How to write for the Internet
May. 17th, 2003 01:43 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
icarusWe all know to use spaces in between paragraphs and block form instead of indentation. But do we know how to write for the internet?
Build Your Hook in the First Paragraph
When someone buys a book, they have already made a commitment to read it (more or less). So the story can build slowly, gradually.
The internet reader? Not so. If you do not hook your reader within the first two paragraphs, you've likely los them - click - goodbye. A lot of good fanfic writers lose their audience for this reason.
Internet Pacing
A book is easy on the eyes, relaxing. The reader can change position, lay down, stretch out, etc.
The internet however is exhausting, your eyes are looking a lighted screen. This creates eye fatigue, and stories with long paragraph styles and slow pacing wear the reader out. Even though the same story on paper would be scrumptious. Also, the reader usually 'hunches' in front of the screen, forced into a rather strange posture over that mouse.
Short paragraph styles, tight description, and a slightly faster pace that keeps the screen scrolling saves eye fatigue, keeps the reader from sitting still too long and getting stiff. It makes your story that much more likely to be read. Slice through your story like a journalist. Edit ruthlessly.
Reward Your Reader
Lastly, the internet with its easy clicking encourages your reader to skip away from your fic... so many distrations, so little time... Reward your reader for their efforts. Treat your chapters like short stories and a have a 'kick' in each one.
This has been a public service announcement.
Build Your Hook in the First Paragraph
When someone buys a book, they have already made a commitment to read it (more or less). So the story can build slowly, gradually.
The internet reader? Not so. If you do not hook your reader within the first two paragraphs, you've likely los them - click - goodbye. A lot of good fanfic writers lose their audience for this reason.
Internet Pacing
A book is easy on the eyes, relaxing. The reader can change position, lay down, stretch out, etc.
The internet however is exhausting, your eyes are looking a lighted screen. This creates eye fatigue, and stories with long paragraph styles and slow pacing wear the reader out. Even though the same story on paper would be scrumptious. Also, the reader usually 'hunches' in front of the screen, forced into a rather strange posture over that mouse.
Short paragraph styles, tight description, and a slightly faster pace that keeps the screen scrolling saves eye fatigue, keeps the reader from sitting still too long and getting stiff. It makes your story that much more likely to be read. Slice through your story like a journalist. Edit ruthlessly.
Reward Your Reader
Lastly, the internet with its easy clicking encourages your reader to skip away from your fic... so many distrations, so little time... Reward your reader for their efforts. Treat your chapters like short stories and a have a 'kick' in each one.
This has been a public service announcement.
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no subject
Date: 2003-05-17 06:29 am (UTC)This was all dead on and I'd love to contribute my comments on formatting, which is not as evident as you have given everyone credit for... (did you parse what I meant there?)
Actually...
Date: 2003-05-17 09:58 am (UTC)Thanks!
no subject
Date: 2003-05-17 07:03 pm (UTC)I would also like to recommend against multiple short chapters. Every time a reader needs to click to get more, is an opportunity for them to decline. Don't give them those opportunities.
no subject
Date: 2004-05-09 09:55 pm (UTC)Just finished chapter three of your 'Beg Me For It'...erm...yes, have not quite gotten around to reviewing that yet *apologetic look*. I also read Scarred, and was so tempted to cry *sniffle*. Promise to get those reviews sorted out soon ;)