Three questions to generate 'gravitational pull' in your writing.

Today, I am going to talk about something important for writers.

First, I have a question for you.

When I am consulted about a manuscript for work, what do you think is the first thing I consider as a standard for quality?

Phrasing? ...No.
Structure? ...No.
Theme? ...Close.

The first thing I think about is 'gravitational pull'.

It is whether or not you feel something that draws you in when you read it. If it feels 'weak,' 'shallow,' or 'thin,' then that manuscript has failed at the initial stage.

Now, here is the next question.

What do you think is the true nature of 'gravitational pull'?

My own answer is this.

'Gravitational pull' is what occurs when what the writer wants to convey strikes a chord with the reader.

When there is a problem with 'gravitational pull,' I check the following:

1. What do you want to convey?
2. How should you convey it?
3. Is that something the other person wants to be told?

You might find it surprising, but it is not rare to stumble at step 1.

People who do not have a clear idea of what they want to convey cannot answer the question in a single word. They end up just tracing what they have written.

For example, if you are asked what you want to convey in 'The Red Ogre Who Cried' and you explain the plot, that is like this. In this case, the answer would be friendship, self-sacrifice, or diversity, right?

There are also people like this.

'I have a lot of things I want to convey, but...'

Of course, you do not need to narrow it down to one at this point. I have them list as many as they can, and then we move on to the next question.

Stumbling at step 2 is also quite common.

You have something you want to convey. However, you have not decided how to convey it. If we compare it to cooking, it is like not having the right seasoning for the ingredients you have prepared.

Of course, there are times when it can be eaten deliciously just as it is. But what if the ingredients aren't fresh? Should you try grilling it, simmering it, marinating it, or steaming it? What seasonings would go well with it? What if you combined it with other ingredients? You would need to be creative, wouldn't you?

Writing is the same. Make sure your angle is clear.

Now, finally, here is number three. I get the impression that quite a few people are missing this.

You have something you want to convey. You have decided on the angle from which to convey it. But is that actually something the viewer (reader) needs?

Think about it in terms of a gift.

You bought expensive jewelry for someone you like. You are planning to give it to them with a flashy surprise. You have spent money and effort, but wait a minute. Will the other person really be happy? Is there a possibility that they might feel it is too heavy?

When writing, it becomes important to know who you want to convey your message to. If it doesn't resonate with them, rethink points one and two.

"I have so much I want to convey, but..."

If you are that kind of person, try thinking about what, out of all the many things you have, will resonate with the person you want to reach.

1. What is it that you want to convey?
2. How should you convey it?
3. Is that something the other person wants to be told?

Do you clarify these three things before you write your text?