10 Outstanding Definitions Of Powerful Writing

I was listening out for many things at the SobCon08 conference at the weekend but I couldn't forget my current theme of powerful writing.

Here are 10 more gems that I gleaned from the speakers and participants.  The first five are what others said (not word for word, I don't do shorthand I'm afraid, and there's a wee bit of interpretation gone in too).

The second list is 5 more of my own definitions, inspired by conversations with other people.  Who they are (blog and twitter ID) follows my one-line.

Powerful writing is...

Feeling the fear and writing it anyway.  Don't censor yourself, don't stop your voice from being part of the conversation
Chris Garrett  @chrisgarrett

Deciding to start: like learning a dance, you need to get out there on to the dance floor. When you hear the music get out there and dance
Jen Knoedl @jenknoedl

Inspirational: when you can't hear the music, don't stop - make your own
Karen Putz aka Deaf Mom @deafmom

Your answer to the question: who are you *not* to be great?
Wendy Piersall @emom

Owning your space, because you've worked hard to be the you that you are
David Bullock @davidbullock

Powerful writing...

Powerful writing tells a quiet truth

Inspired by Rick Mahn @rickmahn

Powerful writing provides answers to questions people didn't know they were asking

Inspired by Jon Swanson @jnswanson

Powerful writing gives me goosebumps

Inspired by Terry Starbucker @starbucker

Powerful writing tells a story that people want to hear

Inspired by Robert Hruzek

Powerful writing rocks

Inspired by David Bullock @davidbullock

 

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These one-liners come from the conference I was at over the weekend and fit into the theme of powerful writing that I've been running here for the last few weeks. 

I'm challenging you all to come up with your own definition of powerful writing in 30 words or less.  There's still time to join in, just leave a comment, send me an e-mail or write it on your own blog and link back here. 

Deadline's 10th May.

Joanna Young, The Confident Writing Coach
Because our words count

Comments

[Terry Starbucker]

Now you are giving me goosebumps! OK, here's my shot:
Powerful writing reveals the depth of the writer's character, so I can see beyond the words and into his or her heart.

Thanks for the inspiration! Now I better go back to work! :-)

Terry

[Rick Mahn]

There were so many powerful messages at the conference over the weekend. I'm glad you captured so many great pieces of those and put them together here.

It's inspiring and I may just yet send something in just to see if I can capture powerful writing in my own words.

Rick

[Wendy Piersall]

Powerful writing can fill your wallet, change lives and move your soul all at once. :)

[jon]

I wish I had said that. But maybe powerful writing lies not in the words of the speaker but in the heart of the listener.

[Joanna Young]

Terry, thanks for your contribution - and for taking more time out of your other life :-)

Rick, I'm glad you enjoyed it. Made me think that there are many different ways to move, to make an impact

Wendy - and you do! Thanks for a great contribution

Jon, you might not have said it but it's what you do. I liked your response though.

Joanna

[Paper Writing]

Upon writing so many essay papers, poems and even short stories, I come up for my own definition of powerful writing.

"Powerful Writing is same with movie theaters and television, where everything seems real. Every scene, characters and emotions become visible as if you are present at that scene or it happened for that particular moment. The Power to magnetized the mind of readers and creative thinking will begin to work"

[Joanna Young]

Thanks for your contribution to the challenge.

Joanna

[Brad Shorr]

So many wonderful definitions ... I'm on inspiration overload. "Powerful writing tells a quiet truth" resonates with me today, for some reason. Maybe it's because I've been watching a lot of cable news. I'm weary of everyone shouting at each other. Sound and fury signifying nothing.

[Robert Hruzek]

Gee, I said that? I'd better write it down somewhere so I don't forget it! :-D

This is probably one of your most interesting themes to date, Joanna. I'm glad it got carried over to May; there's been time for it to fully develop.

[Joanna Young]

Brad, that's interesting, that one resonates with me too. Grounds me somehow. And you know I like plain language and simple writing - it speaks to me of that.

Robert, you didn't say it, but what you were talking about and what you do (and might do in the future, hint hint), were the inspiration for the line. I thought it was pretty good!

Joanna

[Karen Putz / DeafMom]

What a great collection you've put together! I'm going to add these on my wall. :)

[Joanna Young]

I'm glad you enjoyed them Karen. Yours is one of my favourites. That moment I read it on twitter will last with me for a long time.

Joanna

[Barbara Ling]

Wonderful list! Here's my contribution:

"Powerful writing touches the spirit of the person reading...and compels them to proactively make a change for the better."

Best wishes,

Barbara

[Joanna Young]

Thanks for contributing Barbara. I have so many fantastic definitions - no excuse not to be inspired once I put together the whole set!

Joanna