The Tug of Writing

Good writing tugs at readers. It makes them feel on edge, uneasy, torn, outside their comfort zone - and this is exactly what keeps them glued to the page. Writing doesn't have to be mystery or thriller writing to achieve this edge. It simply has to be compelling. Good writing tugs at readers' minds and hearts and instincts and moves them off center so that they're open to new experiences and perspectives. It changes readers. Writers accomplish this change in many ways through effective plot, structural techniques, and good storytelling. But mostly they do it through using selective language - emotionally charged language that is heavily laden with meaning and symbolism. It's language that causes readers to have a visceral reaction. It tugs at readers to pull them in a new direction. Writing that doesn't have this pull isn't memorable. It won't keep readers up late turning page after page. It may not keep them turning pages at all. Writing has to do so much more than merely inform or entertain readers. It has to fundamentally alter their consciousness. So when you read your own writing, listen for that tug in your words. See if you can feel the seduction of your language as it washes over you. Does it have the power to transform readers or does it fall short? Being able to affect readers profoundly will make your writing more meaningful and keep readers coming back for more.