Writing articles - How?

[Jay]

Hi,


I have to write articles from time to time and I am either efficient nor good at it.

What is your procedure if you like to build a high quality article?

Currently I am so lousy at it.

Thanks in advance for offering your strategies,

[Jill]

The most important part is to have something to write about. And that should be something that hasn't already been written about by 60 million others. Or if it is, it should at least be something you can put a unique, original spin on it.

Once you have your idea, mull over it in your head for some time, maybe even a few days. That way when you sit down to write it, it should flow out pretty easily.

The key is to be sure to use your own authentic voice...who you are. Don't be afraid to take a stand either. I can't state enough how important it is to be original. That's a lot easier said than done because it's hard to find a unique spin to something that someone else hasn't beat you to.

Good luck!

[Scott Bird]

Jay, writing is definitely a skill which can be learnt, so practise will certainly help.

Other things to consider :

Learn from others. Each time you read an article that you enjoy, think about why it worked for you and try to replicate those techniques (in your own voice, of course).

Be consistent. Depending on what type of writing you're doing, a style guide may already be given to you. If it isn't, just make sure that you always do things the same way. This doesn't mean you have to re-use words and phrases in each article; simply that the style and formatting should be consistent from one piece to the next.

Write it down. If you get a good idea - regardless of what you're doing at the time - make a note of it. Tell someone about it, write it down or just make a mental note (and write it down as soon as you get a chance). Whenever I get stuck for things to write about I dive into this list.

There are many, many other things; but one question first : what sort of writing are you doing (a personal blog, a weekly article in a magazine etc)?

[Jay]

I am blogging on a regular base and in the upcoming months I want to start my "Diplomarbeit", I guess it is the german equivalent to an master thesis.

Moreover I want to write some articles for magazines too.

Thanks for all your help up to now.

[Scott Bird]

Originally Posted by Jay

I am blogging on a regular base

Cool. What's your blog?

[Alvin]

There is also a structure I like to follow:

1) The headline - most important. It has to capture attention, summarize the answer to the question 'what's in it for the reader to read my article', and get them to read on.

2) The problem - what problem does this article address and promise to solve?

3) Your creds - why you're qualified to speak about this problem and people should listen to you. Depending on the context it doesn't always have to be there.

4) The meat - of the content, where you deliver the goods on your promised solution.

5) The wrap and call to action - summarizing what you just said, and asking for the next call to action if any.

I find that it's not a hard and fast format, but a useful one to have with the others in your toolbox.

P.S. Read Copywriting tips for online marketing success from Copyblogger if you don't already, it's a great place for good writing

[Jill]

Personally, I wouldn't get too hung up on formats if it were me...

[Jay]

Originally Posted by Scott Bird

Cool. What's your blog?

I try to put the url in my sig - let's see how it works

[Michelle]

Hey Jay,

For your Diplomarbeit check out Umberto Eco's "Wie man eine wissenschaftliche Arbeit schreibt" (or something similar to that). That was a lifesaver to me.