My spirit and your voice
In one combined
The phantom of the opera is there
Inside your mind
- The Phantom
Who would have thought that the failed novel turned world-wide box office smash hit can teach us anything about writing? Inside this gothic, romantic-tragedy however is a profound technique that every writer must employ in order to be successful – psychological manipulation.
Sounds morally wrong doesn’t it? When used ethically however the power that results from it is actually a benefit to everyone involved. Read on to see how you too can wield such power.
The Plot
Set in a 19th century Paris Opera House the story focuses on the Phantom, an apparent musical genius. However the man is tortured by his disfigured face and so spends his days living in the deepest bowels of the Opera House, manipulating people from the shadows to do his bidding and so control events.
In fact the entire story revolves around his obsession and manipulation of Christine, a young soprano. The Phantom convinces Christine that he is the “angel of music” a heavenly spirit sent by her dead father to teach her and guide her musically. And therein lies the first lesson.
Lesson 1: Identify What Your Reader Needs
My power over you
Grows stronger yet
The Phantom was shrewd enough to see that Christine was still mourning the loss of her father, a very influential person in her life. He realised she needed a “father figure”, a mentor and a teacher and quickly positioned himself as such in her eyes. He effectively got into her mind.
Emotional pain and the need to be rid of it is one of the primary motivators for buying (the other being a gain in pleasure). Identify the emotional pain your readers are suffering and all of a sudden you will find yourself inside their minds.
Lesson 2: Make Your Readers Sing Your Song
Let the dream begin, let your darker side give in
To the power of the music that I write
The power of the music of the night.
Although she spoke of the “angel of music” with trepidation and sometimes fear, Christine correctly attributed her rocketing success to his guidance. Once inside the mind of your readers you too can empower them to success and they will sing your song to anyone who will listen.
Unlike the phantom however this will invariably work to your favour and people will track down this great writer rather than Track Down This Murderer!
Lesson 3: Allow The Relationship to Flourish
As it turned out the Phantom fell in love with Christine and it can be said that he needed her as much as she needed him. This symbiotic relationship where both parties depend on each other for survival also develops between a writer and their readers.
Do what it takes to nurture and grow these relationships. Reply to your commentors, interact and connect with them not just on your blog but on theirs.
The Most Important Lesson Of All: Don’t Follow The Phantom
That’s right, I’ve been telling you to get into the mind of your readers like the protagonist of this story, am I now refuting that advice? Not exactly. Just don’t approach this with the same self-centered sense of manipulation he used.
You’re not trying to achieve a slave mentality but a deeper, more trusted connection that all parties can benefit from. Ignore this and you too will have to Learn To Be Lonely.
Conclusion
Give some thought to your readers with your next post. What problems are causing them the greatest emotional pain? How can you solve that problem? Use some psychology and get inside their minds.
Before You Comment
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{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
Great analogy, and one of those that will stay in my mind. The only thing I might add, although you imply it already in #1, is to know who your reader is. The Phantom could only get inside Christine’s head by knowing her wants, desires, fears. A marketing exercise I’ve learned from Naomi Dunford at IttyBiz is to write out a description of your ideal customer, but the same could be used for identifying your ideal reader (since after all, readers are your customer!).
Thanks!
Terry Heath’s last blog post..God. What Could I Actually Call This Post?
Good point Terry. In the blogosphere implication doesn’t really cut it. We just don’t have the time to “read between the lines”. I really should have drilled down deeper on that one.
You’re also spot on about the ideal reader and ideal customer both being synonymous with each other. Your advice is a great way to focus your writing efforts until you can switch to real reader (customer) feedback.
Ah but see, if you know your reader you’ll know how deep to go. Some of us like to read between the lines, and others like things to be spelled out for them (I don’t, so I’d call it “spoonfeeding”). You only “should have drilled down deeper on that one” if that’s what your ideal reader would have wanted. Me, I didn’t need it.
Terry Heath’s last blog post..God. What Could I Actually Call This Post?
Thanks Terry. That is just the kind of insightful feedback I am looking for; what worked for you the reader as well as what didn’t work.
I loved this post! It combined useful content with the rich visuals of the Phantom. Like Terry said, the analogy was so well done it will probably stick with me for awhile. To me, that’s what makes great writing–the ability to take things you know and apply them to a wider use. I kept hearing the music in my mind the whole time I was reading. Very effective.
Randi’s last blog post..Frigid Beauty
Thank you for your comment Randi. I was actually listening to the music while writing it. Maybe it got infused into the post somehow!
Hi Marc,
Just wanted to say I admire your unflagging dedication to blogging and the loyalty and support you show in the blogs we both visit. It counts with me.
I was a singer-songwriter, translator and language teacher before I trained as a life coach, and the music of language and its power has always been important to me. Life coaching has made me a better listener, but writing gives me the chance to express myself in a way I can’t when I’m coaching. What blends the two is the feedback I get on my writing; it helps me paint a picture in my mind of who I’m writing to support, inspire and connect with. That’s why I write. I guess it’s not going to make me a living, but I’m lucky enough to know why I want to blog.
The Phantom connected, he supported, he inspired – he knew that’s what she needed. As long as we have GOOD reasons for doing the same and as long as what we write comes from our gifts and our hearts, people will feel listened to, not manipulated.
I’m between blogs at the moment (Thesis building – sigh…) but here’s an article I wrote for my coaching column that’ll give you a sense of who I am. Birdsong by Janice Hunter
Nice to have a fellow Celt in my wee blogosphere!
Janice’s last blog post..IAC VOICE, Volume 4, Issue 33, February 2009, Circulation: 12,792
Sorry, Marc, I’m a techno-nerd. The ‘Birdsong’ link in the previous post didn’t work so I’ve put it in the Commentluv space instead.
Janice’s last blog post..IAC VOICE, Volume 4, Issue 33, February 2009, Circulation: 12,792
Janice. I’ve found your words (and questions) to be refreshing and uplifting both here and on the Blueprint.
If you are struggling with the technical side of blogging, give Caroline’s Blogger’s Bible course a go. I’m going to write a proper review soon but it’s worth signing up for the free version then if you want to speed things along consider purchasing the Fast Track version.
Alternatively, drop me a line I’m always happy to help get bloggers up and running.
I’m off to read your post now
Sorry, Marc, I'm a techno-nerd. The 'Birdsong' link in the previous post didn't work so I've put it in the Commentluv space instead.
<abbr>Janice’s last blog post..IAC VOICE, Volume 4, Issue 33, February 2009, Circulation: 12,792</abbr>
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