And a Happy Friday to all of you. Here we are, dragging our feet and trying to make it to the finish line so we can enjoy another beautiful summer weekend. Do you have any plans? I hope you take a break from writing and replenish your inner engine.
Today let’s talk about……the relationship between introductions and conclusions.
But first a quote!
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“If you think you’re too small to have an impact, try going to bed with a mosquito.”
Anita Roddick
Come on, that’s funny! And oh so true! I know, I used too many exclamation points right then, but I can do that because this is my blog and the rules of good writing are suspended here. J
TIP OF THE DAY
Actually I have several tips regarding introduction and conclusion.
I have said this first statement until I am blue in the face…..the introduction needs to grab the reader and not let go. It needs to be a slam dunk….and you have about ten seconds to accomplish that feat.
Why is this so hard to teach some writers? I don’t care if you are writing a recipe or the world’s next great novel, if you don’t take your readers prisoner in that first few paragraphs then you can forget about holding onto them.
When I am looking for a book to read at the library, I read the jacket synopsis and then I read the first paragraph of the book. That’s all the time I have to waste on a decision of that importance, or lack of importance if you will.
And the conclusion….I have been teaching this for years….the conclusion must refer back to the introduction. It must be the bow that you tie on to the complete package. I am amazed by the number of writers who skip the conclusion all together, but then there are those who have a conclusion but it has nothing to do with the opening statements….and that is just sloppy writing.
SITE OF THE DAY
This is something I have not done on this site, but I’m going to refer you to one of my articles entitled “The Ten Second Rule of Writing.” You can find it here and it should explain to you the importance of your introduction.
CONTEST OF THE DAY
This one is for Audrey who gets very excited when I post contests for poets….and well she should because she is sooooo good at poetry and has a very real chance to win one of these contests. Anyway, this contest is called the Writer’s Digest Poetry Awards and the deadline is October 1st. You can find all submission information here.
FOUNDATION SITE OF THE DAY
The Sustainable Arts Foundation has grants up to $6000 for writers who have families to raise…their way of helping to lessen the financial burden for those who have a ton of bills and need some assistance to continue writing. Check them out here.
PROMPT OF THE DAY
Do you feel it? Well I do and it feels darn good. J
AND THAT’S IT FOR THIS WEEK
Have a great weekend and I’ll return with more writing thoughts on Tuesday next week. On Monday I’ll be popping up with A Moment With Bill, my other blog that features reflections about life.
Thank you for being here….you are all appreciated.
Bill
“Helping writers to spread their wings and fly.”
Billybuc
Artistry With Words 
Nice tips Bill…I also choose books the same way it sounds like… Read the jacket and a few paragraphs to hear the tone and if I’m not hooked I move on.
Have a great weekend Bill!
Thanks Kelly. I hope your weekend is great as well.
Yay, I am with you and psyched we made it to Friday. I have a bit of work to do today, but then hoping to enjoy the evening and this weekend, too. Hope you too have a great one!! 🙂
Fantastic, Janine…get that work done and then enjoy the heck out of your weekend.
I like the quote, Bill. So true!
Thanks for the tips with regards to introduction/conclusion. I gotta pay more attention to it.
Have a great weekend 🙂
It’s always my pleasure, Ruchira. Thanks for stopping by and I hope your weekend is a great one.
Billy, to me that picture conjures up many joyful remembrances of my childhood. I’m very familiar with tree-lined waterways. We lived 3 miles from Seneca Lake;and just beyond our parents’ backyard was the origin of the famous Shequaga Falls in Montour Falls–that’s a mere 3 miles in the other direction, down the old rural road of my youth. On the way down that road we could catch glimpses of the deep gorges surrounded by the tallest pines I have ever seen. The ‘old watering hole’ was named by my grandfather: ‘The Black Swan’. Many warm summer days were spent there, relishing the cool dark water, and listening to the roar of the water falling over the slippery moss-draped ledges and into the deep basin where we swam.
Thanks for the very pleasant jog of my noodle this morning 😉 Pearl
Pearl, look at that description you just wrote…that’s beautiful writing! I’m serious; you captured that scene perfectly….great job on that prompt.
Thanks my friend and I hope your weekend is filled with wonder.
Thanks Billy, you just made my whole day! That picture did it for me; the words seemed to flow very easily. You have helped me in so many ways, my friend. Thank you’s just don’t seem to say enough 😉 Pearl
Pearl, I love it….keep writing and keep loving it. 🙂
Oh Bill, I do love your quote, i have had my share of mosquito bites abroad and they DO get in everywhere! LOL
Another great read, love the picture prompt – feeling peace, tranquillity and the beauty around us.
have a great rest, you deserve it 😉
Thanks for the visit, Suzie; I know you are busy around there….take time to enjoy your Sunday.
Hi Bill,
Just stopping by to say hi. I found this blog by way of one of your hubs. I have several blogs here and joined hubpages within the past two months. I’ll be back for a longer visit.
Well thanks for the visit, Marsha, and welcome to HubPages. 🙂
Aaaah, I was wondering where Monday’s post was! Agree with you Bill on the introduction and conclusion – they’ve got to be linked! Off to go check out the other blog now 🙂
Mel, it is amazing to me how many writers do not know this, or ignore it…sloppy writing if you ask me. 🙂 Thank you!
I am loving your blog, Bill! Great content that is very useful. Hope your summer has been good. Mine has been far too short!
Thank you so much Sharilee. My summer has been very good and now I’m looking forward to fall. Your school year is rapidly approaching. Enjoy what is left of summer and thank you for visiting.