What does powerful writing mean to you?
That was the question I asked at the start of this conversation around powerful writing. At the end of it we have 60 definitions, explorations or illustrations of what it means to write with power – all expressed in a power-packed 30 words or less.
Powerful Writing E-Book
I’ve compiled the results into this 24 page e-book (click for pdf download) divided up into the 7 sections that emerged (to me) as I read through your entries.
Powerful writing:
- hits the mark
- moves us
- comes from the source
- follows intent
- changes things
- lingers
- inspires us to write
You can download your pdf copy here
Powerful Writing in 30 Words Or Less: A compilation of one-liners from the Confident Writing community
The book is free – it was written by all of you after all! – but I am asking for a charitable donation by way of return.
It’s in support of MAD About Art, a small educational charity that works with young people in South Africa whose lives have been affected by HIV/AIDS. Using a mix of narrative and art therapy they support the young people to tell the most powerful stories. Find out more about MAD and the connection with powerful writing, or just press on and make your donation now.
I’ve suggested a small donation of $5 / £2.50. With 60 contributors, and over 500 regular readers of this blog, we should be able to make a difference, and help these young people to realise the power of their own words.
You can make your donation through Paypal safely and securely, either through your own account, or with your credit or debit card. Just click on the “donate” button and you’ll get straight through to the site.
If you want to support this project: in relation to your own 30 word contribution, other people’s definitions and explanations or the work of MAD, please spread the word via Twitter, on your own site, or by giving this post a stumble.
Many thanks for your support.
With thanks to the contributors and authors as follows:
Guest authors: Debbie Yost, Robert Hruzek, Damien Riley, Jim Murdoch
Contributors: Amy Palko, Bo. Rick Mahn, Wendy Piersall, RMW, Terry Starbucker, Mervi, Glenn at Globalized,Nick Betten, Karen Wallace, Jason Slater, Wendi Kelly, Amy Van Huisen, Space Age Sage, Diane Cordell, wonderwebby, –Deb, Robyn McMaster, Brad Shorr, Jon Swanson, Radha, The Idea Dude, Catherine, Dale, Barbara Ling
Masters of brevity on Twitter: Spiritspring, DMurphy_Rodgers, NadineTouzet, DazzlinDonna, Leawoodward, eeUS, Captainstardust, rjacobse, Men With Pens, Studio747, tldtim, SarahStewart, Charkamman, Owlbert,
digitalmaverick, amypalko, karenswim
Joanna Young, The Confident Writing Coach
Because our words count
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Well done, Joanna. Just made a donation. Thank you for collecting all these ideas and promoting them for such a good cause.
Bravo, Joanna! I had no idea you were building towards this goal, but what a great way to cap off a powerful subject. A big ol’ Texas tip o’ the hat to ya – and all the contributors!
Love what you did with this, and am happy to donate to the cause as well. Will be clicking the Donate button right after I click the Post comment button.
You have produced a great looking inspiring document – keep up the good work and kudos for supporting (and inspiring us to support!) a worthwhile cause. (25 words). Jas.
http://www.jasonslater.co.uk
Very cool. I’m a master
Thank you, Joanna, and you’re welcome!
Thanks everyone
Jason, love the word count on the comment!
Joanna
The format of your PDF was great for an e-book. Could you/would you share a Word or ? template that includes some of the formatting?
Joanna, just made my donation and am looking forward to reading. I really enjoyed the posts on this topic so it will be nice to review them again. Bravo on using this for Mad About Art! Hmm, gives me an idea too. Thanks!
What a great ebook Joanna! Well done! Will donate too… it sounds like a wonderful cause.
Thanks all for your support. Glad to be giving you more ideas too Karen (S)!
Bob – do you mean can I let you have the template I used for the word doc to create the pdf?
Joanna
Joanna–
I wasn’t sure if you used Word or Publisher or something else, but yes, the template you used for the word doc is what I was interested in. It would save me a lot of work in recreating it, as it’s the perfect format for a little document I’m working on. Sorry to be such a beggar, but I thought it better to ask than to just start with my trial and error.
What a great idea and wonderful cause!
Bob, you’re quite right to ask. I’ll e-mail the template to you.
Soultravelers: I’m glad you like it
Joanna
Delightful and moving collection along with an equally lovely PDF design.
Wow! We (the Confident Writing community) really accomplished something impressive!
I have been following the entries since you started the theme early in the month, but I echo others in my enthusiasm at just how inspirational these definitions and musings can be once compiled into book form.
Thanks!
Meryl, I’m glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for stopping by.
Glenn, yes, you did! Thanks for your own contribution, and being such an enthusiastic supporter of Confident Writing.
Joanna
I’ve just downloaded the pdf and I absolutely love it, Joanna! I’m so impressed with the way you have compiled everyone’s contributions into a coherent whole. Brilliant!
Thanks Amy! You’ve discovered one of my secrets – I seem to enjoy publishing other people’s work just as much – if not more – as writing my own.
Glad you like the format
Joanna
Joanna,
That is a fantastic collection of works that you’ve arranged in a wonderfully relevant way. Each piece contributes to the next and focuses what each section is about – I see why you did that. Really fun project that I should have participated on earlier!
Congratulations on getting that ebook put together and for a great cause too! On may way to paypal next.
Rick, I’m glad you like it. Was fun putting it together, and stepping back and working out what some of the key themes were.
Thanks for your contribution and support
Joanna
What a great idea, Joanna! I’ll put some money in PayPal and download one soon. I’m always amazed at what is buzzing around in that noodle of yours!
Thanks Robyn
There’s always something going on – you guys keep on inspiring me!
Joanna
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Powerful writing for me tend to make all the potential readers eagerly read your writing from seeing the title itself up to the point of leaving a feedback on what have they read.
Hi, thanks for that contribution… I’ll take it as a compliment since the piece prompted you to leave some feedback!
Joanna
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