#WritingJAZZ - Part II

#WritingJAZZ - Part II

So here’s part II of THIS article on how good Jazz and well-crafted Copy are alike.

While researching the topic, I came across a BOOK on “Copywriting Jazz”, by copywriter Donna Reilly . Has anyone read it? Review it for me if you have - pretty please.

There’s also a Reddit post on “Writing like Jazz” by u/coaststl a few years back. The author lists 3 similarities between the genre and writing well: “Fundamentals, Improvisation and Nuance”. In short, it means clear and effective communication, creativity and emotional stylistic touches.

Then I found THIS little gem by Sonia Simone published around my birthday back in 2008 (!). Sonia revolves around the importance of Copywriting’s swing abilities, based on Duke Ellington’s famous “It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing…”

*

Now, I’ll change the tune a little. Actually, a little more...

I’ve always enjoyed learning languages. That’s probably why I didn’t choose English when I went to Uni (I was already fed up with it by then, after 10 years of studying it passionately). I chose Norwegian! Ja, det gjorde jeg! That’s also why I used to be the only student in my high school class that also enjoyed French, when all my mates were solely focused on our major - English. I’m not good at sports, but languages are my thing.

So, I thought I’d have a little fun with this topic on a linguistic level as well.?

There are various ways I can read this phrase, besides the obvious similarities that pop into my mind (as a jazz enthusiast).

Jazzy copy. Now, this idiom doesn’t exist. I mean, it does now - but it didn’t previously. So what do I mean by it?

Is my website copy dancing around in a Google Doc? Nope.

Are those Instagram captions performing on stage? Well, sort of.

But the main idea here is that Copy must be music to one’s ears. And then, depending on the context, your words could be crafted perfectly symphonic or break the rhythm and improvise a little bit once in a while. In any way, it’s the reader that dictates the tone - as in any jazz performance.

Jazzy copy / Jazzy content can also mean bright and joyful texts that grab your readers’ attention. Delight them with relatable word games and imagery that inspires (inter)action.

And then, I also see it this way:?

I’m in a writing jazz. This means that I occasionally get so jazzed up when writing (see what I just did?), that I simply can’t stop until the last drop of inspiration has been squeezed out of my soul. Of course, all passionate writers (of all sorts) will know what I mean. Typing, typing, typing on that keyboard until a button pops. Or putting pen to paper until you twist your wrist. If you’ve never been there, you’re definitely missing out, or you’re in an urgent need to change professions.

See, this little challenge got me hooked. It also helped me find my brand identity as an independent marketing writer. You’ll see exactly what I mean in a week or so. *teaser*

So here are a few phrases I’ll use in my own brand’s copy from now on:

Jazz up the content. I think you’ve all come across this one, on various occasions. In my case, it means I’ll make your copy pop, in an appealing and engaging way. Invite your readers to dance and rejoice when their answer is “Absolutely!”

Get your audience Jazzed up about your awesome kids-oriented brand! (Oh, yeah, that’s my niche, by the way).

Now, let me know in the comments:

  • do you associate your writing with a music genre (which one, btw)?
  • do you enjoy playing around with words and making up new idioms?
  • what was your A-HA! moment in reading any of the posts or articles of our #WritingJazzChallenge?

William Baptist

Email Copywriter┃Storyteller┃D&D Dungeonmaster ??

3 年

you know, I never thought about writing as a genre of music. I definitely consider it an art form but wouldn't have compared the two. Might have to put some thought into that. I could see how you'd equate your writing style to jazz. It was a delight to read. =D

Charles Gibson

??Entrepreneurs: Need a Copywriting Pro at the Helm? - ??Scriptwriter - ?? Smart AI Messaging Workflows

3 年

Your linguistics mind is having a party! Love where you're taking this!

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