. If they don't like your writing, they'll find something more appealing elsewhere. And that's threatening for lazy or dogmatic writers that fail to evolve their message.
So why do we still see so many self-indulgent books on the market? They’re the equivalent of media houses publishing the same newspaper every day. Today, as rapid consumers of information, we expect news. We expect facts. We expect saucy celebrity gossip. And yes, we expect a crossword that’s possible to complete.
But mostly we want to be empowered – by knowing the things that might influence or benefit us. We want to know what’s going on today. Yesterday's news is yesterday's news.
Write with purpose. Be clear of your message. Know the reaction you seek.
Inspire, inform, entertain.
If you like this blog, you'll like Fennel's book A Writer's Year.
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