Make your readers say wow with emails that tell a story.
Use fiction techniques.
As a writer, you’ve probably heard: “Write what you know.”
Now, what if what you know is so boring it will make the reader go away with the speed of a click? That’s where using fiction strategies in nonfiction writing can come in handy.
But what if what you know is so dull it could send your reader away with the speed of a click? That’s where employing fiction strategies in nonfiction writing becomes a game-changer.
A sales page can often be dry and factual,desert, making it difficult to engage readers. But, if you use storytelling —the rock on which fiction writing stands tall and looks over the mountain, your copy begins to pulse with life, will start growing a heart of its own.
Here is how:
Create a narrative
Build a story with a clear plot, interesting characters, and an exciting arc. Even in nonfiction, there’s room for a good tale.
Picture this: your product, a food processor, isn’t just an appliance; it’s a character in the life of your protagonist—an account executive, mother of four, with another child on the way. So tell her story.
How does the food processor save time, making her the hero in her own story, bringing order to the house, and allowing her cherished moments with her husband after his long day at the office? (A nod to the simplicity of past times when families had more time for each other.)
What’s the central conflict? The constant cries of her children, all three of the same age, need attention while she’s swamped with cleaning, cooking, and laundry after work.
Who are the key players? The family.
What’s the climax of the story?
She’ll have a meltdown if something doesn’t change. Stat!
Make your readers sit on the edge of their chairs. Make your offer linger on their minds while having lunch, binging on GOT, or drinking whisky.
Use Dialogue
Dialogue is a powerful tool in fiction writing. Use it on your next email campaign.
Let’s get back to the Petersen.
“What’s for dinner? Said Peter slamming the door upon entering the house.
Silence.
Peter comes into the kitchen and sees the empty dining table.
Where’s the food?
Not ready yet?
“You’re not supposed to slam the door, are you?”
“I’m hungry.”
2-month-old Sandy shrieks for attention
“We all are. Want to pick up Sandy for me please? Change her diapers?”
Peter gives her the eye.
“Please?”
“Fine.” Peter stomps out of the room, carrying dangerously under his arm a kicking and screaming baby.
Returning with Sandy, now wearing a pacifier, the tableau of family life continues to unfold.
“Hi, baby,”—coos Mom. “Did you change her diapers?”
“No.”
“Peterrrr, Ok. So, will you cut these onions while I do it?”
“Oh.”
“Honey?”
“Fine!”
Margaret leaves the room with the baby.
Peter is left to the onions. He huffs and puffs and tears stream along his face.
Margaret comes back only to find the onions not ready yet.
“Peter, those onions are not for tomorrow.”
“Uh?”
“You’re too slow! Gimme.”
The next day, Peter comes smiling and very happy. No slamming of the door, no “Is dinner ready yet?”
“Someone sent me this email, “and he hands her his phone.
“Introducing the latest Cuisinart food processor – the ultimate kitchen assistant for busy women like you! Gone are the days of coming home to the second shift, where dinner needs making, children need bathing, and the laundry mountain looms large. You’re so exhausted you can’t even say hello to the kids.
With this food processor, you’ll be able to wow your family with delicious, healthy meals at Quantum speed..
Its powerful motor will chop, slice, and shred your ingredients with ease, while the large capacity bowl will allow you to prepare meals for a whole batallion.
No more endless hours chopping vegetables or grating cheese. The Cuisinart food processor gives you time back —for your family, relaxation, and yourself.
Check out its funky design. It will look great on your kitchen counter too!
Order your Cuisinart food processor today and say bye to endless preparations.”
Bingo.
Show, don’t tell.
In fiction writing, the advice to “show, don’t tell” is common wisdom. The same is true for nonfiction. Make your audience feel part of the story rather than mere spectators.
Describe the smells, sounds, and sights of a place to make it come alive in your readers’ minds.
Pacing
Pacing is another important element of fiction writing that can be applied to nonfiction.
Because you can create tension and keep your readers engaged. For example, you might slow down the pace during a key scene to build suspense, or speed it up during a moment of action.
Pacing can also help you control the flow of information in your writing and keep your readers interested.
By using fiction techniques in your nonfiction writing, you can create a narrative that engages your readers and brings your story to life.
So don’t be afraid to experiment with these techniques and see how they can enhance your writing.
Remember, just because you’re writing nonfiction doesn’t mean you can’t tell a good story.
Thoughts? Anything to add to the conversation?
The Analytical Wordsmith 