The power of words

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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