Go back to your writing samples again and look for a concrete deadline. If you find a concrete deadline, see if you give a reason or a consequence.
If you can’t find a deadline, don’t despair! It’s not surprising at all. Most people feel very uncomfortable or just plain unaware about including deadlines in their writing. Remember: Readers do nothing without a deadline. Time makes ideas real.
Revising Your Writing Samples
Take each of your writing samples and add a specific deadline with an explanation to each one. Vary how you present your deadline. Use one of these three ways in each sample. For example:
Writing Sample 1: Ask a question.
Writing Sample 2: Make a definite statement.
Writing Sample 3: Extend goodwill.