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Printed from https://shop.writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/7711-What-Grabs-Readers-Attention.html
Drama: June 22, 2016 Issue [#7711]

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Drama


 This week: What Grabs Reader's Attention
  Edited by: Dawn Embers Author IconMail Icon
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Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

A Drama Newsletter by Elf

A discussion looking at the different spots used on static items, and others, used to entice a reader and how they pertain to showcasing the drama.


Word from our sponsor

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Letter from the editor

When posting online, often one goal aside from just wanting to write the story is to get someone to read it. Other than entering contests or requesting reviews, there are a few parts of the item that is used in particular in hopes of gaining that attention. The main ones are the title, intro/description, or the first sentences and paragraphs.

Title
This one can be both hit or miss and a challenge. Titles vex me to know end because it's difficult to find someone that fits the story and doesn't seem boring or overly generic. Title has a limited space too, so there is only so much one can do with that particular section of the item here on WDC. It helps to have something other than "My Story" at least, and the chosen words can also help indicate genre or the dramatic elements featured in the item.

Intro/Description
Here is where you have a little more room to showcase the story contents and give a hint to the drama available. While it is nice to have details like which contest it might have been written for, once the judging is over, it's better to focus the bulk of this small section similar to an elevator pitch. This is the longest place aside from the actual story in order to entice the potential reader. Have some aspect of the drama involved and that will be a good starting point for grabbing that attention.

First Sentences and Paragraphs
Finally, if the reader actually clicks on the item or finds it through other means like random reads, the first sentences and paragraphs are going to be key in having the person read all of the story. People always have the option to close a story and move on to something else. The very beginning has to grab their attention enough to keep them reading so they can discover the drama of the story and want to know what happens next.

These are the main locations for us on WDC to grab the online reader's attention. Having these different elements attached to the story will be helpful and can really showcase the dramatic side along with gaining the desired attention. It's all in how you handle writing the item.


Editor's Picks

Writing Contests @ Writing.Com Open in new Window. (E)
Writing Contests on Writing.Com are posted here.
#171898 by Writing.Com Support Author IconMail Icon


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FORUM
SCREAMS!!! Open in new Window. (GC)
A Terrifying Contest Of Horror And Three Time Quill Award Winner!
#2020439 by Lilli 🧿 ☕ Author IconMail Icon


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FORUM
WEIRD TALES CONTEST  Open in new Window. (18+)
A Contest Inspired by the Old Pulp Fiction Covers of Weird Tales Magazine
#2083492 by Beacon's Anchor Author IconMail Icon


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SURVEY
What a Character! : Official WDC Contest Open in new Window. (E)
Create a memorable character using the given prompt for huge prizes!
#1679316 by Writing.Com Support Author IconMail Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#2087141 by Not Available.


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#2086134 by Not Available.


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#2087999 by Not Available.


Escape route. Open in new Window. (13+)
There is no way out of this house.
#2087886 by Cerbios Author IconMail Icon


 
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Word from Writing.Com

Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
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Ask & Answer

What do you do in order to catch a reader's attention? As a reader, do you focus on title or the intro/description?

Way back in October, I wrote a drama newsletter about perception and received a few comments in response to the topic.

Comment by Quick-Quill Author Icon
Perception is reality is so TRUE! in real life so it can be translated in to the fiction. I know someone with a mental issue where her reality is so far out of what is real its terrible. Here is the trick to remember. Some of this is because a person cannot admit they make mistakes. Its true! When one has OCB/D the reality that one might make a mistake is unexceptable. What if their reality were pressed upon a real world? Another person wanted attention and made up stories that he was hired by the local police to put the finger on drug deals in his school. He really believed it. He made up situations to match what he belived to be happening. He had an entire family "sort of" believing him until he had to make good on a deal and couldn't. It all fell apart. sad, but makes a great storyline.

Comment by Prelooker Author Icon
The best examples of unreliable narrative I've ever come across are "The Usual Suspects" and "The Fight Club".
First-person narrative gives a lot of room to play a lot with building stories that seem to fall apart in the end, only to show the reader/veiwer has enough elements to trace back the real story behind the tale--if you have the talent to achieve it, of course. Those great stories that push you to read/watch them over to better understand them.

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