In this episode, I dive into the art of crafting compelling writing from start to finish. We’ll explore why it’s crucial to maintain engagement throughout your piece, not just in the opening. I’ll share strategies for keeping momentum in the middle of your work, tips for crafting effective endings, and emphasize the importance of revision in creating impactful writing. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting out, this episode will provide valuable insights to help you elevate your craft and create work that truly resonates with readers. Join me as we uncover the secrets to crafting compelling everything!

Get my Writerly Love Letters, sent Wednesdays and filled with ideas and care for you and your writing: rachelthompson.co/letters

#106 Write, Publish, Shine Episode Transcript

Welcome to the Write, Publish, and Shine podcast. I’m your host, Rachel Thompson, and today we’re diving into episode 106: Craft Compelling Everything. This is number four on my list of 10 things I learned from 14 years on Room’s editorial collective. If you missed one to three, go on back to episodes number 103, 104, and 105!

In today’s episode, we’re building on our previous discussion about crafting compelling openings. But here’s the thing: you can’t stop at the beginning. As a writing coach, I often surprise writers with how many revisions it truly takes to craft compelling writing throughout an entire piece. I’m a firm believer in going deeper rather than wider in your writing, really honing in and working with a piece until it’s ready to publish and shine.

So, let’s dive into the art of crafting compelling everything, from start to finish.

The Importance of Sustained Engagement

Once you’ve nailed that great opening, remember: it’s just the beginning. Your entire piece needs to sustain that level of engagement. The best pieces blend surprise and familiarity, going beyond the surface to explore your subject in depth—emotionally, intellectually, and politically.

The Middle: Keeping Momentum

The middle of your piece is where many writers struggle. It’s easy to lose steam or direction. Here are some tips to keep your writing compelling throughout:

  • Maintain tension: Keep raising questions or conflicts that keep your reader invested.
  • Deepen character development: If you’re writing fiction or creative non-fiction, use the middle to reveal more about your characters.
  • Layer your themes: Introduce and develop the key themes of your work gradually.
  • Vary your pacing: Mix longer, more reflective passages with shorter, more intense ones to keep things interesting.

Crafting a Compelling Ending

Now, let’s talk about endings. Often, when I read a submission from a new writer, I hold my breath as I see the blank space coming up at the end of a page. The end approaches and, like a spectator at a gymnastics competition, I think, “That’s an impressive flip, but can the writer stick the landing?” Alas, in my experience, this doesn’t happen as often as we’d hope.

Endings are difficult—we get ourselves into a story or poem, but then we don’t know how to find the exit. There often isn’t a natural place to stop, or if an ending feels natural, it might end up trite or too pat, undermining the brilliance of what came before.

Tips for Effective Endings

  • Avoid the “pretty bow”: Don’t feel you need to answer all the questions you raise in your work.
  • Steer clear of moralizing: Avoid the temptation to explain what the work means in a preachy tone.
  • Don’t avoid your ending: Provide some form of resolution, even if it’s open-ended.
  • Consider ending earlier: Sometimes, cutting your last few lines can leave your reader with a more powerful impression.
  • Use repetition: Repeating words or phrases from earlier in the piece can create a satisfying circular effect.
  • Take a step away: End a step or two away from the central conflict, giving a broader perspective.

Revision: The Key to Compelling Writing

Remember, crafting compelling everything often comes down to revision. Don’t be afraid to go back and rework your piece multiple times. Each revision is an opportunity to deepen your exploration, tighten your language, and enhance the overall impact of your writing.

Closing Thoughts

Crafting compelling everything is no small feat, but it’s a skill that can be developed with practice and attention. I think it’s most important to remember that this is the behind-the-scenes view of pretty much every writer you see killing it with their lit mag publications. They’re crafting and doing way more revisions than you can imagine.

By focusing on sustaining engagement throughout your piece, from the opening hook to the final word, you’ll create work that truly resonates with your readers.

Remember, the goal isn’t perfection, but rather creating something that feels true and impactful. Keep writing, keep revising, and keep shining.

Thank you for tuning in to the Write, Publish, and Shine podcast. If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe and leave a review. Until next time, keep crafting compelling everything!

The Write, Publish, and Shine podcast is hosted by me, Rachel Thompson, with sound editing by Adam Linder.

To learn more about my work supporting writers, visit rachelthompson.co and sign up for my weekly Writerly Love Letters, packed with encouragement for your writing journey.

Share this episode with other luminous writers by directing them to rachelthompson.co/podcast or by searching for “Write, Publish, and Shine” wherever they get their podcasts.

I acknowledge the El Muzina Bedouin lands in South Sinai, Egypt, where I record, and I stand in solidarity with those condemning the ongoing violence against Palestinian people and the invasion of Lebanon. Let’s call for a ceasefire and support the movement against apartheid, genocide, and the flagrant disregard for international law.

More Episodes of Write, Publish, Shine

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This

Share This

Share this post with your friends!