3 Things New Age Journalist Joan Didion Can Teach Us All About Powerful Writing
One of the many roles that PR pros must fill in our day-to-day lives is that of the author. We write regularly to execute a variety of communications goals, producing numerous media pitches, blogs, and social media captions. Since writing plays an extensive role in the work of PR professionals, we must always strive to push our talents further.
The quickest path to becoming a better writer is to read more. It is helpful to turn to the guidance of other authors to discover unique perspectives and approaches in writing. One author that has offered me significant inspiration as I grow in my writing skills is American author, journalist, and screenwriter Joan Didion.
Widely celebrated as one of the most prolific writers of her generation, Didion helped pioneer the New Journalism movement in America. Throughout her career, she crafted a written voice that is so clearly defined and recognizable that her work stands as a genre of its own. Didion has mastered the art of self-branding with her writing, and her commitment to her niche style of composition is worthy of admiration from writers of all backgrounds.
Photo by Julian Wasser / Netflix
Inspired by Didion’s written legacy, here are 3 tips I have gathered to help you strengthen your writing skills and achieve a powerful personal voice.
1. Grammar matters
The importance of grammar cannot be overstated. In Didion’s own words, “Grammar is a piano I play by ear… All I know about grammar is its infinite power.” By adopting this artistic view of grammar, we can become more conscientious of how we arrange sentences to achieve an advanced level of clarity and flow.
A Didion characteristic that will help you to elevate the grammatical structure of any writing is to get comfortable with short sentences. By breaking up your lengthier writing into smaller bits, you can bolden your main points and maintain a deliberate flow for your reader.
The more practical a piece of writing needs to be, the more you should rely on succinct sentences to create a direct path to your main point. In more creative work, consider playing with the balance of short and long sentences to implement moments of emphasis and rhythm in your writing.
2. Bring imagery to nonfiction
The genre of nonfiction can have a reputation for lacking feeling. Didion’s unique approach to journalism sought to flip this notion on its head, injecting a sense of fiction-like wonder into the everyday scenes she reported. She turns to vivid descriptions of the people and places surrounding her to add imagination to her otherwise journalistic approach.
A vivid description goes a long way in bringing personality to your words and engaging an audience in your content. Written communications in the PR industry should always remain clear in their messaging, however, finding a balance between writing that is functional and writing that is engaging is more important than ever to stand out from the crowd.
The intersection of business writing and creative writing is a great resource that provides more reasons for implementing creative writing into informational pieces.
3. Don’t be afraid to assert yourself
To my fellow young women in PR– this one is for you! Didion writes without fear, and it is in her fearlessness that she gained an edge over her predominately male peers early in her career. She employs a matter-of-fact approach to writing that does not seek permission or validation from her readers but instead offers her point of view in a persuasive and inarguable manner.
Author Zadie Smith of the New York Times recalls her takeaways as she discovered Didion's writing, remarking that, “...[I] realized that a woman could speak without hedging her bets, without hemming and hawing, without making nice, without poeticisms, without sounding pleasant or sweet, without deference, and even without doubt.”
Didion’s persuasive tactics are not flashy or deceptive. Rather, she strategically relies on facts and confidence to make her point. As a writer in the PR industry, consider how you might embody that confidence as means of strategic persuasion in your work. It can be scary, but taking ownership of your written voice is crucial in earning credibility from your audience.
Photo sourced from NBC News
If you have yet to explore Didion's writing for yourself, I encourage you to read her work for both insight and enjoyment.
My recommendation for a first read– start with one of her essays. This link provides a free read of her 1961 essay “On Self Respect” written for Vogue magazine.
This Didion-inspired advice is perfect for anyone looking to solidify their voice as a writer and refine their written work. Remember to prioritize intentional grammar, use vivid imagery, and maintain a confident voice to take your writing to the next level.
About Emma
Emma Buschle is a junior double majoring in Advertising & Public Relations and Dance. She is currently the chair of the Alumni Committee for GVPRSSA and serves as an Account Associate for GrandPR. Emma enjoys writing, and she hopes to transition into PR agency life upon graduation. In her free time, she enjoys reading, attending group fitness classes, and spending time with friends and family.