Persuasive Writing: Writing that Moves You (Thinking Out Loud about Writing)

…At one level, all good (or decent) writing is persuasive writing, don’t you think?

Good (or decent) writing moves the reader to action—to turn the page, to scroll, to read on—by making a promise. The promise isn’t always overt or outrageous, but always subliminally clear. It is made by the writing itself being offered for consumption, in whatever format.

The promise is this: I am worth reading.

Now, whether this is true or not is ultimately subjective to the reader. But the promise is there and it must be proved, one way or the other.

The writing itself is the proof. Quality. Content. Cadence. Imagery…

Imagery is key. What image is conjured within the mind’s eye as the reader takes in each line of prose or poetry? What picture is being created within his or her soul that is so powerful, even for a moment, that he or she is compelled, moved, persuaded to, at the very least, read to the end?

What persuaded you?