Style & Substance. You Can Have All Three!
1st Person: It’s two.
Me: Bless you. Being dyslexic….
1st Person: Here we go.
….So, being dyslexic, and someone who finds reading a challenge, I can’t think of anything worse than a wall of text. It’s probably why I’ve never read the bible.
1st Person: You’ve not heard then?
Me: Kinda busy right now.
A big fat wall of text. Surely there is nothing less attractive?
1st Person: Really?
Me: Fair play, you’ve got me there.
Anyway, I’m a big fan of presentation. Why? Because presentation is, the gift that keeps on giving. Why? Because presentation, literally has the word, ‘present,’ in it.
Want to spruce up your musings? Well you’ve come to the right place for advice.
What makes me an expert? Well you’re here reading this ain’t you?
There’s a famous quote about presentation. “The photo that launched a thousand ships.”
1st Person: It’s “the face.”
Of course, “The face photo that launched a thousand ships.” R.I.P. Biz Markie.
A well-placed image is what separates us from the animal kingdom, and can be mad impactful. However, any image you choose should be appropriate to the piece you have written.
Some topics are sensitive. So, for example, if you are going to write about trans issues use an image that won’t cause offence.
1st Person: I’m offended! I voted Leave.
2nd Person: I’m offended! I voted Remain.
Me: Brexit!
Writing about feministy stuff is quite popular. A topic could be sexism in the music biz. Choose an image that reflects an angle, for example, women being exploited.
Woman: That’s your male gaze deciding this woman is being exploited. She may in fact Be In Total Control of Herself.
Me: Whatever “gazing male” is. Mind you, I do prefer the cover for Mala’s debut album.
Woman: That’s you and your male gaze again.
Me: OK squire.
They, whoever ‘they’ is, say “write what you know.” In my case this could be Black stuff. So, basically racism, as that is what some think defines me. Mind you, don’t choose an image that’ll get readers shouting something or the other.
1st Person: A Black man with a gun. That’s not a racial stereotype is it now!
Me: Hey, don’t shoot the messenger. Wait, was that a pun?
Travel writing is fun.
Although, if like me, you don’t have a passport, image wise your options might be limited.
Identity is a very complex topic, well; people like to think it is. I’d suggest any images you choose should show some consideration towards what people refer to themselves as nowadays.
As Edie Brickell & New Bohemians once said, Religion! Make sure any images aren’t blasphemous, or showing lack of respect to God, or to a religion, or a combination of all three.
1st Person: The Seekers?
Me: It’s the best I could do for Sikhism.
1st Person: I suppose dew is….?
Me: Judaism, obviously.
1st Person: Your pronunciation is shocking.
Over here in the merry old United of K, the monarchy is a hot topic. Although, if you are simply sharing some facts rather than an opinion, then the right image is gold, like what The Gold State Coach is.
Bill Clinton is a dog famous for sexual relations. So, if you choose to write about sexual relations, make sure your images aren’t so explicit you get censored.
You may fancy writing about Politics, or rather Politicians. In which case you may be surprised that you can use images more than once.
A wall of text is the enemy of invention. Why offer milk, when you can give readers a cow for free? Ultimately, a well-chosen image can make your piece more substantial. Like this photo:
1st Person: Looks like padding.
Me: Exactly.
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