Failing to Make a Lasting Impression

I grew up in an era where the significance of a firm handshake was paramount. I recall my coach mentioning how impressive my handshake was during our first encounter. This was a skill I honed, having survived my father's handshake, which nearly engulfed mine.

In writing, your headline serves as your handshake and first impression. If it falls short, readers may assume your writing is equally subpar, regardless of the quality of the content that follows.

Aim to create headlines that are:

• Specific
• Engaging
• Provocative enough to spark curiosity

If your headlines resemble "Leaves in the Fall" or "Midnight Thoughts," they may be artistic but ultimately ineffective. Such vague titles fail to entice readers because they leave them uncertain about what lies ahead. A compelling headline can significantly enhance your first impression.

Not Fulfilling Your Commitment

Ideally, your headline should offer readers a glimmer of hope. However, failing to deliver on that promise is one of the gravest mistakes a writer can make. It's akin to snatching candy away from a child after giving it to them.

Respect your readers' time; they are investing a portion of their lives in your article. If you fail to follow through on what you've promised, they will feel deceived, as if their attention was traded for nothing. While this might work momentarily, it will ultimately be detrimental to your reputation as a writer.

Don't fall into this trap. If you make a promise, ensure you deliver on it.

Writing with a Robotic Tone

While the pandemic is behind us, we now face an influx of bland, uninspired content created by AI. Don’t contribute to this trend.

It took a personal experience—being friend-zoned at a fast-food restaurant—for me to realize that people appreciate authenticity and imperfection. Characters with flaws resonate more with audiences.

Be that relatable hero. Share your personal stories, from the failures of attempting to live as a digital nomad in Bali to the times you faced setbacks due to your arrogance. Even the moments when frustration led to injuries—like kicking a goalpost—help define who you are.

Vulnerability, personal anecdotes, and emotional honesty create compelling narratives. These elements are the fabric of grand storytelling, and they should be woven into your writing.

Embrace your imperfections, as they distinguish you from automated content creators. Crafting stories that captivate readers isn't overly complicated if you:

• Nail your headlines
• Fulfill your commitments
• Infuse your personality into the narrative

Thank you for taking the time to read this. What additional insights would you contribute? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

The first video titled "10 STUPID Things Writers Say (Stop Telling on Yourself!)" discusses common pitfalls writers encounter that can hinder their success.

The second video, "10 Worst SCENE Writing Mistakes (Writing Advice)," provides valuable advice on how to avoid common errors in scene writing that can detract from your storytelling.