Omar Bennett
A sense of urgency in writing is essential to keeping readers engaged and can be the difference between a good story and a great one. In creative writing, urgency is often related to time and timing, with countdowns and deadlines creating a sense of urgency for the reader or viewer. In personal accounts, the writer's urgency can be conveyed through the use of language, tone, and style, as well as the inclusion of subjective emotions and experiences. However, in web writing, the use of I and personal narratives is often discouraged as readers are typically more interested in finding immediate information and solutions to their queries rather than the writer's personal experiences.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Language | Clear, direct, and professional |
| Tone | Serious, not shouting |
| Call-to-action | "Please respond at your earliest convenience" |
| Timing | Deadlines, countdowns |
| Emotions | Conveyed with emojis or exclamation points |
| Action | Plot and action take precedence over character development |
| Fear | Rational fear is more powerful than irrational fear |
| Stakes | Raise the stakes, e.g., with money |
| Pacing | Fast-paced, no tangents or backstories |
| Structure | Smart sequencing of scenes |
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What You'll Learn
The use of 'I' in personal accounts
The use of "I" in writing can be a tricky business, especially in web writing or when writing for publications where the writer is not a regular contributor. This is because the reader is often not familiar with or invested in the writer and may not care about their personal life or emotions/opinions. The writer is a stranger, and the reader may not trust them or find their unique experiences relevant.
For example, if you are writing an article about poison ivy, it is better to say, "Poison ivy will make most people itch, however, there are a few people who happen to be immune to this plant's toxins," instead of, "Poison ivy will make you itch, but I am immune to it." The former provides a broader perspective that is more useful to the reader, whereas the latter may come across as too subjective or irrelevant to the reader's own experience.
However, there are times when the use of "I" is not only acceptable but also powerful. Personal narratives and autobiographical writing can be effective in helping readers see the world through the writer's eyes, as long as they are used objectively and do not veer too much into sentimentality or emotion. Successful autobiographical authors use objectivity to show situations rather than simply telling about them.
Additionally, the use of "I" can create a sense of urgency in writing, particularly in emails or promotional content. Including phrases like "Please respond at your earliest convenience" or emphasizing limited supply can prompt a quick response from the recipient. Exclamation points can also convey a sense of urgency, but it's important to use no more than one per phrase or sentence to avoid coming across as aggressive.
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The role of emotion and sentimentality
Moreover, emotion and sentimentality play a crucial role in engaging readers and creating a sense of urgency for them as well. When writers infuse their personal accounts with raw, honest emotions, readers are more likely to connect with the story on a deeper level. This emotional connection can create a sense of urgency in the reader to continue reading, eager to uncover the writer's journey and the outcome of their experiences.
Additionally, sentimentality adds depth and meaning to the writer's urgency. By intertwining emotional reflections with their personal accounts, writers can convey the significance and impact of their experiences. Sentimentality allows writers to showcase the transformation or growth they underwent due to the urgency of their circumstances. This emotional arc can be a powerful tool to hook readers and keep them invested in the story.
Furthermore, emotion and sentimentality can be leveraged to create suspense and tension in personal accounts. By alluding to emotional conflicts, internal struggles, or impending consequences, writers can build anticipation and urgency in their narratives. This strategic use of emotion adds a layer of complexity to the story, urging readers to continue reading to find resolution or closure.
Lastly, the role of emotion and sentimentality in the writer's urgency extends beyond the personal account itself. By expressing their emotions and sentiments, writers can leave a lasting impression on their readers, prompting self-reflection and emotional responses. This emotional connection can inspire readers to take action, catalyzed by the urgency conveyed in the writer's personal account. Thus, the interplay of emotion and sentimentality in personal accounts not only drives the writer's urgency but also fosters a sense of urgency in readers, creating a compelling and impactful narrative experience.
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Creating a sense of urgency in writing
Understand the Different Types of Urgency
Recognize the different types of urgency and how they can be applied to your writing. Tina Seelig, in her Medium article, categorizes urgency into four types:
- Everyday Urgency: Basic human needs such as the need to sneeze or sleep.
- Episodic Urgency: Urgent situations that arise suddenly, like rescuing someone from a burning building or meeting a deadline.
- Burning Urgency: The drive to solve a problem that significantly impacts your perspective or life, such as finding a cure for a disease.
- Existential Urgency: The awareness of our mortality and the inevitability of death.
Focus on Time and Timing
Urgency is often associated with time. Create deadlines, countdowns, or time constraints to build tension and urgency. For example, in the BBC's "Sherlock," the character of Sherlock is given a limited number of hours to solve a crime, or a bomb will detonate. This time constraint creates a sense of urgency that grips the viewer.
Craft Action-Oriented Scenes
When something becomes urgent, character development often takes a back seat. Focus on the plot and action, creating scenes that demand immediate attention and response. This shift in focus can heighten the urgency and keep your readers engaged.
Create Tangible Consequences
Rational fear is a powerful motivator. Create tangible consequences for inaction to instill a sense of urgency. For example, in a thriller novel, the protagonist might have to diffuse a bomb within a specific time frame to save a group of hostages. The consequence of failing to act becomes a driving force that propels the story forward.
Utilize Language and Pacing
In creative writing, use concise and evocative language, favoring verbs and imagery. Cut unnecessary tangents and backstories to maintain a brisk pace. In emails or marketing copy, use clear and direct language with a professional tone. Exclamation points can also convey urgency, but use them sparingly to avoid appearing aggressive.
Emphasize Scarcity
Scarcity can create a sense of urgency in your readers or customers. Whether it's a limited-time promotion or a limited-quantity product, emphasizing scarcity can encourage people to take action promptly.
By incorporating these strategies, you can effectively create a sense of urgency in your writing, capturing your audience's attention and compelling them to continue reading or take the desired action.
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The importance of timing and deadlines
Deadlines and timing are essential in writing, particularly when creating a sense of urgency. Urgency is a powerful motivator, and when utilised in writing, it can drive readers to act and keep them engaged.
When crafting an urgent email, it is crucial to maintain a professional tone with clear and direct language. Including a specific call to action, such as "Please respond at your earliest convenience", helps convey the urgency of the matter. Similarly, in creative writing, urgency can be a significant factor in creating suspense and keeping readers hooked. As seen in the BBC's "Sherlock", introducing time constraints, countdowns, and deadlines can effectively build tension and create a sense of urgency for the viewer or reader.
To achieve this in writing, it is essential to focus on pacing and scene sequencing. Writers must carefully sculpt their scenes, shedding unnecessary details and favouring evocative language and vivid imagery. This ensures that the reader stays engaged and does not lose interest. Additionally, the juxtaposition of scenes, where the present teases the past and vice versa, can create a sense of urgency and intrigue.
Urgency in writing can also stem from personal obligations and deadlines. For example, Tina Seelig's book, "What I Wish I Knew When I Was 20", was driven by the urgency of wanting to share life lessons with her son before he turned 20. This personal deadline energised and motivated her writing process.
Furthermore, understanding different types of urgency can help writers incorporate them effectively. Everyday urgency, episodic urgency, burning urgency, and existential urgency are a few examples. By recognising these types, writers can create varied and compelling narratives that resonate with readers.
In conclusion, deadlines and timing are crucial in writing when crafting a sense of urgency. It drives readers to act, maintains their interest, and adds depth to the narrative. By focusing on pacing, scene sequencing, and drawing from personal deadlines, writers can effectively convey urgency in their work.
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Balancing character development and urgency
When it comes to writing personal accounts, creating a sense of urgency can be a powerful tool to engage readers and keep them invested in the story. Balancing this urgency with character development is crucial for a well-rounded narrative. Here are some insights on how to achieve this balance:
Understanding Urgency in Writing
Urgency in writing is about creating a sense of immediacy and the need for swift action or resolution. It is often associated with suspense and tension, as seen in thriller or mystery genres. Urgency can be a powerful driver of the narrative, propelling the characters and the plot forward. It captures the reader's attention and makes them want to keep reading to find out what happens next.
The Role of Timing
Time is a critical element in creating urgency. Deadlines, countdowns, and time constraints heighten the sense of urgency. For example, in the episode of "Sherlock," the character is given a limited number of hours to solve a crime before a time bomb explodes. This time element creates a sense of urgency that drives the story forward.
Character Development and Urgency
While urgency often takes precedence during action-packed or tense moments in a story, character development should not be neglected. The key is to find a balance between the two. In some cases, character development can even enhance the sense of urgency. For instance, in the "Once Upon a Time" scene mentioned, the queen's decision to spare Snow's life allows for character development while still maintaining tension and suspense.
Techniques for Creating Urgency
To create a sense of urgency in your writing, consider the following techniques:
- Perfecting scenes: Focus on evocation rather than mere reporting. Use verbs and images powerfully to convey urgency.
- Sequencing choices: Carefully consider the order of events to build and release tension.
- Pacing: Maintain a brisk pace to match the urgency of the narrative. Avoid tangents and lengthy backstories that may slow down the story.
- Rational fear: Create a sense of tangible consequence to instill fear and urgency in the reader.
- Deadlines and time constraints: Establish deadlines to enhance the sense of urgency, but be mindful of keeping them realistic and concise.
- Personal obligation: Tap into the reader's sense of obligation and the fear of losing face if they don't follow through.
Examples of Balancing Character Development and Urgency
Some writers successfully balance character development and urgency in their works. For instance, J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series has numerous urgent situations, but character development remains a central theme, even during climactic action scenes. Harry's refusal to cast a killing curse, even against Voldemort, reveals his character in the midst of urgency.
In conclusion, balancing character development and urgency in personal accounts is a delicate task. While urgency drives the plot and captures the reader's attention, character development adds depth and emotional investment. By using the right techniques and finding the right balance, writers can create compelling narratives that keep readers engaged and satisfied.
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Frequently asked questions
Urgency in writing is about creating a sense of time and timing to keep the reader engaged. It is about making the reader feel that something important is at stake and that there is a limited time frame for it.
Urgency can heighten suspense in a story by creating a sense of impending danger or a deadline that needs to be met. This can be seen in the BBC show "Sherlock," where Sherlock is given only a few hours to solve a crime before a time bomb strapped to a victim goes off.
Writers can create urgency by focusing on the plot and action, rather than character development. They can also use language and wording that conveys a sense of urgency, such as setting a deadline or using exclamation points sparingly.
Yes, urgency is particularly important in thriller and action genres to maintain suspense and keep the reader engaged. However, it may be less crucial in genres like a standard murder mystery.
In personal writing, urgency can be created by focusing on broad relevance rather than unique personal experiences. This helps the reader relate to the writer's emotions and perspectives, encouraging them to take action or empathize with the writer.
