Five Ways to Romance Your Readers, (Chocolate optional)!

Good writing is intimate.
Whether it’s fictional or non-fiction, it cleverly assesses the reader’s needs and finds a way to meet those needs, to create a connection and form a bond.

[caption id="attachment_393" align="aligncenter" width="500"] @Creative Commons by Kate Ter Haar[/caption]

Just like the lyrics of a well-written love ballad seem as if they’ve been written for each listener, personally; the reader feels courted.

And here’s the bonus to those who are able to deliver: readers who are kept stimulated and satisfied are more likely to enjoy a long-term relationship with you, even when others are “whispering in their ears.”

As a multi-genre writer, and relationship columnist, I’ll share a few insider’s tips to help you to keep your readers faithful and starry-eyed, way past the honeymoon stage.

Know your target audience.

It’s impossible to please everybody simultaneously. Success comes as a result of defining just who your “intended” is. Men or women? Stay at home moms or career women and entrepreneurs? Are they generation X, or baby boomers? The clearer you are, the more refined you become in your approach, and the more skilled you can become in choosing the right language, tone, and references for their tastes and interests.

Know your strengths.

Is it your sensitivity? Your attention to detail? Your characterization? Your charismatic nature? Your diverse background? Not being aware of this can prove to be counter-productive and anti-climatic.

Remember that first impressions are important.

“Have them at hello” with strong opening lines, compelling titles, and steamy dialogue.

With today’s busy reader, a connection has to be made rather quickly, in order to hold their attention and maintain their interest.

Pace yourself properly.

Build momentum. Create intrigue. Don’t give away too much too soon. Don’t drag on too long. Satisfy, but keeping them wanting more. This is no time for a “quickie”. J

Appeal to the senses.

Find ways to make their experience more pleasurable by tapping into the sense of touch, taste, smell, sight, and sound. What does the main character’s body smell like? How does the bedroom look in the opening scene? These are things to consider and incorporate.

Remember to make the time that your words spend before readers count. Keep their needs ever-present, and write from the heart.

And in so doing, they’ll pay you back with long-term loyalty and a “fulfilling” writing career that would rival your favorite romance novel.