Angel Effect

#9 When you write, it is important to fit your tone to your purpose. If you want the manager of Widget World to allow a return, even though the 30-day return period has passed, it’s not a good idea to start your letter in this hostile tone: “I don’t know what knuckle head came up with your policy, but I think its stupid.”

If you want to apply for a job as a manager of Widget World, it’s not a good idea to start your cover letter in this casual tone: “Hey, I hear you need a Widget wonk, and I’m cool with that.”

If you want to propose marriage to the manager of Widget World, it’s probably not a good idea to start your letter in this formal tone: “Dear Ms. Applespot: After a careful analysis, I find that a legal partnership, i.e. marriage, between the two of us would be beneficial to both parties involved.”

To match tone to purpose, use words that fit the circumstances. Imagine you are the manager of Widget World. You have been hoping for a raise, since you know you’ve done an excellent job. However, the owner of the strode isn’t exactly the sharpest tack in the drawer, in your opinion, and probably hasn’t even noticed. Write a letter to the owner, choosing your tone carefully as you point out why you should have that raise.

Our responder for today:

Dear Owner of The Strode,

Get Writing Series is a time to creatively respond to prompts from unjournaling by DiPrince and Thurston. Please join us and email me your entry. Prompts are posted on Thursdays and the entries will be posted the Wednesday after.

#6 A bad dude in a cowboy hat is walking into a saloon in a bad Western movie. He’s looking dangerous and mad. Tell what happens, creating a happy ending.

Wild Earl was hoppin’ mad.  After traveling for hours on his trusty horse, Rochelle, he needed a drink.  Earl stops at the Resting Renee Bar and Saloon only to find that there is a No Horse Parking sign out front of Renee’s.  How’s that for hospitality!  Earl couldn’t ride to the next town, he’d die of thirst!  Violating the No Parking sign, Earl stormed into Renee’s with his hands on his pistols.  “What kind of town doesn’t offer horse parking? I DEMAND you take my horse, feed, water, and groom her.”  The barkeep was stunned and scared out of his chaps!  He immediately agreed to Earl’s angry demands, as Earl meant business.  After making sure Rochelle was being cared for, Earl returned to the barstool and ordered a Shirley Temple.  He explained how he and Rochelle had come from a far away town to visit his dear old granny, Elizabeth Grace.  Oh, how Earl loved his dear old granny.  Elizabeth Grace was feeling ill and he just wanted to bring her a picnic lunch when he became so parched that he couldn’t think straight!  The barkeep saw a new side of Wild Earl and took heart.  The barkeep made Earl’s Shirley Temple and made another to-go for Elizabeth Grace.  After chatting about the recent dust storms, Earl collected his beautifully groomed and well fed Rochelle and headed over the river to his grandmother’s house.    – KIM

Kim did a wonderful job!!

Get Writing Series is a time to creatively respond to prompts from unjournaling by DiPrince and Thurston. Please join us and email me your entry. Prompts are posted on Thursdays and the entries will be posted the Wednesday after.