Craft Talk: write music, not just words...
on keeping the reader's attention
I thought it might be fun to have a monthly “Craft Talk” - something I’ve learned about writing (and have most likely learned the hard way.)
So here’s our inaugurul post: to keep your reader interested, vary your sentence length.
The following example is from legendary copywriter and writing teacher Gary Provost (via Nathan Baugh, on Twitter).
Isn’t that divine?
So brilliantly constructed.
May you vary your sentence length and let the reader hear your music!
(how do you think I did with those last three sentences?)
Try it and let me know.
Amy ❣️
Come See Me, Chickadees!
School Visits!
There’s plenty of summer left, right?
BUT - I want to visit you this fall! If you’re a teacher, librarian, book club, or parent who would like to book a McNifficent author visit (for any of my books!) please be in touch!
ICYMI: The McNifficent’s is for sale. Here’s a recent review so you’ll want to read it:
I Love the Science: Spirituality is good for our mental health (true story)
I loved playing with Barbies: Is Barbie a feminist icon? (fascinating, and also: it is SO DIZZYING to be a woman in today’s culture. Culture is constantly changing, which is why we should resist letting culture define our worth. RESIST.)
P.S. On the running front: did you know I love to run? Alas, I pulled my adductor muscle whilst playing soccer a week ago (I am ALWAYS pulling something playing soccer but I just can’t stop playing!). But after two days of rest and ibuprofen, I had a long run of ten miles with running buddy, Maryn, and it was glorious. On the rail trail, surrounded by the trees of New Hampshire. Do you like to run? Running is my drug of choice; it’s how I deal with my inner angst and work out my best plot points.
Favorite running shoes: Saucony (light and cushiony!) You?
Yes it sounds divide! Written words have their own kind of music.
This is great advice. Line lengths are where poetry and fiction intersect.