How to Keep Your Writing Fresh When Your Topic is as Dry as The Sahara

Writing on a subject that is considered dry, or one that is difficult to make interesting can be a challenge. This is especially true if you are a person who is convicted about writing quality content but doesn't have the fundamentals or enough of a creative flair to add some excitement to your text.

In this post, we will share useful tips on how to break through that writer’s block and turn that arid content into something that enlivens your audience.

1. Know your audience

The first step to creating interesting content, regardless of the subject matter, is to know your audience. The manner in which you structure your content should speak directly to them. Take time to understand your readers; who are they, what drives them, what do they care about?

To write interesting content, writers also need to understand their audience’s socio-economic and cultural aspects. This is especially relevant if one's audience spans across various countries with different cultures. Understanding cultural differences will help you avoid certain faux pas when tackling your subject.

2. Write from a different angle

Your main goal is to keep your readers' attention throughout the writing. Try to make your content interesting by writing from a unique angle that works and relates to the subject matter. An interesting key point, real-life experiences or colourful anecdotes are all great techniques to keep your readers engaged.

Don't be afraid to use similes, metaphors, and analogies. Adding real-life scenarios to your content also helps inject life into your writing, while helping readers visualise the subject.

3. Simplify complex topics

One of the most effective ways to make content more interesting is to simplify complicated concepts. Use real-life, relatable examples to simplify complex ideas, and write in a relaxed and friendly tone.

Break down technical jargon into easy-to-understand language. Doing this ensures readers can understand what you're writing and keep reading while also ensuring they see you as a supporter and not someone trying to show off their knowledge.

4. Use short sentences and paragraphs

No one wants to read a never-ending paragraph, especially on a dry subject. Breaking up your text with short, simple sentences and brief paragraphs helps prevent readers from getting bored or confused — and keeps them engaged.

Keep it simple. Applying this principle makes your content easy to read and understand, but at the same time, it keeps it engaging.

5. Spice up the headline

A catchy title goes a long way in making your content appealing and interesting. The headline is the first thing readers see. Write an edge-cutting title that promises an exciting read while showing your confidence as a writer.

Instead of using a cliché title like “The Benefits of Riding a Bicycle,” use something more original and exciting like “Life-changing benefits of cycling to work,” or "Pedalling Your Way to a Healthier You."

6. Inject Humour

Laughing is good for the soul, and it's also a way to keep your readers engaged. Making witty and often unexpected jokes, creating memes or gifs that parody the topic or referencing pop culture can add some spice to your content. Little tweaks in the language might get people to smile, which will make them more likely to keep reading.

7. Engage the senses

If you are invoking the senses in your writing, your readers will feel like they are part of the scene. Writing evocatively about touch, taste, smell, and sound can transform a dry scientific topic into something more exciting.

Making your content visually stunning and readable adds some pop to the text. Use visuals, break up a long and tedious paragraph with an image. The human brain processes visual information ten times faster than written information. Therefore, when a user sees a great photo or illustration, it can be the hook that keeps them reading.

8. Be Authentic

I know you probably heard this many times before, but authenticity is what makes you and your content different. The spice, the humour, the knowledge are some of the things that make your story interesting.

So, show the authentic you in your writing. Just remember: When you share or publish something online, you can delete it from a page but you can’t remove the effect you had on your readers. What effect would you like to have?