How to begin?

I’m a writer and I still have to spend time scratching my ideas on scrap paper before I sit down with my laptop. I’m not an expert on “how to” but I do know what works for me. This article will outline how I write an article. If you feel the task of writing an article is daunting, then maybe some of these suggestions will help.

Things to consider:

1. “Who’s your audience?” Know who your reader is and speak to him in his language. In other words, if you are posting on a blog, you should write in a casual style. If it is a business newsletter, then it should be more formal and straight to the point. If it’s a news article, don’t write in first person; leave the word “I” out and don’t share your own experiences; keep it objective and factual; no opinions should be included if it is news related.
2. “ What is your topic?” Be an expert on the topic. Know what it is you are writing about. Why should the reader believe you? For example, I’m a writer. I blog and I used to write for the Examiner and Associated Content. Now, I’m helping out with the WBO magazine. Writing is what I do. Am I an expert? Nope. But that’s okay, you know you can trust me because I’ve studied the craft of writing and have experience on the subject.  The reader needs to buy into the idea that what you have written is trustworthy and reliable and you are giving them something they need.
3. “Who cares?” Once I know the topic, understand who my reader is, I then ask myself: “Who cares?” I’m not being glib. I’m asking myself, “Why would someone want to read this? What will it give them?” Remember, the reader wants to receive. If you have nothing they want, you’ll lose them.  That brings about the question; “How do I hook and reel them in?” I want to grab their attention and keep them interested so they won’t click away. I’ve got only 20 seconds to let them know why they should park on my page and receive what I’m giving. How do you do that? Good question; I’ll tell you how I try to accomplish this.
4. “Why create an outline?” Before I think of a hook; an opening statement to grab my reader’s attention, I map out an outline on scrap paper. I call this the bones of the story. I make sure the outline has a Heading, Introduction, Body, Conclusion, and Resources are listed at the end of the article or within the body.
5. “Isn’t distraction a wonderful thing?” No, stay focused. If my outline is written correctly, then there is only one topic and a few sub topics. If the outline is too long, then I’m trying to do too much all in one swoop. There might be two or three articles that are hiding inside the outline. This tells me I need to remove some of the bones; they don’t belong with this body. Focus is the key.
6. “What are the key words?” The keywords for the search should be in the heading. When you think about the heading, ask yourself “What are the key words that someone would use to search for this information?” If I’m writing a love story and I call it Stepping on Toes, the title is creative but the Web-Crawler will never find my page on Google.
7. “What’s the big deal about the heading?” Try to come up with a catchy heading or clearly stated heading for each category and sub category. On the Internet, the reader usually scans. If the first heading sounds interesting or clearly states the purpose for the article and it’s on the topic they want, then you caught them for the first 4 seconds. Now keep them with you.
8. “Isn’t simple boring?”   No. Write clearly, avoid cliche’s. Sometimes simply stated is best. Creative writing is wonderful, but if it’s too wordy your reader will lose interest. He’ll think you’re trying too hard. Remember; the reader stopped for a reason. They spotted something (the title or first heading) that caught their attention. They now want to quickly know what it is you are giving them and if it is worth their time to receive it. Make your writing clearly understood.  “Those who write clearly have readers; those who write obscurely have commentators.”~Albert Camus
9. “Do you have to remind me of that woman and English class!” This is where I sound like your high school English teacher; “Check for grammar children! Watch out for spelling mistakes, repeated words, redundancy and be sure you write in complete sentences!”
10. “Isn’t it a compliment when you copy someone?” No. Never plagiarize. If you are reporting from a source, paraphrase and be sure to include the bibliography/footnote at the bottom. If you want to add a photo, be sure there is no copy right. Go to I stock or any one of those companies where you can purchase a photo and not worry about copyright infringments. Be original. You have your own style that should shine through. Speak in your own voice. Never try to imitate an author you love because it won’t be real to the reader. Be authentic.

Dare to be different!

Bonus Question:

“Why would I write about Clam Chowder?” You probably never will, but let’s say you had to write about the best clam chowder in New England. Don’t put the ingredients in the middle of the body. Capiche? The paragraphs should transition smoothly and make sense. Think of a story map. Every book has a beginning, middle, and ending. Make sure your ideas flow and move in correct sequence.

Quitting Time

My job is done. I hope you can use some of the ideas I listed to help you create your own article. These are only suggestions that have worked for me, and you will find your own method for putting it together. But there are ingredients you can never leave out or skimp on if your article is to be published. Here’s the list to keep in mind:

• All articles have to have a Heading, Introduction, Body, and Conclusion and list your resources.
• A Resource Box is optional. This is where you can provide links to more information your audience would find useful or link to your website, etc.
• All articles should be original work.
• Check grammar, spelling, format.

Hope this helped you. Good luck!

Luanne Stevenson is the managing editor and writer for pandoraspantry.com and the writer, editor and moderator for Divine Moms, a blog for mothers raising children with disabilities. She is also the Assistant Editor/Production Coordinator for WBO Magazine and a writer for WBO Magazine.

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