One evening, a bathroom tile taught me how to connect with readers if you want to write an unforgettable book.
I walked up the steps to the home where a local writers’ group was meeting. As I rapped on the door, I noticed a large white tile leaning against the brick exterior. Random. But something inside me twitched.
The tile reminded me of my family’s bathroom renovation project. The project started with my husband and I musing: “Let’s replace our cruddy shower surround and freshen up the washroom! Easy peasy, we’ll get it done in a weekend”. 🤦‍♀️ Three months, a trailer load of mould-infested debris, a few dozen sink baths, and weeks of reno supplies overtaking the house later, and we now have a brand new bathroom. Fun times.
Glancing at the tile, I remembered that my host had been forced into her own bathroom reno recently as well. Sure enough, the host and I were soon swapping bathroom reno trauma stories. To anyone else, talking about the bathroom project felt like complaining and a distraction from more important matters. But in this case, it felt cathartic.
The next day, as I was thinking about ways I connect with readers, I remembered that white tile.
What do bathroom renovations relate to writing to connect with readers and making a lasting impression?
Here it is: When you’re writing a book, make sure you leave some white tiles lying around. Your ideal readers will love it! (You can also apply this to writing emails, creating marketing copy or delivering a presentation.)
These white tiles are little nuggets that connect your readers to your heart and message. Artfully curated connections create a bond, fostering a sense of trust and understanding.
Think back to an impactful book you read where you felt truly connected to the character, the author, or the content. What were some elements that made you look up the author’s website or social media? Or tell a friend about the book? Or purchase it when you already read a borrowed copy?
What Happens When You Write to Connect with Readers?
In the world of non-fiction, creating an impactful book is about more than just conveying information; it’s about forging a genuine connection with your readers. When your writing resonates deeply, it can transform your book from a mere read into an unforgettable experience. Here’s what happens when your writing truly connects with readers.
You Capture the Reader’s Attention
As a reader, when you connect with the author or the characters in a book, you’re more likely to invest your time and emotions in the story. Imagine reading a memoir where the author describes their struggle with anxiety in such a relatable way that you can see your own experiences mirrored in their words. This kind of connection hooks you from the first page. It works because it makes the content personally relevant, encouraging you to delve deeper to find insights and solutions that resonate with your own life.
You Build Trust
Readers are more likely to trust your voice, opinions, and insights shared in the book when they feel a connection to you. Trust can be built by sharing real-life results and examples, both from your own experiences and from others. For instance, if you’re writing a book on entrepreneurship, sharing your own business failures and successes, along with those of well-known figures, can make your advice more credible. This approach works because it shows readers that you’re speaking from experience. It demonstrates that your insights are grounded in reality, which encourages them to take your advice seriously and act on it.
Create Emotional Resonance
By creating relatable characters, even in non-fiction, or sharing personal vulnerabilities, you can evoke strong emotions and empathy from your readers. Take BrenĂ© Brown’s work, for example. She often shares personal stories and challenges, which makes her books deeply resonant. Readers see their own struggles in her stories, which makes the content more memorable and meaningful. This emotional connection can make your book stand out. More than a collection of facts and advice, it’s a heartfelt experience that leaves a lasting impact.
You Enhance Understanding
Your readers need to easily grasp what you’re communicating, or they might not finish reading your book. Use relatable metaphors, well-chosen anecdotes, or a conversational writing style as ways to enhance understanding. For example, in Malcolm Gladwell’s “Outliers,” he uses relatable stories and simple language to explain complex sociological theories. If you tend to be wordy or use big words, simplifying your text is easy to do with an editing tool like The Hemingway App. When readers connect with your style and stories, they feel like the book is speaking directly to them, addressing their specific concerns and desires. This creates a safe environment for them to internalize the hope or message you’re offering.
Encourage Reader Loyalty
When your readers feel a strong connection to you as the writer, they are more likely to become loyal fans who eagerly await your next book and recommend your work to others. This loyalty is incredibly valuable as it leads to positive word-of-mouth, which is one of the most effective forms of marketing. Think about how fans of authors like J.K. Rowling or Bob Goff not only buy every new release but also talk about their books with friends and on social media. This ripple effect of loyalty can significantly boost your book’s reach and sales. It works because when readers feel a personal connection to you, they become your advocates, spreading your message far and wide.
Creating a book that resonates deeply with readers goes beyond good writing. It’s about making your readers feel seen, heard, and understood. By capturing their attention, building trust, creating emotional resonance, enhancing understanding, and encouraging loyalty, you can transform your book into a powerful, impactful experience. So, as you write, remember to forge these connections, and watch as your words leave a lasting imprint on your readers’ hearts and minds.
Now… what could those white tiles look like in your writing?
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9 Simple Ways to Connect With Readers
In today’s digital age, connecting and engaging with readers is more important than ever for authors. Whether you’re a seasoned writer with a readership of thousands or just starting out, building a strong relationship with your audience can make a significant difference in your impact. Here are some effective strategies to help you achieve this:
Ask or Pose a Question
Engagement starts with interaction, and there’s no better way to initiate this than by asking your readers a question. For instance, if you’re writing a book on productivity, you might ask, “What’s the biggest challenge you face in staying productive?” This invites readers to reflect on their own experiences and creates a dialogue. Asking a question works because it expects an answer and shows that you are interested in their thoughts, making them feel seen and heard. Posing a question provides space to ponder, without needing an answer, encouraging your readers to engage more deeply with your message.
Make a Bold Proposition or Promise
Grabbing your readers’ attention often requires making a bold statement or promise. For example, “This book will transform the way you think about personal finance.” Such a declaration piques curiosity and sets expectations. Readers are intrigued to find out how you plan to deliver on this promise. This technique is effective because it builds anticipation and positions your book as a solution to a problem they are eager to solve.
Anticipate Questions
As you write, put yourself in your readers’ shoes and think about the questions they might have. If you’re writing about forgiving someone who mistreated you, you might address a common concern like, “Is it really possible to forgive someone who threatened your life?” By answering these questions proactively, you demonstrate empathy and understanding of your audience’s needs. This not only keeps readers engaged but also builds trust, as they see you as a knowledgeable and considerate author.
Speak Directly to the Reader
Using a conversational tone and directly addressing your readers can make your writing more relatable. Instead of saying, “People should exercise regularly,” try, “You can make time for regular exercise.” This personalized approach makes readers feel like you’re speaking directly to them, creating a stronger connection. It works because it transforms your writing from a lecture into a conversation, which is much more palatable.
Spark Curiosity
Engage your readers by sparking their curiosity. Start your chapters with a startling moment in the middle of a scene. Begin with intriguing facts or questions. For instance, “Did you know that the average person spends two years of their life waiting at traffic lights?” This type of content hooks readers by presenting something unexpected or thought-provoking. It keeps them turning the pages, eager to discover more interesting insights. Curiosity is a powerful motivator, and when you tap into it, you make your book hard to put down.
Share Something Personal
Sharing personal stories or experiences can make your writing more irresistible and relatable. If you’re writing a memoir or even a non-fiction book on leadership, including anecdotes from your own life can create a deeper connection with your readers. For example, “My first day as a manager, I felt completely overwhelmed…” This transparency and vulnerability make you more human and approachable, fostering a sense of intimacy and trust with your audience.
Trust Your Reader – Assume They’re Smart
Respect your readers’ intelligence by avoiding overly simplistic explanations and allowing them to draw their own conclusions. If you’re writing about a complex topic like theology, don’t shy away from using appropriate terminology. Instead, provide clear explanations and trust that your readers can follow along. This approach works because it empowers readers, making them feel capable and respected. They are more likely to stay engaged when they feel challenged and intellectually stimulated.
Make Readability Easy for Them
Finally, ensure that your writing is easy to read if you want to connect with readers. Use short paragraphs, bullet points, and clear headings to break up the text. This is particularly important in the age of digital reading, where attention spans are shorter. For example, instead of a long-winded explanation, break it down into concise, digestible chunks. This method enhances readability and keeps readers engaged because it makes your content more accessible and less daunting to navigate.
Be Practical
While it’s important to inspire your readers, avoid overspiritualizing your message. If you are writing for Christians, you can still keep God at the heart of your message without using Christianese jargon and pat answers that make your readers cringe and skim. Keep your advice practical and grounded in reality, offering tangible tips. For instance, instead of saying, “Just trust God and everything will fall into place,” try, “Bring your fears and doubts to God—He can handle your questions and big emotions. Here’s what trust might look like for you…” This approach works because it allows readers to feel human and seek a God-first mindset while making your message more relatable and applicable to their everyday lives.
Write to Connect with Readers and Make Your Impact
Connecting and engaging with your readers is about creating a two-way relationship built on understanding, respect, and interaction. For many readers, this connection with you will just be internal, however, the stronger the connection felt, the more likely they might just email you with their testimony or questions, or engage with you on social media. By incorporating these strategies into your writing, you’ll not only captivate your audience but also build a loyal readership eager to follow your work. Happy writing!
