Listening - To give close attention in order to hear. To wait attentively for a sound.
It's not what you say, It's what people hear, according to Dr. Frank Luntz in his book, Words That Work. Have you ever wrote or spoke something and the person receiving interpreted a different meaning than you intended? Dr. Luntz explains that you need to consider how your audience will interpret what you're writing and verbalizing.
In the subjective world of fiction, our words can take on a variety of meanings by our readers as they incorporate our stories with their experiences, mood, desires, and background. Here are some simple suggestions to make sure you're speaking the language of your chosen genre?
Talk to people - Very normal habit for most of us, unless you're stuck in a 6 x 6 cubicle all day. Ask your friends, colleagues, clients questions. . .what do they read and what do they like best about it? Be observant of their home and office bookshelves. These definitely tell a story.
Social media - Ask your Twitter peeps, Facebook friends, and Linked In connections if they read fiction and, if so, who their favorite authors are? And don't forget to find out why?
Blogging - Another great two-way communications tool. You can post excerpts or whole chapters of your current project and ask for feedback. Ask about certain books or which characters they tuned into and related to the most?
Websites - Check out websites for the books you like. They usually have reviews and sometimes audio clips and author interviews. Another opportunity to hear what's being said.
Online communities - Go to where the writers in your genre are hanging out. If mystery is your specialty, join a sleuthing club. Romance your passion, they too have their own pocket of cyberspace. This will provide you with a wealth of ideas, tips, and inspiration!
In-person networking - It'll never go out of style completely. Face-to-face is a great learning opportunity. Plus imagine how excited they'll be when they can say "remember when" after you get rich and famous, traveling and doing book signings. . .
Local bookstores - If you have them in your area, especially independently owned smaller shops, visit them and cultivate those relationships. You'll get much closer with them, faster and easier, than you will with the big boys (until you're published).
Listening is a skill writers need to master from the idea to the book store shelf. In the beginning you're learning what your readers want and how to write it and along the journey you're making sure to satisfy that craving. Just listening is not enough though. That's the first step. Your actions and your readers positive reactions are the proof you've really heard them so be sure to follow through!
How has listening improved you storytelling?
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