Alan’s TTIM Stories #37                                                                        

The grass is green
States a fact – obvious, common knowledge, boring

The mown lawns appear as an emerald carpet across suburbia
Poetic, but still boring

Chopping plants at a standard height is an example of a monochromatic society with a blatant disregard for diversity. Let beautiful wildflowers grow to a variety of heights and colors to make a bold statement against an oppressive world that delights those of limited intelligence. 
Provocation in action

Which statement above grabs the attention of the reader? The “wow” factor creates a page turner. Provocation entices the reader to think. A provocative statement can expose societal ills and challenge the status quo. What is provocative? It includes topics like equality, injustice, threats to democracy, inhumanity, increase of hate crimes, a different point of view, or outside the political world – an interesting twist to a story.

Just going through the motions is not a persuasive reason to buy a book and less a reason to finish the reading. More desirable is action, humor, excitement, twists and turns, bold statements, or a new approach. The power of words is at your fingertips. Prove the old saying, “The pen is mightier than the sword.”

Provocative writing can make positive changes. For example:
The Jungle by Upton Sinclair
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Beloved by Toni Morrison
1984 by George Orwell
Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
To name a few…………

#1 Warning: Provocation is not synonymous with excessive violence or sexual content. You are in danger of being repulsive instead of thought-provoking.  Gratuitous content limits your audience thus limiting future sales.

#2 Warning: Avoid preaching. Being scolded is not entertaining. It’s the difference between hitting the reader over the head or using the subtle realization of truth. Let the reader become aware. Let your words invoke epiphany. Let it be their discovery. 

I encourage authors to exercise your brain, draw on past experiences, learn from fellow authors, be aware of all the aspects of life on earth, and use your words to provoke. Be the wake up call people crave.  

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Follow announcements of Alan’s TTIM Stories at Facebook.com/alan.vandervoort or Instagram & Treads vandervoort_author, with all available posts at www.alanvandervoort.com. Novels by the author include: Sandhills – A Novel and Key Largo Summer, found at Booklocker.com and other online booksellers.