I’ve been reading “Pity The Reader”, based on teaching by the writer Kurt Vonnegut. It’s written in partnership with one of his former students, Suzanne McConnell. Mr. Vonnegut gave seven commandments to his writing students:
- Find A Subject You Care About
- Do Not Ramble
- Keep It Simple
- Have The Guts To Cut
- Sound Like Yourself
- Say What You Mean To Say
- Pity The Readers
I heartily recommend the book for exploring these in depth. But my favorite pieces of advice are the first and the last.
Find A Subject You Care About. It’s hard to do. When you’re writing a novel, for example, you’re going to be with the subject for years. A great example in the book is of a letter Mr. Vonnegut wrote to his family, who assumed he was dead, after he went missing in the second world war. In three pages he explained what had happened to him in Dresden. It was obviously a subject he cared about. I’m thinking: How might this advice affect our tweets? What about prioritizing the op-eds you’re planning? The emails to your supporters? Do you care enough about the subject? Or are you writing it for some other reason? If so, when is a good time for deeper reflection on your impact and purpose? I like to think there’s no time like the present…
Pity The Reader. Most readers don’t have time to digest complexity. If we’re producing a report, for example, the chances are that we’re doing so to bolster a broader strategic effort. If not, then likewise, maybe we don’t care enough about the subject! Again, I’d like to think that if the report is too complicated, and there’s not a broader effort to which it’s linked, that this is a good time for deeper reflection. But if you’re committed to writing it, regardless, then is there at least a killer executive summary that makes it easy on the reader? What about an opinion piece to pitch to the media at the same time as you release it? Are there affected people whom you can offer reporters you might get interested in the subject? Can you make a film featuring them for sharing on social?
I hope these might inspire you to write a sticky note for easy reference, where you’re working.
But there’s also something to consider here which is to get the most value out of your efforts.
If you’re writing something, how might you best ensure that it lands most effectively in the world?
Frankly, this is where I do my best work. And I’m always up for a quick conversation.
