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Talking Tone
By Susan Sundwall
A few mornings ago I awoke with the beginnings of an essay
whirling around in my sleep-fogged brain. The premise of the
essay, miracles, came from a conversation I’d had with some
friends a few days earlier, and, at the time, I couldn’t
articulate my true beliefs on the subject. But now, feeling
zapped from on high, I dashed from my bed, hurried to the
computer, coffee in hand, and tapped a few paragraphs out.
Later when I reread those paragraphs it hit me – they were
boring. Deep down I knew that any publication I might sub this
to would ask for a certain tone, conversational, friendly,
informal or inspiring, in fact just the kind of writing I love
to do. So after my initial flurry of words I hunkered down and
lowered my high-toned essay a peg or two in order to make it
more reader friendly.
If you’re like me you want to reach as many readers as possible,
and the best way to do it is with a tone that invites. More and
more editors and publishers are seeing the wisdom in presenting
information, personal experience, current events and even
advertising in a way that will arrest their reader’s attention
by using a certain tone. And that doesn’t mean a descent to the
lowest common denominator by filling the page with oh’s, so’s and
wells. Instead they seek writing with words and phrases that might
be used in conversation with a friend and this has great appeal
on the page. The effect on the reader is that the words seem to
have been written with exactly their circumstance in mind.
I’ve even noticed this friendly conversational tone in ad copy,
like this from a trendy catalog I recently got in the mail. It’s
for a coral colored dress:
"Ditch the dentist! Put a hold on housework. Groceries? Definitely
mañana. Once you unfurl this flutter of color in a breathtaking
dress set you’ll think of far more interesting places to go."
Now don’t you just want to rush out and buy two of those?
Whoever wrote that little blurb used language that enticed me
to take a second look at the dress. It might have begun, cancel
your dentist appointment, but ditch the dentist! reads like
something my girlfriend might say to me about a super sale
going on at Macy’s right now! Sure, I’d probably cancel my
appointment, but ditching sounds so young and free, like the
dress they want me to buy. The sale is in the words.
The variety of publications looking for this style of writing
is growing and your friendly, conversational or inspiring tone
of writing might fit one of these.
Golf Business Magazine
Although readers are business men/women, a conversational tone
is preferred to ensure articles are easy to read.
http://www.golfbusinessmagazine.com/pageview.asp?doc=1334
MomSense
MOMSense articles are warm, honest, positive and encouraging.
Writers share their insights and experiences as fellow learners
rather than teachers.
http://www.christianitytoday.com/parenting/features/info.html
The Herb Companion
Devoted to the interests of avocational herb gardeners, cooks,
crafters and herb aficionados. Write from direct personal
experience where possible and always in an informal style.
http://www.herbcompanion.com/guidelines
Chicken Soup for the Soul Magazine
Always looking for positive stories that will inspire, encourage,
or tickle the funny bone.
http://www.chickensoupmagazine.com/default.aspx?pid=19
Cappers
This publication uses historical, inspirational, nostalgic,
family-oriented, travel and human-interest stories, unusual
accomplishments, collections, occupations and hobbies.
http://www.cappers.com/contributors-guidelines
Sasee
Looking for new, unpublished, first person, nonfiction material
that is for or about women. Essays, humor, satire, personal
experience, and features on topics relating to women are desired.
http://sasee.com/submissions/
The Lutheran
Prefers a warm, personal style of writing that speaks directly
to readers.
http://www.thelutheran.org/template/page.cfm?page_id=42
Any time you find yourself in a friendly conversation with
anyone, about anything, let yourself absorb the tone. Soon after,
make some detailed notes. Don’t be surprised if you wind up with
a cartload of words and phrases to choose from when writing your
next highly saleable article – on miracles maybe?
Bio
Susan is a freelance writer from upstate New York. She’s currently
shopping her first cozy mystery. E-mail:
sparrowgirl2001@yahoo.com
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