Why Articles Lack Emotion (And How To Get The Emotion Going)

Sometimes, as writers, we find it hard to just sit down and write something out of the blue. When we do write something, it may come out "cold" with no real "feeling". In Sean's article he talks about finding emotion in your writing which ultimately makes you write more.

Sean D'Souza is the driving force behind "PsychoTactics", and an expert on using an understanding psychology to dramatically increase sales. Sean has developed a system called Psycho Tactics. PsychoTactics unlocks the working of the human brain and radically tweaks the way you think and act about your business. This results in clarity of thought and greater profits. Sean regularly writes for the NZ Herald, NZ Business and other local and international magazines. He has appeared on TV and Radio worldwide. He is the author of several books including the very highly rated book called "THE BRAIN AUDIT". His websites are http://www.psychotactics.com and
http://www.5000bc.com.

Article: Why Articles Lack Emotion
(And How To Get The Emotion Going)
http://www.psychotactics.com/artarticle-emotions
===============================================
There's a specific reason why I wake up in the morning and end up
writing three-four articles before I even hit the first sip of
coffee. It's because I'm all charged up.
=============================================
The emotions are flowing.
=============================================
I'm either happy.
Or sad.
Or frustrated beyond belief. And the reason why I get into these
crazy moods is because I've just read a blog post. Or someone's
just written to me an email that I strongly disagree with. Or
someone's just asked me a question.
=============================================
I don't need caffeine to get going
=============================================
I'm now all charged up, and ready to answer that email, refute that
blog post, or give a suitable, sorta-distinguished answer to the
question in the forum. The emotions are raging like a river in a
thunderstorm.
=============================================
I don't even pause to stop for structure.
=============================================
I just write. And write furiously.
And suddenly, I've fashioned out an answer, but aha, that answer is
no longer just an answer to a blog post, or forum post, or email.
It's a full-blown article.
=============================================
But it's far superior to the article I was going to write.
=============================================
It doesn't matter what article I was going to write, there's no way
on earth I can drum up enough emotion with a cold-start. I struggle
through the words. I long for structure. I edit, re-edit, post-edit,
pre-edit. In other words, I go nuts when sitting down to write an
article from scratch.

But when I respond to a blog post or email, I'm no longer trying to
be super-smart.

I'm just trying to get a point across as I would in a conversation.
And it helps one heck of a lot that I know who I'm talking to in the
first place.

So if JoeShmoe says: Work Smarter, Not Harder, then something in my
brain explodeth. I suddenly think, this JoeShmoe has no freakin'
idea at all. That term of 'Work Smart' is a bloomin' myth, because
you actually work harder as you get higher up the ranks. Now that
Joe Shmoe (whoever he is) has got me going. I'm roller-coasting my
way into the answer without even knowing it.
=============================================
When I've finished answering the post, I've done quite a few things:
=============================================
1) I've dumped a truckload of emotion into the article (Can you feel
it, can you feel it?...)
2) I've written with a sense of flow. Not pausing. Mulling. Pausing.
Just writing.
3) My answer on the post, email, forum is long, detailed, and hence
stands out not only in length, but also in depth.
4) The post I've answered is so nice and detailed, that it's chunky
enough to use on my own
blog/website/booklet/course/presentation/podcast/video (you're
getting the idea, eh?)
=============================================
But what about the structure of the article?=============================================
Structure matters. And it helps to learn how to write better. (Um,
you really should check out the 'Article Writing Homestudy Course).

But in many cases, emotion will save the day. All you really have to
do is take your response, tweak it a bit and while you haven't got
the world's best article, you've got one heck of an article.
=============================================
Most writers need coffee to get going.
=============================================
They need some additional stimulant.
Well, now you have your stimulant.

Go find some posts you can answer. And let that torrent of emotion
run wild. :)

(Um, this article was written in www.5000bc.com in answer to a forum
post--just in case you were wondering)!
=======================================
Product Offers: Links you should visit
========================================
1) Are you losing tons of potential business because you don't know
how the brain works? Read how The Brain Audit can help you...
http://www.psychotactics.com/brainaudit

2)"I started listening on my PC, and found it so compelling
that I downloaded the audio files, and put them on my
PDA to keep listening when I went out."

Eric Graudins, Webangel, Australia
Find Out The Psychological Sec'rets of Compelling Websites...
http://www.psychotactics.com/website-secrets

3) New Product Introductory Offer! How to Avoid Monster Clients
And Attract The Clients You Want With Testimonials...
http://www.psychotactics.com/testimonialsecrets

©2001-2009 Psychotactics Ltd. All rights reserved.
Wouldn't you love to stumble upon a sec'ret library of small
business ideas? Find simple, yet electrifying ideas, on
copywriting, public speaking, marketing strategies, sa'les
conversion, psychological tactics and branding.
Head down to http://www.psychotactics.com today and judge
for yourself.

Is there emotion in your writing?

Spirit Of Gratitude

- Inspirational Series -






Joel Osteen is a well-known pastor and speaker. His church is the Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas. I find his messages to be inspirational, comforting and uplifting. I watched a broadcast of one of his sermons today on DVD. His message was about “gratitude and being thankful for the gift of today”. He said to find things in your life to be grateful for instead of complaining about what you do not have or situations you have no control over.

In our every day lives there are many things that challenge us and it is not easy to think of things to be grateful for. We cannot always control our environment and things such as being stuck in traffic, a complaining co-worker, a fight with your spouse, misbehaving children, disconnection from family and friends, can wear you down and out. However, we need to learn to discipline our mind to refocus on the positive instead of the negative. Try to let go of that side of you that dwells on how miserable your life is. I know this is not easy, but it is worth a try.

Joel Osteen says each day is a special day and we need to be grateful that we wake up in the morning. Live each day as if it was your last, because it might very well be. Do not take for granted the people in your life or the things around you. Some people that are less fortunate and are homeless, unemployed, with no family or friends, dealing with an illness, etc., have better attitudes and outlook on their lives. They have set their minds to be thankful for life. It is up to you to not live a life in regret, self-pity, anger, resentment, or depression. Of course, that is not to say you need to be happy at all times or not show your emotions or be discouraged, but the key thing is not to linger in that moment, because then you will not let yourself rise above the situation.

I pray to God everyday for strength to face whatever the day may bring. If I am facing a tough situation or decision, I ask him to enlighten and guide me. When I was younger, I only prayed to him when I wanted something and with not much conviction at that. I then got upset when I did not get what I prayed for. I spent too much time and energy in being negative, depressed and wallowing in self-pity. I was not living each moment of each day because I was focused too much on past regrets and future worries. I lacked the faith to know that God would see me through. I have since changed my way of thinking (which has not been easy) and I am more grateful today for everything I have. Being in the moment in what I do each day has helped me feel that I am living and enjoying life more.

As an aspiring writer I feel living by this motto will make me stronger. I will be better able to deal with the rejections I might get or overcome the frustration when I can’t come up with anything to write about. I am thankful that I can read, write, make connections with other writers, have writing resources (books, websites, blogs, etc) available to me, have supportive family and friends, and have strength to persevere in my goal to just write and one day get published. Like the saying goes, it is not the destination, but the journey that counts.

What can you be grateful for today?

Witty Writing Phrases

I like bumper stickers that have witty, funny or catchy phrases. I have not seen too many of those around lately. However, there was a post on Juiced On Writing, titled 101 Bumper Sticker Phrases For Writers, which had a lot of catchy writing phrases. I have compiled my own list below:

1. It is writing time somewhere
2. Aspiring Writer on board
3. My characters are my reality
4. You are what you write
5. I read, therefore I write
6. Wordsmith At Work
7. All the write moves
8. I see words everywhere
9. I am a legend in my own writing
10. To write or not to write, that is the question
11. My muse is asleep and it won’t wake up!
12. Cyber Writer
13. Mobile Writer
14. Silence of the writer
15. Me, myself and my muse
16. The Good, The Bad, and The Writer
17. America’s Next Top Writer
18. C.onstantly S.eeking I.nspiration Writer
19. The Queen of Writing
20. The King of Writing
21. Everybody Loves A Writer
22. Paper: $5, Pen: $2, Writing: priceless
23. Who wants to be a writer?
24. So you think you can write?
25. Hooked on writing
26. Inspiration At Work
27. Smile! You are a writer
28. One Life To Write
29. Writer Unleashed
30. Writing is just a click away
31. Be nice to me, I am a writer
32. Writer In Training
33. Writing In Progress
34. Writers’ Anonymous
35. When your muse speaks, you listen and write
36. It is the writer’s way or the highway
37. When inspiration strikes, you write
38. Aspiring Writer At Work
39. Writing a novel…one page at a time
40. The pen made me write it
41. I am a writer, any questions?
42. Mind Mapping For Dummies
43. Writing Parent At Work
44. Rise and Write!
45. The Writer Connection
46. American Writer
47. Writer Beware
48. Just Write It!
49. The Writing Link
50. Creativity does not strike twice

What writing catchphrases can you come up with?

Flickr photo: canelita0306

12 Artist Date Ideas

Writing Class Notes: Ideas for an artist date

When you go on an "artist date" you are actively in pursuit of images to get you writing. You set aside a block of time for yourself with no cell phone or connection to the outside world. On this type of "date" you may do something out of the ordinary and you need to have your writer's notebook ready for when inspiration strikes.

1. Go to a nursery and look at plants.
2. Get a movie you really want to see.
3. Spend a complete morning (or evening) in a bookstore.
4. Blow soap bubbles...maybe get one of those gigantic bubble hoops.
5. Make a village or a zoo full of animals out of Play Doh.
6. Find a piece of poetry, drag out the watercolors and "paint" the poem. Letting the words pick the colors and shapes.
7. Go to a local batting cage and put in some batting practice.
8. Take a short hike or a long walk.
9. Birdwatch.
10. Take a bike ride and go on a picnic.
11. Play "I Spy" with yourself-try to see how many colors you can actually spot.
12. Get a blanket and lay down outside and count stars or try to spot constellations.

What ideas do you have for an artist date?

Writer In Mourning

My mother passed away when I was 18. She died before Mother's Day and before my high school graduation. I was devastated and I felt so alone and empty inside. I found myself going through the loss like if it were someone else. It was not until everything was over that I really let myself feel the hurt. I was also angry at God for letting her die. I understand this a whole lot better now, and it is not anyone's fault, when it is our time, that is when we go from this earth. I started writing consistently after my mother died and wrote about all the different emotions I was feeling. This helped me air everything out and it made me feel better.

Today, I got the news that my ex-mother-in-law passed away. She had been sick for a while and it was getting the best of her. I thank God I was able to see her in February and spend some time with her. I recently talked to her on the phone so I heard her voice for one last time. She was like a second mother to me, so I feel I have lost a mother all over again. Even though we were not legally related anymore, she considered me her daughter and loved me like one. I will miss her a great deal. It comforts me to know she died peacefully with no pain.

I am going out of town for the funeral service, so I will not be posting for the rest of the week. I am a firm believer that you must show the people you care for how much you love them since you never know when you or them will be gone.

Finalist – The New Author First Annual Writing Contest

I submitted two poems for consideration in The New Author First Annual Writing Contest. The New Author selected finalists for the five best poems and the five best short stories. I made it as a finalist for one of my poems, titled “What Happens To Love?" For the next five days you can go to his blog and vote for your favorite entry. The number of votes received will decide the winner for each category. I am happy that I am a finalist, even if I do not win. This has encouraged me to continue to enter other writing contests.

What Happens To Love?
What happens when the love is gone?
And you are no longer listening to the same song?
You don’t hear the words spoken anymore.
The person you live with is a stranger you have not seen before.
Your eyes don’t look lovingly at the face you have looked at for 20 years.
Instead, you think, what am I doing here?
Where have all the years gone?
Pictures cross your mind of moments gone by.
Moments both happy and sad.
So far away, you can’t go back.
How much longer must you stay?
The kids are grown and moved away.
One life to live is all you have.
What happened to that love you once had?
Did the time go by too fast?
One moved forward and the other just stood back.
Love has to be nurtured, each and every day.
If only in the simplest of ways.
When there is no saving the relationship, is it best to say goodbye and stay friends?
You both might be better in the end.
With no regrets, just reality setting in.
Once strong emotions were there, but now, no one cares.
You want to be off to other things and the excitement of what that could bring.
What happens to love?
Did you marry too young?
Or was the relationship just wrong?
Is there a secret formula to staying a happy couple forever?
Or is there no such thing?
You cannot let yourself just die inside or run somewhere and hide.
Once the love is gone and nothing is real, why should you stay together anymore?
It is best to go out, reinvent who you are and explore.
Smell the flowers in your path.
Don’t despair and think you are a failure who can’t get things right.
Each day God gives you, will shed a new light on your life.

The Write Stuff – Pop Idol for Writers?

The Write Stuff – Pop Idol for Writers?

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I was reading the above post today by Michelle at Juiced On Writing and wanted to share it with you. This is something new and different and I thought of interest to us writers. It is like "American Idol" but instead of singing songs, the contestants need to write stuff. I am looking forward to seeing it, I am sure it will have very useful tips and information on writing.

''With so many programs on TV that promote violence and other negative aspects of our society, it is very exciting for me as an author and avid book reader to see a marvelous program that explores education and literacy. I believe that The Write Stuff will soon become a program that will be impossible to forget. I hope this program will encourage many new writers to put their 'pen to paper'. Countless people have a story they want to tell but are afraid to write. They are either afraid they don’t have the talent or they put their writing off until 'another day'. They never get around to it. What better opportunity to start that book? [This is a] TV program that seems to have something for everyone – participant, viewer and publisher...I look forward to seeing how many new careers it spurs. I am honored to be able to endorse this exciting new reality show and wish all those involved the very best of luck!'' ---Kimberly Cheryl, Bestselling Author (Shattered Reality/Escape from the Pharma Drug Cartel) http://www.kimberlycheryl.net

What do you think about this new reality show?

11 Keys To Handling Description

Writing Class Notes - Keys to description

One of the things that my writing teacher always emphasized was the importance of description in writing. We need to draw the reader in, write a good “hook” to keep the reader turning the page, and “show, don’t tell”. For me, this is easier said than done. Sometimes I can’t come up with the right words to describe something in my writing. I want the reader to “see” what I see so they can be connected to the story. The following keys to handling description are a good starting point so that you are better able to “paint” a picture in your reader’s mind.

1. We experience the world through our five senses. Therefore, to create people, places, and events in your fiction that seem real, use words and phrases that create sensory impressions (also called images). In fictions imagery + events = experience.

2. Give your readers the same sensory information and details that they would notice and find important if they were actually there, in the presence of what you’re describing.

3. In general, use adjectives that describe (thick, salty, angling, furry, speckled, sweet) rather than those that judge or evaluate (ugly, spectacular, annoying, breathtaking, pathetic), except when your own evaluation is absolutely necessary to your reader.

4. Combining imagery from two or more different senses can really bring a setting or scene to life. For example, if you need to describe a crowded amusement park, include not only the sights and sounds, but also the smells (of cotton candy, popcorn, well-oiled machinery, hot asphalt, etc).

5. More is not necessarily better. Usually it takes just a few details to bring a character, event, or place completely to life-but they must be just the right details. Consider carefully what sensory impressions are most significant or unique to whatever or whomever you’re describing.

6. The sense of smell is the most powerful and evocative-and most neglected-of all your senses. Using it appropriately in your fiction can yield powerful results. (Recall, for example, how your mother’s house – or your mother – usually smells.)

7. Choose details especially carefully when describing characters. Unless a character’s height, build, hair color, or facial features are significant, don’t describe them. Instead, focus on the kinds of details that are more revealing of your characters personality: the kind of shoes she likes to wear, what she does just before going to bed every night, or the way she raises her eyebrows when she’s flattered or amused.

8. You don’t have to make up every detail from scratch. Some of your best descriptions, images, and details will come from mining your memory. If you need to describe a fictional beauty salon, think about the real beauty salons you’ve visited. You may describe one of these actual salons, or combine elements from two or more different ones.

9. Consider combining the real and the unreal to create a vivid description or image. For example, when describing a hospital room, combine the humming overhead lights from one of your high school classrooms, the machinery from the intensive care unit where you work, and décor from your imagination.

10. As a general rule, choose the concrete and specific over the abstract or general.

11. There is no across-the-board “correct” amount of detail to use in a work of fiction. However the following generality applies: use every bit of detail that your reader needs – and not a shred more.


How do you handle description in your writing? What have you found helpful in finding the right words to use in your details?

Writing Achievement

I just got the latest issue of Writers' Digest in the mail and I was excited to see it was the issue in which they list the 101 Best Websites For Writers. Throughout the years I have gotten many valuable resources from this list and I recommend getting the magazine. Some of the websites/blogs on the list are either on my blogroll or writing website listing and are noted below under their respective categories. I want to congratulate these sites on their great work and for sharing their knowledge with aspiring writers and established writers alike. In addition, I want to commend the other writing websites and blogs that I have noted on this site because they also provide great information for writers.

Challenges/Creativity
writingfix.com

Agent Blog
nathanbransford.blogspot.com

Publishing Resources
easywaytowrite.com/articles.htm
editorunleashed.com
fictionwriting.about.com
oncewritten.com

Jobs/Markets
fwointl.com(Freelance Writing Organization-International)

Women's Writing
wow-womenonwriting.com


What other websites and/or blogs have you found to be an invaluable source for writers?

Create Pictures For Your Writing

When I started this writing blog, I did not use any pictures to go with my posts, just because I did not know the value of using them. However, as I got more familiar with the world of blogging, I noticed that a lot of sites used images with their posts, and it added a nice touch to them. Maria Schneider has a site called Editor Unleased, and she did a post in which she said that images can be an inspiration for your writing, as well as add an interesting element to what you write about. She uses Flickr as a source for her images. The images under the Creative Commons license can be used at no cost, but credit must be given to the photographer.

I find that it can be a tedious process searching for just the right picture and some pictures that come up on Flickr do not seem related at all to what you are looking for. This got me thinking about building my own photo gallery of pictures that I can use for inspiration or in a future post. I looked around my house for things that caught my eye and took a picture of it. I also looked back at pictures I took on past trips, scenic pictures (fall, snow, spring, palm trees, moon, clouds) flowers, animals, etc. I uploaded them to Flickr and now have 106 pictures in my photostream and it is a work in progress. I still have to tag the pictures and get a Creative Commons license for them. You can take a picture of any number of things and be as creative as you want. The main thing is to take a picture of something that catches your eye, or that you connect with. I am having a lot of fun with this project since I love taking pictures.

One of the blogs I follow,Pictures, Poetry and Prose, posts an image daily and you are prompted to write anything you want about it. You can find other sources for images here as well.

What source(s) do you use to get images for your writing?

Flickr photo: ipodfan1