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"Engage Like a Post, Write with Variety”
A unique way to think about engagement
Lora Coleman
February 02, 2025
#Engagement!!
Is my most recent post going to go viral?
Some might be surprised by how often people ask themselves this question, while for others, it’s just part of their daily routine.
What if we took that knowledge about the latest social media trend and applied it to our writing? As one big-name influencer once said, “Everything is content.”
The coffee cup? Content.
Debating? Content.
That weird spot on the wall? Yep, content.
Photo by Marvin Meyer on Unsplash
Let’s talk about the things that “bring all the followers to the live”? (Sung to the tune of Kelis’s song Milkshake, of course.) Speaking of classic hits, music and effects can make a post chef’s kiss. Similarly, posts that invite followers to share their opinions often lead to a surge in engagement.
But why? Because variety keeps people engaged.
It’s the same with writing. Your readers are multifaceted. So, it’s time your writing reflects that.
Photo by Kilimanjaro STUDIOz on Unsplash
Because of social media, attention spans are shorter than ever. Are you writing for the inquisitive and the comical. How can you challenge your audience without losing clarity?
Did you know that movement is an engagement tactic in posts? You can mimic this in your writing by showcasing different events, moods, and emotions. These are movements of the mind.
If opinions bring engagement in social media, dialogue does the same. Interactions between characters (or even the reader) are like those effects that you can put over an otherwise subpar video. Perhaps most importantly, you can add music to your sentences by partaking in various sentence structures.
Some long. Some short. Spacing. Rhythm.
Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash
Here’s a quote from 100 Ways to Improve Your Writing that captures this beautifully:
“The ear demands some variety. Now listen. I vary the sentence length, and I create music. Music. The writing sings. It has a pleasant rhythm, a lilt, a harmony. I use short sentences. And I use sentences of medium length. And sometimes, when I am certain the reader is rested, I will engage him with a sentence of considerable length, a sentence that burns with energy and builds with all the impetus of a crescendo, the roll of the drums, the crash of the cymbals–sounds that say listen to this, it is important.”
-Gary Provost
So, the next time you write, think about this: Are you crafting a feed your readers can’t stop scrolling through? Add movement. Add rhythm. Make your words sing. Because just like a viral post, your writing should leave them wanting more.
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A Mindset Reminder.. Beat Critically Comparing Yourself with Purpose
I’m talking about a different kind of stuck—the one where you’re tethered to one project, one perfect outcome, or one manuscript you’ve rewritten so many times it’s just… “meh.” You step away to take a break, but it’s always on your mind. When you finally look at it again, it feels lifeless. Sound familiar? Hopefully, it’s not just me.
Why We Fear Feeling Stuck
First off, are you critically comparing your work? I’ve been comparing the intro I’m writing now to one I wrote before—one I felt way more confident in. Worse, we compare ourselves to others. Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” Well, it can also be the silent thief of inspiration. Not because you don’t have what it takes, but because you’re letting it hold you back from the great work that you can give to the world.
Here’s the hard truth: It’s your responsibility to share your dream with the world.
Shift the Focus to Purpose
Here’s the mindset hack. Remember the higher purpose. Look past the reviews and sales. The higher purpose is your readers. Maybe it’s for a reader who needs your story to feel less alone. Maybe it’s for your future self, the one who will look back and say, Thank you for not giving up.
No matter what you create, no matter how imperfect it feels to you, Someone will love what you wrote. Someone will connect with your character or words. Someone will be inspired to follow their own desires because you did too.
Final Thoughts
Remembering your soul’s purpose takes away the immense pressure to be perfect and encourages a sense of gratitude for every. single. reader. This is what will attract more into your life. So, stop critically comparing..but don’t stop writing.
Keep up with me and let’s build community! I appreciate each and every one of you!
