Think Forest, Not Trees

Posted on February 17, 2015 by C.E.Robinson

What are you thinking when you write a blog post, an essay, a short story, or a book? Maybe along the way, it’s writing that one sentence, the perfect one-liner “hook” to make readers want to read more.  If you succeeded, readers might pause, reflect and enjoy that kind of genius, but would they want to hear more of the story? I think those readers have stopped to admire the “trees” that stand out among the forest! But, would they keep going with you to the end. Maybe, out of reciprocity friendship, they’d click like and make a “how nice” comment. However, what you need to aim for is a step above, that they “want to hear more of your story.” Then you’ve got them into the forest with you and onto a great adventure. Sure, they liked the trees, but they wanted more! Bravo!

Just for a little fun and whimsy, let’s rev up the “visual”  forest adventure and go beyond the green or autumn trees clumped together, and think Enchanted Forest with gold, pink, purple, blue and green swirling hues. Now, in my “book” that’s max abstract imagination almost a sure thing to get readers reading to The End of any post, essay, story or book!

About C.E.Robinson

Christine Elizabeth Robinson, a former nurse practitioner ventures into the world of fiction to write books. Published in May 2022, THREE YEARS OF HER LIFE, a historical fiction, comes from her love of researching family history. A background as a published poet, experience in writing fiction, non-fiction and screenplays, is an advantage in her writing career. Christine lives in Southern California. A sequel to the debut book, THE NINE YEARS THAT FOLLOWED, in progress, will be available in Spring, 2024. The plot explodes and the characters evolve, moving forward. Even their victories create conflict and consequences. http://cerobinsonauthor.com
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24 Responses to Think Forest, Not Trees

  1. Jodi says:
    February 17, 2015 at 6:27 pm

    good advice Christine.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  2. Christy Birmingham says:
    February 17, 2015 at 7:05 pm

    What a fun post, Christine! If they want to read more, it’s a great sign 🙂 I like those images too!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • C.E.Robinson says:
      February 17, 2015 at 7:22 pm

      Thanks, Christy! Apparently, that’s the key to success with publishers too, not just readers. Don’t need to be witty or long winded, just to the point, Publishers are too busy and won’t wade through fluff words! Christine

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      Reply
  3. Sammy D. says:
    February 17, 2015 at 7:52 pm

    Great analogy, and so true !

    Like

    Reply
  4. D. Wallace Peach says:
    February 17, 2015 at 8:17 pm

    Love the forests. I’d walk through any of them, admiring those trees.

    Like

    Reply
  5. masgautsen says:
    February 17, 2015 at 9:03 pm

    Very good advice and I love the images,

    Like

    Reply
  6. vanbytheriver says:
    February 18, 2015 at 4:32 am

    You’re so right about that first line, Christine, but that first page that draws you in…that’s the magic. Great advice. The forest images are so lovely. ☺ Van

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • C.E.Robinson says:
      February 18, 2015 at 8:50 am

      Van, you’re right about the first page, even the first chapter. There needs to be a few heart-stopping trees that stand out! Then the breath-taking adventure walk into the Enchanted Forest! Thanks so much for your comment! Christine

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  7. folakemiodoaje says:
    February 18, 2015 at 10:22 am

    This is a much needed advice – “Think Forest, Not Trees” – Every subsequent words make absolute sense.

    Thank you.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  8. teagan geneviene says:
    February 21, 2015 at 10:32 am

    I don’t know why I always thirst for colors… but this post was a welcome refreshment on this cold snowy day. Thank you Christine. Nicely done. Hugs!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • C.E.Robinson says:
      February 22, 2015 at 2:11 pm

      Thanks so much, Teagan! Seems words and color go best together for me. When I start to write something I think, now what photos/color will go with that. Know you are “snowed” in so to speak and dealing with winter’s rage on the east coast. Stay warm and cozy! Christine

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  9. Nicholas C. Rossis says:
    February 24, 2015 at 12:01 am

    What a great analogy! Makes perfect sense 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  11. sheldonk2014 says:
    March 11, 2015 at 12:14 pm

    This is exactly what I aim for,to stop and provoke,to evoke all my writing and art work is done with that in mind,great post

    Like

    Reply
  12. Sartenada says:
    April 28, 2016 at 1:27 am

    We love forests. Our previous home was surrounded by pine trees. In summer, we stared them from our terrace and made nice walks. In that forest, there were mushrooms and blueberries. It was a great joy to pick up them.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • C.E.Robinson says:
      April 28, 2016 at 9:53 am

      Thanks so much for your visit and comment. I share the love of pine trees too! As a child I lived in the Pine Tree State of Maine. My grandmother’s resort, Sunset Inn was on Kezar Lake and the cottages were surrounded by pine trees. Such a tranquil setting. Love that memory! 💛 Elizabeth

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