Is there a novel inside you that’s dying to come out? Have you considered blogging about your hobby but been reluctant to start? Stretch your writing muscles! I did it, and you can too.
After 20+ years of writing everything from technical regulatory documents to strategy documents for big pharma, I published my first mass-market book, Living Singlish, which shows young women how to live fabulous, independent lives, in 2016. My current project is a cookbook, which will be packed with recipes for easy, tasty, gluten-free brownies, cakes and cookies. Mass-market writing really gets my creative juices flowing.
As a communicator, a varied portfolio shows the breadth and depth of your abilities. Writing on different topics for different audiences pushes you and shows the world what you can do. And it’s fun!
Writing for mass market is both similar to and different from corporate work. The similarities are simple. You have a goal: educate, inspire, amuse. You include a CTA: buy the item, change a behaviour. You target a particular audience.
The devil is in the differences.
Writing for the sciences, you build a message around facts, supported by data. You use a formal voice. You rarely use slang or emojis.
Your personal writing may be based on emotion, or describe an imaginary world. Your written voice has to fit that. Imagine trying to inspire someone to start a new exercise program in the same tone you use to explain highly technical study results. It just won’t work!
You need casual language, the active voice, and even (gasp!) emojis. This can take some adjustment. My first draft of Living Singlish read like a technical manual until I edited it while dangling my feet in the Rhine on a hot summer day. Changing my environment changed my voice.
Your new audience members may be lovers of romance novels or fitness enthusiasts. Whoever they are, write to their interests, in their language. You can’t rely on studies. You have to know your tribe.
Yes, changing to a new kind of writing takes effort. But it’s worth it. You’ll find yourself writing with passion and energy, rediscovering the joy of being in the flow. And who knows, it could even open up new career opportunities!
Marne Platt was a senior pharmaceutical executive, with experience in Regulatory Affairs, Medical Affairs, Marketing, Supply Chain and General Management. Her 3 books, including Living Singlish, are available on Amazon. Find out more about her upcoming fourth book, “Easy, Tasty, Gluten Free” at www.marneplatt.com.