Why Should I Read This Blog?

You ask yourself, "Why should I read this blog?  I think a quote from an American novelist, poet, short story writer, art critic and literary critic says it best. "I want stories to startle and engage me within the first few sentences, and in their middle to widen or deepen or sharpen my knowledge of human activity, and to end by giving me a sensation of completed statement." -John Updike-.

A blog should be similar to a story, it needs to inform, entertain or deepen. These simple tips should help.

·         Don’t use big words

·         Be an artist

·         Power in the written work 

1. Don't use big words and long sentences to show the readers how smart you are. They will soon tire of opening the dictionary continually. The reader (tongue in cheek) may say, "I'm reading a story (blog, novel, article, or essay) and the dictionary at the same time."
2. Writers are artists. The painter uses a brush, the photographer uses a camera, the woodcarver uses a knife, and the writer uses the keyboard to create something from nothing, to breath life into their work. 
3. Writers have a lot of power in their fingertips. The written word is very powerful it can entertain, inspire, anger and educate. The written word changes lives. 

Writers possess an acute sense of awareness and a vivid, colorful imagination. Use these qualities often and use them well. Always think of your audience when writing. Reach out to them-- touch them in some way--evoke a reaction.

Have fun and strengthen your descriptions with this writing exercise from About.com Creative Writing. Choose from one of three scenarios: Describe a landscape as seen by an old woman whose horrible old husband has just died, describe a lake as seen by a young man who has just murdered someone, or describe a landscape as seen by a bird.

Leave your scenario in the comments.