Hey kids... A little help here (some reading required)

This confuses me: Writing: From Brain-Fart to Brilliant In 15 Minutes


What goes from brain-fart to brilliant in 15 minutes? Writing?



Yes, it's writing, because the next paragraph says so, except, if I wasn't reading it because you asked for reviews, I'd have stopped before the 1st paragraph.


Even with me understanding you're looking for a review, not for me to purchase, I didn't make it much farther: you don't get to the point.


Who is this for? Why would they buy your strategy? Why don't you answer those 2 questions at the very top of your 1st page?

Hi Fred,

Welcome back to the wonderful world of writing. (we've missed you)

O.K. enough buttering-up small talk; Now for a reply to your post...


As DABK already mentioned, the beginning is a bit confusing. If I wasn't asked to review it, I'm not sure I would've gotten past the first few sentences.

Perhaps a more benefit driven headline? Or at least one that calls out your target market a little better?

Further down the page it started picking up speed, and it got more interesting. But you may want to work on the headline and first paragraph, or two (just to draw people into it, or they might not ever get to the good parts)


As for your questions...

Does it hold your attention?
Again, once I got past the first few sentences it started getting more interesting

Is it good information?
Well, "good" is a subjective term. But I'll say... Sure, I've never been introduced to the "full alphabet" outline method, and it seems viable. So as far as that goes, it was good info.

Does it actually teach you something?
Sure (see answer above)

Is it something you'd be okay paying money for?
Me personally? Probably not. But it could make a good single chapter to a short writing guide. (Add a dozen more chapters, and you could probably sell it as an ebook for a couple bucks? Add some videos and you may even be able to turn it into a course?)

Is it bullshit!?
Not at all. It's a solid first draft. As long as you realize that it's just a first draft, then you can polish it up, and turn it into something great?

Anyway, keep on writing. I'm looking forward to reading your second draft.

All the best,
SAR

Thanks Sar. Yes.. First draft. I started editing it, but decided to leave it and see what was said. Thanks for actually reading it

And yes, I'd use it as a lead or part of something bigger.

And THANKS for the welcome back. Looking forward to getting better.

Here's an edited version: http://fredacker.com/samples/writefaster.pdf

Yes, thanks Sar. I did actually read the message first - made sense right off!!

Read the second edited version too and still......ditch the first 2 pages and go straight into the a,b,c, routine.

" I discovered a routine that get me writing faster (and better) and it takes 10 minutes or less to get going"

Here it is.....and go straight in.

No need to explain pre-empt or dress it up in any way in my opinion.

The technique is great......just go straight into it.

Well helisell, I'd do that except it's a part of the abc thing. The idea is to use the list to write faster :0)

I should mention, this was an exercise (the idea was someone elses) that I'd gotten carried away with. My writing confidence ain't what it used to be, however, the feedback given by Sar and yourself has certainly encouraged me to continue.

For this I thank you.

If not for this forum, I probably wouldn't even bother :0)

Fred I just noticed this thread.

Read both versions. One of the banes of a writer's existence is a blank page. Damn thing keeps staring back at you, almost daring you to mark it up.

Your abc exercise takes the blank page out of the equation and gives your mind a foothold to start at.

Not sure I'd pay for it, but it would make a heck of a lead magnet for writers and wannabe writers. Or even "haftabe" writers...

Thanks John. Love reading your posts on WF.

After setting it aside and Sars help it's gotten better. But yeah, that ABC thing blew me away. And I've since used it to sort of add to the whole thing.

I forgot how much fun this stuff is.

1. Make it more concrete. Brain-fart to brilliant may be cute, but it's not a hard-hitting benefit. It doesn't make me want to keep reading just from that. Instead, if it was something like:

The 3-Step Tactic To Rocket You From One Sentence.... to 4,254 Words An Hour Before Your Cup Of Coffee Is Ready.

Something like that. Benefit rich, specific, and makes me curious.

2. Talk more about THEIR problem.

Just simple problem- agitate- solution. Where's the agony? The looming deadlines as you sputter out clunky awkward sentences.. biting your nails, tearing your hair out, as you over-caffeinate yourself and PRAY TO GOD for inspiration?

A story-based lead about a time you were FVCKED on a deadline and without inspiration (yet magically turned it around) would be awesome.

3. Your benefits... aren't really benefits.
"knowledge gained faster" is a feature. What do they want with that knowledge? They want to effortlessly have the PERFECT WORD at the critical moment they need it. Like a world-class dancer effortlessly moving every limb and digit into the exact spot it needs to be in time with the fast-paced music.

4. The content is awesome =)

Love the tip! Going to steal it and try it with green tea tomorrow morning...

At the end of the day it's a first draft. I tried to tear down your copy but not without building you back up after.

Keep Killing It!

-ZZ