Experience Architects

Pop Quiz

What would you say?

• To express myself
• To pay the rent
• To change lives
• To follow my calling
• To serve people

If you misunderstand your first job as a writer, you'll fall short of your best work.

Renowned editor Sol Stein said the writer's first job is to provide an experience that is superior to the experiences readers encounter in everyday life.

In other words...

Writers are
Experience Architects

That's a nice idea, right?

Good question. Let's explore the metaphor.

For one thing, good architects understand the importance of solid foundations.

Without a great foundation, the rest doesn't matter.

A book's foundation is its concept.

A great book concept does two things . . .

1.
A great concept addresses a real need that real people really have.

2.
It does so in a way that is somehow distinct.

Good architects also know about the importance of a pleasing structure.

Writers need to be intentional about structure too.

A good book structure...

• makes logical sense from beginning to end
• covers a given topic adequately
• flows well from chapter to chapter

Finally, good architects know about all the systems that make a space comfortable.

Think plumbing, electricity, and climate control.

What makes a book comfortable and engaging?

The quality of the writing

Good writing is concrete, not abstract

Think stories, metaphors, illustrations, dialogue, and practical application.

Good writing is succinct, not verbose or repetitive.

And good writing is authentic; it does not put on airs.

Hi, I'm Chad Allen.

I'm on a mission to empower creatives like you.

Join me!