How to Boost Your Writer Engagement Levels

Just like the benefit of the doubt can be compared to a demilitarized zone, this is a hands-off, no-judgment arena. If, however, you (or someone you know) give a read-thru and make no attempts whatsoever to change…

What can I say?

I tried.

A substantial segment of the writing community notices your M.O.

The Backstory:

I am a member of a number of writing groups on social media, some specifically for Vocal Writers.

Practices that raise the ire of the committed membership…link-bombing

(see the well-explained post above by my writer friend Keila Aartila) or only writing something along the lines of “Read, clapped, followed, and subscribed,” does not cut the mustard as engagement, but is rather perfunctory. I read yours, read mine, and follow. It is the robotic response of a drill instructor and may not endear you to the author of whatever piece you’ve just read.

At best, you may be ignored or get a clipped response. On the flip side, you’ll probably get ‘dogged’ in front and behind the scenes from writers who don’t appreciate the abrupt/unfriendly/sterile/A.I.-ish characteristics of your approach to engagement.

Benefit of the Doubt Giving Me:

Maybe you’re a competent/struggling/aspiring/beginner writer yet still grapple with engagement.

Here are some tips that I’ll gladly divulge and you can practice all you want in the comments section below with no obligation or backlash.

Please, PLEASE don’t ignore this part of your writer development.

It's a big deal.

So, if you truly don’t know what to write but want to contribute something substantive:-

1. Find one thing that you liked (phrase, theme, anecdote etc.) and one thing that you would like to see developed more (imagery, media, literary devices etc.) in the written piece

By doing so, a connection is demonstrated with the writer. That writer has not been given a cursory glance. They’ve been seen. Now there are points that engender thought and reflection. The words used grant you an insightful persona. You’re not a bot anymore.

2. Ask relevant questions

Not sure what to say? Delve into the writer’s backstory a bit. Ask for article context. Why did they choose to write this piece now? What overall message did they want conveyed? How did they conceptualize this approach to writing a personal narrative/short-story/poem/review? What makes their writing unique and how would they advise beginning writers to find their unique writing locus?

3. Ask for clarification

Not every reader understands a writer’s perspective, direction, or topic.

Hopefully, this is not news.

There are some written pieces that have left me more lost than that not-ever-proverbial missing dryer sock.

Any writer worth their salt shouldn’t mind being asked to clarify or elaborate based on feedback. It may also aid them by working more effectively to bridge a reader’s perspective.

Congratulations on instant engagement!

P.S. If any writer gives a mean answer to a sincere polite query, it automatically blips the radar of the Global Writers’ Collective (GWC). Stay in peace and do the figurative walk away. The GWC has eyes everywhere and elephant genes. They don’t forget.

4. Utilise any comparable personal experiences that resonate

Of course, the choice is yours on the level of depth.

For instance, if a writer shared an abusive relationship in graphic detail, you may not want to reciprocate in kind but you can respond with emotional sensitivity by stating, “The courage you have shown to share this is deeply moving,” or “I think the steps that you took to leave that relationship can be a helpful guide to those in similar situations.” Put yourself on the outside of the fishbowl. Find something positive and align with that.

Or if the topic is ducks on a lake and you have seen either ducks or a lake, or never want to see ducks or lakes, say so and why. It still beats “Read, clapped, followed, and subscribed.”

And I’ve seen that response enough times to strip emulsion paint off walls.

5. Write authentic comments

Don’t say you liked a written piece if you didn’t but please don’t say you hated it as an extreme. We’re writers with feelings here.

The terrain we negotiate means that not everyone is going to enjoy reading what we write. (Is it understood that you don’t have to?) That’s how it works when you have individuals with their own minds, perspectives, likes, and dislikes. And therein lies the key to your response. Acknowledge some writer's unique expression and the chutzpah they had to share it on a world stage. Many don’t.

Every writer must start somewhere, so please don’t come in 'comment stomping', but don’t be phony either. Something as simple as “Thank you for sharing your piece with the community,” or “Your written work seemed like it was good therapy for you,” may be all the respectable feedback you need to leave.

True-blue writers will continue writing whether we get to see it or not. Whether it’s on a writing platform or not. They can improve (and not on anyone’s schedule but their own.) The quasi-writers in this for a quick buck, will soon learn the reality, so aren’t worth the worry.

6. Take the writing high road

Closely connected with the previous point about authenticity, don’t stoop to low-level communication. Ask yourself before hitting that post button, ”Is what I’ve said uplifting? Encouraging? The type of thing I would want to read when having an off-writing day? As a newbie? Think of a writer you admire as a beginner, (since we all start as beginners) and imagine you are leaving them a comment.

Feel a little more thoughtful and compassionate?

*Virtual back pat*

7. Lead with a power adjective or phrase

A long response isn’t necessarily required with the right descriptive terms. Perhaps the written piece was:

• thought-provoking

• dynamic

• original

• insightful

• courageous

• hilarious

• ‘one for the record books’

• ‘made me smile/understand/take a step back’

• ‘provided a template/strategy for ______’

• ‘resonates with _______current issues’

8. Apply humor but use it well

Perhaps not the best time to test-run off-color jokes, especially with someone you don’t know well in a public arena. Absolutely nothing wrong if you’re not a comedian. This is the age of emojis, gifs, and video clips.

If you can’t convey the ‘hilarious hurl-face of disgust’ expression on your son’s face when he lifted the barbecue lid for the quick clean as per the ‘Easy Cleaning Tips’ article only to find last week’s poo-filled baby diaper mysteriously there and on reflex you ROFL-laugh, find a clip and leave a link between woven written lols.

Engagement won’t just bring you interesting discussions, fun knowledge rides, and followers. If you do it right, it will bring you friends who are writers.

Thank you so much for reading my story! Your support means a great deal to me. It would be immensely supportive of you to read more of my work below.

If you enjoyed this or any of my other stories, feel free to like, subscribe, tip, pledge, and/or share with friends and social media sites. If you wish to promote in other forums, you can secure permission @thedaniwriter

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Originally published on Medium