I was just asked for some samples of writing that showed my playful side. Scanning my portfolio whilst my eyes rolled up in my head, I began my task. Not sure why we look up to the ceiling for answers. But I did find 3 playful articles. Here they are…digital drum roll please.
The playful tone is usually positive, upbeat and pitchy but can also break down a more serious topic into bite sized easy to read pieces. Does playful content make for great SEO? Not sure. It can be redundant and a little choppy if you aren’t careful.
Generally, a paragraph that contains many consecutive sentences all starting with the same word, won’t be a nice read. The words will feel repetitive and the text will lack flow. That’s obviously not great for readability
I like the idea of playful writing. Shorter sentences. Using vernacular instead of proper syntax and grammar. I enjoy a snappy blog post too. Going to try and lighten my tone from here on in….
Getting in touch with my inner playful
Let me know if I can curate a few articles for YOU. Pick a genre from meditation to mortgages.
Philadelphia is filled with brick and cobblestones. In this way it reminds me of Montreal. Built to endure. I wonder whether the next generation of building materials will leave such a legacy. In 100 years will we re-purpose the structures that are erecting today?
I am drawn to doors and doorways. The mere act of opening a door takes courage sometimes, in special occasions. As you open a door, who knows – you might confront the unknown.
What Do Doorways Make You Think Of?
There are cliches associated with opening a door too. And symbols. Like opportunity. Freedom – getting out or going in.
The experience of walking through a door can be unique. In the sense that sometimes when you open a door the experience on the other side can be transformative. First time meetings, feelings etc. You can fill in the blanks.
The Doors of Philly #Livelocal
Alternatively it can be routine or ordinary, like when you come home. Unless that stresses you out. Anyway, the doorways of Philly are really something to take notice of. I think many of them I must walk by dozens of times. Here are some stand-out doorways from around and about.
Big Red Door
This red door in Northern Liberties makes me think of the expression ‘opportunity knocks’ and has those high columns that feel like either wisdom or judgement. I had a meeting there. I also feel like it says ‘rehab’ on it. Some of the older features kept (it was a church) but it’s also modern, functional and bold.
Turquoise Door
This turquoise door is set in brick (with the sun just so…) says calm, and reminds me of space, sky and ocean. It’s in a building that has kept lots of its brickness and vibes of tech, yoga and a cross between Brooklyn and Old Montreal.
Brown Door – Rittenhouse Square
This elegantly carved wood doorway on Walnut Street seems to say ‘get grounded!’ Super earthly and elegant. I have some of this wood carving at home and it definitely reminds me of Montreal boutiques. Some of which I know are no longer around.
I am really happy with a new piece I wrote, but think the chapeau goes off to the editor (and web design). A few tweeks were made with her keen eye. I know she would say she couldn’t have done it without the research and writing I did. But still. I like to play on a supportive team.
As I have also worn the editor hat, I can tell you, it can be very frustrating. Sometimes, I would rather just tear it all up and start over. Especially when I just can’t get inside the other writer’s head, or edit and still keep the flavor of their voice. But if budget constraints are tighter than the feeling in my neck, I keep at it. Sometimes, when you are editing, you might prefer to rebuild but can only remodel.
A copy editor is a planner, reviewer, and reviser of content for publication. Someone who has a grasp of punctuation and won’t let a sentence r…u…n…..on….f-o-r-e-v-e-r. Their goal is to improve readability. ¹
a good editor keeps things moving
Is the Editor a BFF or a Frenemy?
For sure, some editors need and want to put their stamp on all content that passes their desk. And, if it serves the bigger picture (brand, strategy, overall tone, clarity etc.), cool. For me, I think editors are both respectful and the last word. I mean, if you hire the writer for his or her specific tone, you should strive to maintain it, enhance it, or head to HR. Ultimately, I think a good editor is a great silent partner, a good writer, teacher, clarifier and teammate. Someone who collaborates with authors to help their ideas and stories succeed.
Creative writing is pretty loosely described. We associate creative writing with narratives, character development, prose and poetry. And sometimes, flow.
People ask me all the time “what kind of things do you write?” and I usually answer ‘business writing’ seeing as this is an accurate description of my work week. Or I will say something like, “writers, write” or “I’m versatile”. It seems like a cop out. And an apology for not having a spot on the New York Times Bestseller list.
Creativity and Perspective
But, when all is said and done, doesn’t creativity have to infuse web content? Does it not require creativity to find a vocabulary, navigate compliance, and get across a prescribed message? I think so. Feel so. I mean, you get these ingredients (search phrases, a product to sell, a certain number of hours, a specific audience). Then you have to actually create a piece that will both inform and sell. And be readable.
Creativity in the Digital Age
We need to expand the bounds of what defines creative writing. I do not mean add alternative facts. What I do mean is that for those of us who write content for websites, we shouldn’t feel that we have the short end of the creative writing deal. In fact, the internet has jettisoned words and sentences so that we no longer have to go out of our way to read. And with the short attention span of today’s reader, if you can get someone to click a link and sign up, buy your product or request information with some creative business content, hat’s off! That is a win.
A masterpiece
Don’t Go Stale
Sometimes, a project can feel heavy. The subject is hard to grasp, resources are as scarce as water in the desert, and compliance has you up in a corner. When this happens to me I feel like stale bread. Useful but dry. I think these are moments to take a walk, a photo or doodle. Also, to remember that what got you here was something deeper than your ability to write what you have to.
Nature’s creativity is inspirational
For today, here is a poem from my own vault. Enjoy
The Breath is Dancing
Embrace the metaphysical moment in time
Breathe deep and deeper still
Lift up, lift up…
Feel the Spirit Soar
The vibrations sing and resonate within
Clear the negativity from the psychic space
The breath arrives as inspiration
Dance with the inner heartbeat of joy
Exhale in long, languid, sensuous surrender
Celebrate the temple of human being
Relax the mind and let it flow
Allow the inner creator to begin
Watch the design of light unfold
Eyes smiling, rejoice, renew
The happiness in the cells is bliss
Magic mood enhancing melody
Rise up, like sunshine overflowing
Move in compassionate calm and soundless action
Sadness is an illusion in the dreamer’s mind
Get into the grove of hope
The warrior protects the meditative trance
Lift up, Lift up… Dance…
by Rana Waxman copyrighted
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