Video:
Write Now! Persuasive Writing Prompts:
Email a Story with Good Advice
Practice your copywriting skills with this prompt from The Professional Writers’ Alliance (PWA).
Use this Write Now! prompt to write story emails to give advice to friends and family and for your clients.
Watch this video by Pam Foster, Director of Copywriter Training at AWAI (American Writers & Artists Institute) to see how you can strengthen your copywriting and results. (Or read the transcript below.)
In this writing prompt, we’re going to ask you to imagine you're an 85-year-old person who’s lived a good, rich, long life, and you’ve got advice to share with your 22-year-old granddaughter who’s just graduated from college.
What advice would you want to give her?
What kinds of things have you experienced in your many years, the different stories and different learnings that you want to pass along to her?
Think about these now as seven emails.
Write seven different email stories, with seven pieces of advice that you want to pass along to your granddaughter.
And then, take that format and apply it to a client you’re working with. What are seven stories you can write for them, with seven pieces of advice about their products or services?
It’s a great way to practice writing.
View Our Full Library of Persuasive Writing Prompts
Write Now! persuasive writing prompts are presented by the Professional Writers’ Alliance (PWA) — a professional association just for direct-response industry writers. Learn about the many benefits of a PWA membership.
The Professional Writers’ Alliance
At last, a professional organization that caters to the needs of direct-response industry writers. Find out how membership can change the course of your career. Learn More »
Very informative. Thank you
Tarquin –
Knowledge:
There's an adage that says "Knowledge is power". Most people hear this saying all through their lives, especially when encouraging a yougster to stay in school and get an education.
My discovery and connecting to AWAI makes me aware that an ordinary person like me can be trained to become a copywriter and earn a living without having the background of an attorney. Now I realize that knowledge is more than power, I want to be a copywriter through AWAI's training.
To me, knowledge means the ability to make better choices and have the savviness in applying this knowledge to earn higher income qnd enjoy beter living.
Before, I thought only attorneys could do copywriting work. I was wrong.
Damas J. Alabre
The Apollo Writer –
Being creative is powerful. New beginnings can happen when you open your mind. Let your dreams and imagination set you free. Endless possibilities will come into your life. Then the miricals happen. I am seeing them all the time.
Sharon Lee Samyn Creative Beginnings Design Service
Creative Beginnings –
I was trying to find samples of the various articles, in particular email stories. So that I can understand better what is expected. It would be great see that in all categories. Nothing lengthy just a short burst of information. I think it would help to overcome the flood of opportunities I see pouring out from AWAI.
Born2Bhere –
That is a great idea! I hope I can learn enough to start work ASAP.
Musick –
I'm a newbie. This prompt was very helpful in thinking about how I can relate life experiences & interests to copywriting niches that would work for me.
Also, I enjoy reading and realized that when I read a review, it's very much like reading "advice" about a product, books in this case. That got me thinking about the emails I receive from publishers and the books I've bought based on those positive emails !! A great lesson in the impact of copywriting!Thanks!
lisa25 –
Hi Lisa, I'm so glad you enjoyed this writing prompt and you're excited about your career as a writer
Guest (Pam Foster) –
And one rainy day the beautiful lotus raise and told to herself I wouldn't change all the pain, tears, and hurt. I been thru cause thanks to that I'm not just a beautiful flower, no I am the most unique strongest flower in the universe. That will not only be seeing for her beauty but for her raise to become what she is an amazing radiant flower that survive the pain and hurt, that grow from the mud, and survived eventough everyone expected to faded away. I am Lotus.
Guest (Pastelito) –
Dear Pam Thank you for the prompt. I'd like to start writing straightaway but I don't have clients to write to as you suggested. Maybe I'm missing something?
Guest (arlene) –
They say, it’s what you know and education is key. Well, I’ve learned that those things may be true but...when I graduated from college I went on interview after interview with no success. I had the know how and the education but it seemed it wasn’t enough to land the job. One day while networking with other graduate classmates, I learned that they were hiring where one classmate worked. We exchanged contact information and I sent my resume to my classmate. I got the interview and the job. So, having the know how and the education is great but who you know is key, as well. So, always keep contact with colleagues and always network.
Noelle100 –
Thank you for your comment, Noelle! Congratulations on getting that job. :-)
Pam Foster AWAI –
Pam, I am enthusiastic about AWAI and the opportunity to grow as a copywriter. During my youth I read many works of classic literature and excelled in English. I was an Honor's English student in high school. I have been enjoying the informative webinars that are featured by your company. I am very interested in writing for a living. This will afford me the opportunity to "flex" my creative muscles by generating new ideas to promote products and services for clientele.Thank you for the educational resources that will help make this dream a reality!
Guest (trueblue75) –
My dear Gloria, One of the biggest fears that are holding people back in this world is the fear of failure. This is what paralyzes people and stops them from living life to the fullest and in many cases, it outright destroys their careers, dreams, and opportunities.
Luckily, there is little known trick that will help you to overcome this fear.
Actually, it's not even a trick, it's just one word!
Feedback!
You see, failure just sounds horrible, but in reality it isn't bad. Its just feedback that you get about your actions and decisions. The more feedback you get, the better decisions you will take in the future.
And that is what separates successful people from the rest, they keep trying until they get enough feedback to succeed in lif...
Guest (Kendrick ) –
Dear Gloria, Have you heard the saying “money can't buy happiness?” Yes?
Good! Then I want you to know that this is complete BS!
Let me explain You see money is never meant to buy happiness, it simply gives you more choices in life – so you could be more, do more and give more.
It's pretty hard to give to the charity if you have no money, right?
So you need to get money out of the way early on – by making plenty of it. And it is a lot easier to make money if you don't have a negative association with this because its hard to attract something you hate.
This is why I want you not to listen to people who claim “money is evil” - they just say this because it makes them feel better about being broke.
Remember, money is just a tool at you...
Guest (Kendrick ) –
Dear Gloria, Once upon a time a man was walking on the beach and he saw a fisherman with a bucket full of crabs.
“Hey!", he said to fisherman “You might want to put a lid on the bucket, the crabs will crawl out” Fisherman smiled and answered “Its alright. As soon as one crab tries to crawl out, the others will pull him back down. I don't have to do anything, they themselves make sure that none of them escapes” Now, what does this story have to do with you?
You see, like crabs in the bucket, people around you, your friends and even family members want you to stay at their level and whenever you try to “escape from the bucket” that is to become successful and live life at your own terms, they will do their best to “pull you back ..
Guest (Kendrick ) –
Dear Gloria, The other day we talked about that what holds most people back in life is the fear of failure. But today I want to let you know about his lesser known evil brother – the fear of success!
It is lesser known as many people fail to overcome the fear of failure and hence they never arrive to this point at their lives. That said, make no mistake, this one is even more devious than his “brother”. Why? Because, it creeps up on you without you noticing it.
Let me explain.
You see, the biggest fear that people have is actually not the fear of failure, its the fear of unknown.
And the success while it sounds great still counts as unknown. That's why you see so many people who become successful do not stay that. They have some su..
Guest (Kendrick ) –
Dear Gloria, Do you know what's the cheapest thing in the world?
Its your opinion!
That's right.
Now there is nothing wrong with your opinion... except that its wrong.
That does not make you a bad person. Its just you are not qualified to give me advice.
Why? Because if I listen your advice then I will get your income, and I really don't want to get your income. However, you should listen my advice, if you want to have my income!
You see, the opinions are the cheapest, literally. Everyone's got one and they just cant wait to let you know. So, next time when somebody is telling you what you need to do, do yourself a favour and ask yourself whether the person giving you advice or opinion is qualified to do that. Is he successful , is ...
Guest (Kendrick ) –
Dear Gloria,
Discipline is BS!
Listen, I don't want to sound braggadocios but I probably get more done in a day then most people within a week. And If you want get more things done as well then listen up.
Most of the so called productivity gurus and books will preach about the importance of discipline. They say things like “just sit down and grind, day after day, use your willpower and so forth” But, as you might have noticed, this does not work for most people. And that's why I call BS on this.
So how to get more done without relying on discipline?
You use integration!
Let me explain.
Let say you learn copywriting and you set yourself a task to write 30 minutes every day. Now, integration means that you plan your next day and budg...
Guest (Kendrick ) –
Dear Gloria,
Imagine you are in the forest. And you need to get to the village. But you don't know where the village is and there are no trails.
So you just start walking, hoping its the right direction, but you don't really know before you walk the path and find out. So, it might take you quite a bit of time and wrong turns before you get to the village, right?
Now, imagine you are in the same forest but this time you have a guide with you. He just points you to the correct direction. You still need to walk the path but wouldn't you say you arrive to the village lot sooner?
Exactly!
You see as in the forest same holds true in life. If you know your destination but are unsure about the direction then its best to have a guide. And this ...
Guest (Kendrick ) –
My dear Lisa. One of my biggest lesson was when I was working, I noticed that one of the managers was unfair with their employees, I decided not to follow this behavior, unfortunately there was a lot of people supporting him on these activities, and they started to mobbing me. I preferred to quit. At the beginning I was mad with me because I thought I could have done something different, at the same time I was a victim. Finally, I noticed that everything happens for a reason, a reason for me to learn. First, I was true to myself and did everything to keep me safe, then I learn that when you can’t change your condition, you can always change your direction. “Don’t be a victim of yourself, forgive, be compassionate and change when required”.
Barbara Vazquez –
I am from Texas,we are in the red zone pandemic, please used a mask and mantaine your distance, love your self, be compassion with the sick people. Is time to be united
PS. Love Texas
Lourdes Diaz –
Dear Mary, Congratulations for graduating and welcome to the real world. Although I am part of the greatest generation, I know a thing or two about gen Y and Zs.
This is your roadmap: First you take a few months off, then get a job. Make sure you make good friends on the job...
Then find and marry a compassionate and kind young man. I want some "great" grand kids. Your life challenges have just started, but I am here to help.
The kids, your husband, friends and co-workers, including your student loans, are all going to be challenges that are inevitable in life.
But Prayers, Kindness, Honesty and hardwork will overcome everything. I will enjoy a long talk with you someday.
Billikpi –
Congratulations graduate!
No doubt you're inspired and anxious, ready to hit the ground running toward your new career.
Make the most of future income by making a commitment to yourself: aside from transportation, property, and unforeseen emergencies, no purchases on credit what you can't afford in cash.
The current average credit card interest rate today is 17.87%, meaning users pay an additional $17.87 for every $100 spent, each month the balance is carried over. This adds up quickly, and often results in consumers paying significantly more, long after the product/service/experience is gone.
You've heard the phrase "time is money"; save money by avoiding interest. Commit to acquiring funds first; no money, no purchase.
Sara Scribes –
Congratulations Graduate!
As you move through life, enjoy the process rather than focusing on the result.
The truly important parts, the meaningful and memorable stuff, happens in the day-to-day, "mundane" things.
Creative projects, landmark ceremonies, milestones, performances, childrearing, "finals", whatever it is, if it sparks joy inside, and you're committed, showing up to it each day, it's a success, even if outside sources say otherwise.
The good, the bad, and the ugly of getting to the end goal is what makes the memories, not the award, trophy, promotion or sales.
Consider a scale holding this day of graduation and receiving your degree ... and the days turned years that led you here ... which holds more weight in value?
Sara Scribes –
Congratulations Graduate!
You've worked hard for years and leave college different from when you arrived.
In 4 fast years you've grown from an ambitious teenage girl to a powerful young woman.
Entering the next phase of life, and each thereafter, be careful not to make long term decisions from a short term mindset.
Things like how many seats you need in a car, commute time to work, how many beds & baths you need/want, desired geographic location, whether or not you have a fence around the pool or can see your toddlers from the kitchen...likely these things are evolving and ever-changing.
Recognize and accept temporary things, even if less desirable in the short term, for the benefit and glory of the long term.
Sara Scribes –
Proud of you!
Seems like yesterday you were graduating high school, now you're leaving college, full of excitement and ready to take on the world.
I'll remind you of what your grandfather always told me, "If you want something done right, do it yourself".
I say this not to suggest you take on all things, all the time, and never let anyone carry any of the weight, be it at home or work, or among friends, but rather to always do so with a degree of understanding.
You see much like beauty, the interpretation of "right" is in the eye of the beholder.
Often there are multiple approaches to a desired end result. Particular about process and only want things your way? Give specific directions to communicate effectively...or do it yourself!
Sara Scribes –
You made it!
You've spent the last several years planning for the rest of your life and preparing for the future, putting in endless hours to complete coursework and study for tests.
You know now how precious and valuable time is and how much happier you are spending time on the things you enjoy.
Did you know the average American spends 2.5 days per year looking for lost items, according to a recent survey? That's 10 minutes each day wasted wandering for wallets, phones, car keys & such!
Extra time searching for "stuff" can leave us flustered and tardy.
Save the stress! Adopt the adage: there's a place for everything, and everything in its place.
Implement and commit to this principle and be confident, equipped, and on time!
Sara Scribes –
Keep the momentum going graduate!
After all the years of working hard and living small, you're eager & excited, ambitious & confident, ready to take on anyone and everything that comes your way!
For many, the optimism and enthusiasm slowly begins to fade as they're met with the obstacles, challenges, disappointments & drudgery that come along in every life.
When life kicks you in the gut, which it will, and you feel like giving up or you're not good enough, follow the lead of Dr. James Gills, only man to complete 6 Double Ironman Triathlon competitions who said "I learned to start talking to myself instead of listening to myself".
The ego can cause us to be our own worst critic; switch it up and become your biggest cheerleader!
Sara Scribes –
Welcome to the rest of your life!
We're all so proud of you and the work you've put in. Graduating college is such an exciting time: starting your career, maybe buying a car, home, or furniture. Maybe alone, with a roommate(s), or a lover.
Whatever your situation looks like, and it may change through the years, but whatever the circumstances, choose options you can afford alone.
Even if you actually split costs 2, 3, or 6 ways, staying within your budget means you won't be buying on credit, possibly paying interest, paying more for items than they're worth.
It also means, and perhaps even more important, you will stay with any roommate(s) or lovers because you want and choose to, not because you have to because you cant afford not to.
Sara Scribes –
The 7 emails to my Granddaughter
1-Congratulations on graduating from college. You stated that you are scared of changes like I was, but remember this: "The only constant in the universe is change". And you are well equipped for this new chapter in your life
Beth-el –
7 Emails to Granddaughter
2-You said on your last call that you have many interviews at different places and are having a hard time choosing which would be right for you. I suggest that you decide which one would be the most rewarding after being there for ten years. If you can't imagine where you'd be in ten years there consider a different position. Never waste your life somewhere that doesn't fit your dreams.
Beth-el –
7 Emails to Granddaughter
3- Glad you like the position you took. You mentioned that your manager seems a bit stern all the time and it concerns you. Remember that she has a life outside the office totally different than the job she hss there. Perhaps its not as pleasant as it could be. If you can at least sympathize with her or best yet, empathize it may help you to be patient at least. You are so loved and not everyone is.
Beth-el –
7 Emails to Granddaughter
4-Remember when we were at the lake the summer you turned 14? A neighbors child was swimming and you noticed that she was having a hard time swimming back to you. Without any concern for your own welfare you jumped in and helped her back to shore. All on the shore hugged you and were so proud of you for helping out. You brushed it off, you didn't like the attention. The attention is again on you for your accomplishment at work. Be proud and accept it with honor.
Beth-el –
7 emails to Granddaughter
5-Theres a Bible quote that says "Throw your bread upon the waters and after many days it will return to you." Confusing at first but it means that when you go out of your way to help someone at a cost to you, it will come back to you in a way that may surprise you. It was really good of you to help your workmate pay her rent this month and I'm sure that you will be blessed for doing that when you least expect it. Love you and proud of you.
Beth-el –
7 emails to Granddaughter
6-Please be patient when it comes to wanting to be married. Marriage is a wonderful commitment and only works when two people want to give 100 percent to the arrangement and each other. Time will tell a persons real personality and motives so give it the time it needs before jumping into anything serious. You will want someone you can picture sitting in a rocking chair with at 85 and watching your grandchildren grow up like me and grandpapa.
Beth-el –
7 emails to Granddaughter
7-Once I too was sitting on a chair next to my grandmother while she was breathing her last and was so sad to lose her. Her wisdom and love would go with her and it made me mad to say goodbye. Then I had this overwhelming flood of our memories together and realized that she would live through me if I took the time and patience to pass it on. When I go, you too must pass it on my dear granddaughter.
Beth-el –
Aisha, Congratulation for Graduating with first class honors in English.This has open many doors for you in your life.You will probably start with looking for jobs,as you preparing to proceed to graduate school, but remember this days getting a job with bachelors degree is a big challenge.If you are lucky you can secure a job,or employ yourself.If you are interested in creating a job for yourself,please don't hesitate to get back to me. Many people around the world are earning six figures as freelancers writers, you can just be one of them.don't forget I do then same job,and I was able contribute to your college fee and your upkeep. With a lot of experience in freelance writing,I offer to help you and mentor you if you are interested.
Kosiyae Yussuf –
email 2.
Thank you Aisha for expressing interested in becoming a freelancer writer. people who employ themselves earn huge money, and employ others, but first thing first; be a good reader, be a good listener,be a writing as if you are speaking, and write and write, and write and rewrite, and rewrite, you will achieve success.You may ask what kind of literature to read, my advice read anything that is interesting to you, and write anything love, anything you love doing, and be a mirror to the society you live in.
With best regards. GrandDad
Kosiyae Yussuf –
7 emails to my Granddaughter email-3 How to write well as a beginner, that is a good question.Start writing about yourself, for example your hobbies, your own personal experience and encounters in life, then your family and friends. Write something that interest them, something that make them feel happy and let them be your first audience, let them read your work, criticize it, and make comments, and read those comments and listen to them. That is where to start as a beginner, and don't keep me waiting to read your stories. I still have your stories, the ones you published on college magazine.They are old now I need fresh ones. I am your loyal fan.
Kosiyae Yussuf –
7 emails to My Granddaughter email-4 What kind of writing pays well, is it fiction or non-fiction. Another good question.My answer is they, both pay well,I will emphasis that learn more, and write of persuasive writing first, it is now on high demand than ever before. As you work for longer project on fiction or non-fiction, sell letters will pay you quickly even when you are a sleep. Start with something simple and familiar as work towards the complexities. The secret is read and write all the time. If you are not reading, write. It you are reading then be reading to achieve success within shortest time possible.
Kosiyae Yussuf –
Emails number-5 to my Granddaughter.
Dear Aisha,I hope this emails gets you well.I wish to thank for your inquisitiveness,and eagerness to learn.In your lastly reply to my email,you express interest in proceeding to graduate school.It is a good Ideas,it will sharpen your skills in research and writing skills,which are crucial for you as a writer.Myself and you parents will support in all your endeavors.When you are happy,we are happy,when you succeed,we have succeeded in life.As I promise you before,If you need help or mentor-ship on how to become a successful writer,I am available anytime.If you are interested in Creative writing read from established creative writers. If you are interested in academia and research,then read from academia.
Kosiyae Yussuf –
Emails number-6 to my Granddaughter Being a beginner writer is a challenging job.It demand your available resources.This Includes time and money.It demand your patience,and persistence. If fail in the place,find out why and do it again,you will get right.Doing research is must for you to gain trust from your target audience,employers, and fellow writers. Do research,consult and read widely on the subject you are interested in ,the more practice you do, the more expert you become.Work hard, and you will succeed. Seek knowledge, and you achieve whatever you want. With education you can see world differently, and judge it according.
With Best Regards
Kosiyae Yussuf –
Email-7 to my granddaughter Dear Aisha, thank you for winning a prestigious scholarship to proceed to your graduate school.I have always believed in you. Yes You Can. kindly take care of yourself while away from home.The world we live in now is not safe, from diseases, to fellow human being, to destruction brought by climate change. It is our hope our leaders will do something to save us, and future generation from the forth-coming catastrophe. We have seen wild fires we have never heard in the past generations,we have witnessed new hurricanes, and tsunamis,all of which cause destruction properties or take lives when they occur.
With Best Regards.
Kosiyae Yussuf –
Dear Kylie, I have lived many lives throughout my 85years and I want to pass some very important information along to you. Life doesn’t happen for us it happens to us. While life doesn’t simply become easier as we grow up, we become expert navigators with each lived experience. Just like a captain out at sea, we learn how to navigate our lives by understanding that we are in control of the ship. We learn how to avoid hazards and treacherous paths and ultimately keep ourselves safe along the journey. All of this comes through learning. Don’t let each experience make you think you are not in control anymore, you have the power, you still hold the helm.
NickkLuna –
The Cave Your Don't Want To Enter
Dear Stephanie,
This next piece of advice is very dear to my heart. Here's why.
In his twenties your grandpappy was going through hell. Internal hell. He couldn't hold a job, had friends he didn't like, and had no romantic interests to speak of.
You know me as sociable, charismatic and funny. But back then I was grumpy, needy and sad. What changed?
Your old pappy started healing his childhood trauma. The things that were holding me back from the inside started to melt away, and success became inevitable.
We've all experienced childhood trauma. The effects of this linger and cause you to not live up to your potential.So I want you to sign up for a meditation class, or a yoga class today
Grandpa
Guest (Brandon Grill) –
Dear Granddaughter!
Congrats for graduating for college. Back in my day, we didn’t have college. We just learned from our parents and did all the farm work. But my advice to you, young lady is doin’ somethin’ that’s worth living for. Maybe open a shop or become a farmer yourself. Do whatever what your heart desires, sweetheart and I’ll be there for you.
Love Gran
Dear client!
Congrats for graduating for college. Our advice to you is doing something worth living for. Maybe, copywriting is the best choice. Maybe you tried other things like opening up a shop or becoming a farmer. But you failed. So let’s consider copywriting. You could write whatever what your heart desires and we’ll be there for you along the way.
Love The Writing Team
Guest (Leslie Loo) –
Dear Granddaughter So, you found the love of your life. That’s a nice feller you got there. HWhen I met your gramps, he treated me like a queen! If you’re gettin’ married, he better be treatin’ you like a queen, too or I’m gonna treat him like the royal fool myself! Be careful out there, sweetheart!
Love you, Gran
Dear client So, you found the love of your life. Writing! Great! I hope it treats you better than any human on earth! Keep on writing!
Love, The Writing Team
Leslie Loo –
Hey, granddaughter, So, you want to be a copywriter, eh? I tried that the first time, I failed. Well, before retiring, I tried out this company that helped me become successful. I earned a lot of money at sixty five, then retired with a sum of 650,000 to my name. Whoo whee! That’s a lot of money! Well, stay in work, sweetheart! Love ya!
Gran
Hey, client, So, you want to be a copywriter, eh? I tried that the first time, I failed. Well, before giving up, I tried out this company that helped me become successful. I earned $650,000 to my name at thirty. That’s a lot of money, huh! If I can do it, you can too!
The Writing Team
Leslie Loo –
Dear granddaughter How’s that job treatin’ you? Oh, you’re struggling? Well, here’s some advice. Never. Quit. Keep going. If you’re failing at something, work around it. That’s what I had to do at one of my jobs. And look at me, I came out strong! You can too.
Love Gran
Dear client How’s that job treating you? Oh, you’re struggling? Well, here’s some advice. Never. Quit. Keep going. If you’re failing at something, work around it. That’s what I had to do at one of my jobs. And look at me, I came out strong! You can too and you will earn a lot of money in no time!
Love The Writing Team
Leslie Loo –
Granddaughter Struggling with managing finances? Put them in a new account and don’t spend it until you really need it.
Love Gran
Client Struggling with managing finances? Put them in a new account and don’t spend it until you really need it. When you need it, don’t spend too much of it at one time. Just whatever you need, you got it! We’re trusting in you to be responsible for your money!
Love The Writing Team
Leslie Loo –
Dear Grandaughter Being a mother is tough. But you’ll get through it. You’ll get through anything. That’s what I told myself when raising your mother.
Gran
Dear client Being a mother is tough, especially as a copywriter. You have to struggle with working jobs and taking care of the little ones. We’ve got you covered! Just buy one of our planners for $19.99 and you’ll be set! We’ll also add in free Huggies and blankets for your trouble!
The Writing Team
Leslie Loo –
Dear Granddaughter So, you quit your job because of stress. Well, I’m sure you’ll find something much better for you. Keep goin’.
Gran
Dear client So, you quit your job because of stress. But don’t worry, there will be other jobs for you. Just click on this link and we will send you the greatest advice anyone can ever have! What are you waiting for? Start now!
The Writing Team
Leslie Loo –
Aspire and admire before and after you retire…. This was the advice I was given by one of those ‘free spirits’ at a Albuquerque petrol station back in 69’. After making his point, he jumped back in his retro-green Volkswagen station wagon. Only to be never seen again. At the time, I thought nothing about it. Those hippies caused enough trouble as it is. It took me about 20 years before I realised what this yin-yang-tattooed dropout meant.
Mink –