How to Write Stories People Love to Read a Second Time

Before now I thought people only had to read something twice when they don't get it the first time. Especially because I had to re-read sections in my medical books when I couldn't grab the idea the first time.

Surprisingly, I've had to read certain articles some blogs more than once. This wasn't because the idea wasn't clear, but because I had a wow experience reading the stories. There were stories also that I couldn't bear to read to a finish.

What makes the difference? Why were some quite interesting and enjoyable; and others felt like a task?

I found out those stories are written differently. And if you can do what it takes, readers will like to read your stories a second time.

Here's how:

1. Write Titles People Want to Click.

I don't mean clickbait. Rather, titles that make people curious to know more about it.

Write titles that make readers want to know something about what they already know of. You can do this by creating an appetite for that (hidden) knowledge or secret in the minds of readers.

"Why-" and "How-" titles do a nice job here. An alternative title that works so well is a listicle. So write titles that start with any of those two magic words as well as listicles.

Most often than not, they can work magic for you.

2. Tell the Story First In Title and Subheadings.

People love reading stories divided into subheadings.

It gives a sense of win when readers finish the detail following each subheading. The feeling fires them up to read the next subheading without it feeling like a grind.

In reading, it's more enjoyable and motivating to reward readers after a few paragraphs (especially with a lengthy article) than at the end of 40 paragraphs.

Also, subheadings serve as anchors. It's difficult to get lost when you have one to hang on. It gives readers what to hang on to before launching into the follow-up details.

Motivate your reader by using subtitles. If they can get the gist in titles and subheadings, they will joyfully read the details with ease.

3. Make The Words Simple to Comprehend and the Content Easy to Read.

Most people don't find reading easy. So don't complicate the issue for them. Your work as a writer is to lessen the burden of reading.

So make use of words that they wouldn't need a dictionary to find their meanings. Make each sentence simple, short, and comprehensive.

Towards being interesting with every sentence, Hemingway first editor at the Kansas City gave him this style sheet:

"Use short sentences. Use short paragraphs. Use vigorous English. Be positive, not negative."

Hemingway later referred to that list as the best rules he ever learned for the business of writing.

It pays to be interesting. And you do it by keeping it simple and sweet. (KISS).

4. Have a Good Story Structure.

A good story is written the same as a self-help book.

Divide your article into three parts:

• A beginning

• A middle; and

• An ending

The beginning introduces the issue and reveals why it's important to the reader. And then why it's important to find a solution or do something about it.

The solution or what to do about it comes out in the middle. Here the writer explains the solution and makes it clear why it works.

Immediately after this, the writer discusses how the reader can take action on the idea. This is the self-help or DIY element in the discussion.

"What does this answer requires the reader to do?"

List them out and explain why they are important. Try as much as you can to make them doable and within the reach of your target audience.

5. Be Practical With Your Ideas

This is where most supposedly self-help articles and self-help books miss it. The ideas they discuss are either rocket science or abstract to the minds of average readers.

It's not surprising no one wants to read another paragraph of the article or worst still, an article from those writers or authors.

If your ideas are rocket science or out of the reach of an average mind, only very few people will care about them.

And don't stretch readers' minds too much with hard to grasp concepts. Rather, illustrate it with things, people, and events common among people.

Therefore, make your ideas tangible and your solution practical.

If you can put these five ideas to work and for a sustained period, it will attract followers, shares, and royalties.

Trust me.

It is time to start writing stories worth reading a second time!