Reading a book on hypnotic writing recently (Hypnotic Writing
by Joe Vitale) I was reminded of the power of words. This book would
not have caught my attention in the bookshop if it had been called
'Persuasive Writing'.
As I was
reading this book, I realised that Joe Vitale features in The Secret,
the book and movie by a Melbourne producer, Rhonda Byrne, popular at the
moment. They are about the 'power of attraction' (you get what you
focus on), but that title would not have the same impact.
I used to be a bit sceptical about using books such as Richard Bayan's Words that Sell to
help me choose words, thinking my writing should be original. I am
changing my thinking (slightly). I still think you need to find your own
writing voice and write in your own style, but when you rewrite, why
not pause and think about the words you're using?
Joe Vitale says
that when he's rewriting he has his 'swipe file' handy and adds words
such as 'imagine', 'breakthrough' and 'announcing'. I'd never heard of a
swipe file before so I googled the term and found many writers create
their own swipe file: a place where they store words and phrases that
appeal to them (e.g. internet marketing tutor Chris Yates at http://www.internet-marketing-tutor.com/swipe-file.html). Swipe files are meant to give you inspiration, not be a source to copy from.
By
the way, what do you think of the word 'swipe' in the term 'swipe
file'? Is it stronger than, say, 'good examples' or 'my likes' file?
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