Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Q: How can you leave a reader with something to think about in an essay?

A: With details. Specific, personal details.

The more you know about the reader, and the reader's world, the better you'll connect with him. If your essay gives the reader the impression that you've walked in his shoes, seen some of his life, slept in his bed, looked through his mail and talked to his wife, the reader will be left with dozens of questions.

Such as:

 - How did the writer get in my house?
 - When did he talk to my wife? What did he say to her?
 - What kind of a freak wears another man's shoes?
 - HE SLEPT IN MY BED? SERIOUSLY, WHAT THE FUCK? WHERE WAS MY WIFE?

An essay like that, built on a solid foundation of specific, concrete details, will leave the reader's mind spinning, make him question the his existence and drive him to the brink of madness.

To achieve actual madness, include pictures.

About Me

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Ryan Callahan has written, produced, or directed shows for ABC, A&E, SHowtime, The CW, TVLand, Animal Planet and other networks even lower on your dial. When not making TV, or writing fake answers, he reads books, buys books, or buys books to read later. Follow WikiFakeAnswers on Twitter and Facebook