Keep it Short and Simple
This applies to all writing, both business and personal. And it rings especially true today with our information overload. All of our written communications must respect the time challenges and understandably shortened attention spans of today's readers. Brevity and simplicity are especially important with greeting card messages, and Valentine cards in particular must create the intimacy and connection that comes from sharing a feeling without overly engaging the mind. The three word sentence I love you can be uniquely interpreted with every use because of it's powerful simplicity.
Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away. Antoine de Saint-Exupery
My method is to write whatever comes to mind initially. Then I edit and reedit to simplify and strengthen the message by removing-reordering-replacing the original words and sentences until it all falls into place. Here's an easy five step process you can use:
1. Prepare your mental space. Clear an area where you can sit and write comfortably. Start with a single sheet of clean paper and a pencil or pen. But don't start writing immediately. Instead, relax and think about the person you are addressing. Use a photo if you like. The idea is to connect with that person's energy.
2. Write what you feel. When you're ready, start writing without regard for any of the mechanics of writing. Don't worry about grammar or spelling or anything else. Just put down on paper what you feel. When you're finished, turn the paper face down and let it be.
3. Find your message. This step may take place in the same sitting, or may be several minutes or hours later. It's up to you. With an open and non-critical mind, read through what you've written and identify your essential message. State it verbally to yourself.
4. Simplify. Clarify and strengthen your core message by removing anything that detracts from or dilutes it. For example, the last sentence in my opening paragraph above that now reads "The three word sentence I love you can be uniquely interpreted with every use because of it's powerful simplicity" was originally written "The minimalistic phrase I love you carries a potent message that is uniquely reinterpreted by everyone who offers or receives it every time it is offered or received." Do you see how the meaning was lost in the words? And that the revised sentence needs no additional comment?
5. Repeat Step 4 until "there is nothing left to take away" without changing or weakening your essential message.
I hope you find this helpful.
