Hi, I would like to start my own personal blog, but I have a slight problem. I can write good, informative stuff in English, but my writing isn't that entertaining. I have no problems being entertaining when I write in my own, native language (Danish), but as soon as I shift to English, my writing gets very dry and boring How can I make my English writing more entertaining? Is there a book or website that can teach me what I need to know - or do I need to read a lot of funny books in English? Thanks a lot, Mads
It may be that you are too worried about getting the use of English correct and not about letting your personality shine through. Judging by your post, you seem like you have a great handle in English. I think if I were you, I would begin to write in a stream of consciousness style- just let the words come out the way you are thinking them and without editing. Then, reread your post and clean it up. That way, you aren't stifling your natural humor and personality. I don't know if reading funny books in English or watching comedies will help...it might, but then you might end up imitating rather than developing your own style.
I agree with what Prinzel says. It does take hell lot of effort to write entertaining (by entertaining I mean emotional and not necessarily funny) stuff, especially when you chose to write in a language that's not your native tongue. Reading and writing will surely help you to get a hang on language, but I guess you need to develop your own style! Best wishes
Adding more personality is probably key, but also keep in mind that it can depend heavily on the niche. Some audiences expect you to be entertaining (if you're writing about celebrities perhaps) while others expect you to be more serious (like an educational site teaching physics fundamentals). Now serious doesn't have to be boring, but there's a big difference in what those audiences are going to find entertaining. Is it only you who thinks your writing is boring, or are others telling you that? It might be that they already think you are!
YL said it well - let your personality shine through. Try copying other people's writing style and it will sound contrived. Finding your own voice may take time though but keep on writing until you get comfortable with the way you write.
Try to write like you would talk to your close friends without being too offensive. Holy Cow. Cd928....you sort of look like that guy from the show Burn Notice on the USA network. It's got Bruce Campbell in it so that automatically means the show kicks ass. See? Good example.
I used to moderate an email list for several years and helped lots of people punch up their writing. That list was specifically about humor writing, but the same ideas can apply even if you are looking for more "entertaining" writing. So here's a suggestion. Maybe you could post a paragraph or two here (assuming it's okay to do on this particular DP board) as an example and we can all show you how we would punch it up. Sure, we'd be using our own personalities to an extent, but I'm thinking maybe the exercise could still be helpful to you. Also, the fact that you even have an awareness that your writing sounds "dry and boring" means that you are well on your way to improving it.
Might be because you're just too worried in your English writing. Just write the things you think is needed to make the topic interesting. Check, read and rephrase afterwards. I'm sure your writing ability is good enough, you're not just comfortable writing it in English.
This is great advice, and I have to say you do it very well Y! I like to practice this one a lot. I can't say I'm in the same boat as you, as English is the only language I write or speak, but just letting it flow like YL said really helps. Sometimes it doesn't sound sound amazing at first, it all depends whether I'm in the right mood to just let it 'flow'! (wine might help...) Jhmattern has another interesting point - entertaining can mean a lot of things. Sometimes it can be about personal anecdotes or witty comments, but a lot of the time those methods just aren't appropriate. You can still make more serious topics entertaining by trying to find a fresh angle, or something as simple as just keeping to the point and writing in a way that readers can relate to.
I know from experience how difficult it can be to judge the tone of your writing in another language. Not only is it tough to pick out subtle differences, but there are sometimes cultural differences or a collective consciousness that is impossible to posses. I try to read as much as I can in my second language and attempt to emulate certain styles for my own entertainment or for practice. It's hard to do, but this technique has helped me out. Good luck!
I am fan of Campbell's Army of Darkness and though I haven't watched Burn Notice, methinks it kicks ass.