Put A Little "You" In The Story

As a part of my series on writing, part 2 will focus on humanizing your story, or what I call, putting a little "you" in the story.



Nothing sends readers running for the hills than an article written from a completely series and detached approach. There are very few periodicals that approach their material like this, and they are mostly niche markets like science magazines, medical magazines, and other trade publications. So unless you're writing about quantum physics, or a new surgery procedure, it pays to make  your story interesting.



Human Touch



It does not matter whether you are a business writer or a recreational writer, always remember that people do not like being lectured, but rather talked with. It is through this exchange that ideas are communicated, and opinions are built on and intellectual debate can flourish. This participation is what establishes good writing.



We as humans look for an emotional connection in everything we do. It fuels are financial decisions, it fuels are relationship decisions, it even fuels are decisions on what is are favorite food and/or music. Even not having a feeling on something, apathy, is an emotional state. Thus, it is vital that if we expect participation, if we expect community, there needs to be something that people can connect with.



A very popular and obvious suggestion is including a story about yourself. Who else knows your story better than you? When you are writing your articles insert some of you in it and it becomes relatable.



If you try to direct your readers, tell them what they should or should not do, you will find yourself utterly alone.



Build community don’t destroy, and remember, people deal with humans, not corporate or business entities, and definitely anyone that plans on lecturing or telling others how things should be.



Photo Credit, lewishamdreamer