As the bespoke author once said, "The social season is upon us". With every writer, blogger and content creator coming out to meet the public eye,
all words matter. But what separates the quill of an amateur from the seasoned tool of the written-word prodigy?
This
media update author knows full well what it would take, and has every intention of sharing …
Read on, genteel writer, as we 'spill the ink' on the matter:
One simply must possess a recognisable voice
While Miss Eloise Bridgerton called on the printers to track down the famed writer in the
Bridgerton series, this author suggests that a writer is more aptly found in "an even rarer jewel". That is, their voice.
If there is but
one thing that Lady Whistledown has immaculately established, it is the tone and style of her vernacular. The gossip column author has a
remarkably recognisable voice, for which her genteel readership waits upon and
pays to read. The queen herself was no exception!
And here, dearest contemporary writer, is the crowning jewel in your plastic (or digital) pen. A
unique and
favourable command of your written presence will — as Lady Danbury so rightly says — make you "worthy of the attention you command" when you step into that light.
You
will need this, most favoured reader, as the content creation industry is as full of ambitious contributors as a ballroom is brimful with hopeful debutantes.
If you should want to be the "diamond of the season" — be it as a blogger, content creator or writer — employ the power in your unique and intriguing voice to amass a loyal following. This author is compelled to tell you that, should you achieve this, your pen will carry value and grab even a queen's attention!
Impart on an intriguing topic
Ah, the heart. As the famed author herself noted, it is "the most curious of instruments". But all is fair in love and war …
With unlimited resources at your readers' disposal, there is no lack of content available for them to read. To win the heart of your reader, genteel author, your weapon of choice must be a topic of the highest interest on your
particular battlefield.
Now Lady Bridgerton is quite faultless in her assertion that we must all do what we do best. But
how we put it to use is what
truly counts.
Lady Whistledown
herself hints at the key to her authored success, as she so memorably remarks that she finds herself "compelled to share the most curious of news".
This means that if you are not penning the most sought after talk-of-
your-town (so to speak), that town will not be seeing your desired reader at
any written soirées
at all.
No one should want to see you swoon in despair, dear reader, and so this author has uncovered a means to prevent this scandalous affair from ensuing: Make this writing season significantly
less monotonous!
Sharpen that quill, that
angle and that search for opportunity; seize a sought after topic with words that no one would dare take their eyes off of. If a gossip column is not quite your reader's cup of tea, then here is your golden opportunity to find out what
is.
Investigate thoroughly
Of what use would a writer be if not to bring new and rewarding content to the reader's table?
Being a
most accomplished writer, there is no argument in that you are to be well-researched in your particular topic of interest. The harsh eye of the reader is astute, shrewd and expects nothing less than
full detail on the matter.
When a particular match in the series was announced, Lady Whistledown herself said, "If anyone shall reveal the circumstance of this match, it is I". And this, dear reader, is what makes her column so
riveting.
The writer takes her investigations regarding such affairs more seriously than a mama would her stitchwork. And this author dares to say that so should
any writer worth reading.
But this is surely not the end of it. While somewhat scandalous, there is always a truth behind Lady Whistledown's words — and
this is no small mention to add.
Do not make the mistake of writing fiction where there should be none, as that would be "
most undignified". Your readers need a
reliable source with whom to give their loyalty. It should be your written craft that they solicit for answers!
Be well-connected
We can all agree with Miss Penelope Featherington in that "when you are invisible, you have all the amusement you want without any of the expectations popularity brings. It frees you".
But alas, our society needs its chosen diamonds to be present and on the promenade — and
these genteel folk can be your
most valued friends.
Why is Lady Whistledown so admired?
This author stands by her answer in that it is due to the lady's position in society, which so conveniently provides access to places and connections to draw the latest information from. And with connections come occasions for grander opportunities.
While the author's true identity remains 'hidden', you know as well as this author that she is by no means absent from the most anticipated events of the series. The young debutante gathers her intel whilst standing in the very presence of the duke and queen themselves!
And this, most valued reader, is a lesson to
never underestimate. Fight for your standing and use every opportunity available to become well-acquainted with those who:
- know more about your interests
- know the community that comprises your readership
- are active in growing and developing your field, and
- who can introduce you to others that would build on your credibility through association.
Pay
special attention to making the acquaintances of journalists, public relations professionals, brands and influencers.
And why would a writer be pressing so heavily on such connections? It is well-known that the more industrious people you know and have strong relationships with, the better you will be able to distribute your content.
Was this approach not proven fruitful when the famed author
herself came into an agreement of sorts with a certain modiste?
Oui.
Protect your reputation
"Be it shame or slander, seduction or smear, there is but one thing that humbles even the most highly-regarded members of our dear ton: a scandal!" — Lady Whistledown
When it comes to your reputation, most valued writer, it is
vital that you protect it. One's honour may not always be what it seems — we have seen as much with one Nigel Berbrooke.
Nevertheless, as the duchess herself once said, "Just because something is not perfect does not make it any less worthy of love".
In the ton, scandalous gossip could ruin an entire family name — or a bespoke author. But you have my sympathy, as the contemporary world can bring forth
most disagreeable gossip.
We all know that social media and the Internet keep receipts far more prudently than any gossip column author could. So, if anyone is to question or challenge your reputation, it may very well be the end of the season for you.
Thus, you need to ensure that you make protecting your reputation a
priority.
While many may not have the luxury of keeping one's true identity safeguarded from the public eye, Lady Whistledown does convey its benefits. Despite this, even she faced the harsh reality that comes with being the hand behind the pen. As the author herself said, "The brighter a lady shines, the faster she may burn". So too can a writer's fame burn too fast for their pen to maintain its flare.
"Desperate times may call for desperate measures", but this author is on your side! As Lady Whistledown’s own experiences have shown, remember to:
- choose your words carefully — offence might not be intended, but it can always be taken
- choose your friends wisely — even if they mean not to, their actions may put your reputation at risk, and
- choose your battles attentively — not every war needs a sword, and in the same way, not every word requires a quill dipped in red ink.
What are some other precepts that you, dearest reader, have taken from Lady Whistledown? Enlighten this media update author in the comments section below.
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