Most writers I talk with who experience "writer's block" do not get bogged down by the content of the article, rather they are stopped by the outline proper. Without an outline, there can be no article. You can write effectively by remembering three essentials; I will share with you how your success or failure in article writing depends on mastering these essentials.
So, what are the essentials? You already know them: your topic sentence, the body of your article, and your conclusion. A fourth essential, your title, can and should be derived from your topic sentence. Thus, if you have a title it is your topic sentence and vice versa.
The problem many writers have is really with the second essential, the body of the article. Too often this is what holds up the outline, and ultimately the article, from being successfully completed. What is the answer for you? Bullets. That's right, think of three or four generalized points and make them the highlights of your body. For example, if you are writing a product review on the Chrysler 300M your bullets could be:
1. The car's unique style.
2. The car's performance.
3. Chrysler's success with the model.
4. Special price offers for the car.
Take each "bullet" and expand the thought further by naming at least 3 related thoughts. For example, with bullet #1 you could mention that the car is boxy, with big wheels, and possesses a solid grill.
Bullet #2 could speak about the car's engine, speed, fuel performance, and interior.
Bullet #3 could stress how the 300M has successfully pulled up Chrysler's sales, you could compare it with its chief competitors, and you might want to make mention how it compares with its "twin," the Dodge Magnum.
Finally, bullet #4 might cover any specials Chrysler is running on the car, financing and leasing options, and warranty information.
Once you have the bullets in place and have identified the related thoughts associated with each bullet, it is time for you to write. In this sample case [the review of Chrysler's 300M] you will probably come up with four solid paragraphs containing an average of six sentences each.
Oh, did I mention the conclusion? Perhaps you will want to leave the conclusion out of the article until the body is done. Yes, this flies into the face of what your English Composition teacher taught you in high school, but it can be a fun thing to do. Why? As you write your body you will see that you can "move" in a variety of ways as you make your point. Once you are satisfied with your point, then write the conclusion [or summation] based on the body.
Most articles of 500-600 words can be written and written well with as little as three bullets. Longer articles require additional bullets or, at the very least, you will need to expound further on points that you have made.
You do not need to be held hostage by your outline, or lack thereof. Create a simple outline that can be expanded as you master the bullets which comprise the body of your article. In no time you will be writing strong, persuasive, and interesting articles and your writer's block will be nothing but a dim memory.
(c)2005; Matthew C. Keegan, LLC
Matt Keegan is The Article Writer who writes on a variety of subjects. In addition, Matt designs websites and manages web communities. To view his portfolio, please visit http://www.thearticlewriter.com
no-contract cleaning service Des Plaines ..In today's busy world, whether your business is large or... Read More
There are two primary factors in creating a successful reference... Read More
The Whole reason you write those articles is so you... Read More
[Disclosure: I went into ezinearticles.com very innocently. I... Read More
One of the best things you can do for your... Read More
How does a writing agency market itself effectively in a... Read More
How would you like to have your name and web... Read More
Ok, today we are going to talk about one of... Read More
Every field or discipline has its own specialized vocabulary and... Read More
These 7 Important Elements are your Blueprint to Article Writing... Read More
Publishers and webmasters can spend massive amounts of time just... Read More
Writing articles for your site and for the use of... Read More
Everyone knows an expert is just a drip under pressure.... Read More
Not doing what, you ask.Writing and submitting articles.Writing articles is... Read More
Now that you see that articles are the number one... Read More
This article is dedicated to those who are afraid to... Read More
You submit it, that's what you do! And submit it... Read More
Frequently when I am communicating with other webmasters and I... Read More
For me, to decide to start a home business was... Read More
1. What is the single most compelling subject from your... Read More
Many writers do not understand that the online writing business... Read More
Looking for another no cost promotional tool? Your fee will... Read More
Online PR in the form of website and ezine article... Read More
Article marketing is becoming more and more popular, especially as... Read More
It is pretty obvious that content is king online. It... Read More
bathroom cleaning service Lake Forest ..As of July 1st, the year was half over! July... Read More
I once wrote an article in which I offered the... Read More
Free publicity can help to spread the word about your... Read More
As you write the outline for your next article, there... Read More
Writing articles is one of the best and most effective... Read More
Ever read one of those web articles written by an... Read More
Writing for websites -- content, as it is called --... Read More
Every day thousands of people join affiliate programs and yet... Read More
Currently many online writers and would-be online writers, feel very... Read More
By default, Microsoft Word automatically changes straight quotation marks (... Read More
Rule number one - You must write ezine articles and... Read More
Writing a great deal of articles myself, I see a... Read More
Last month, I began promoting Jason Potash's "Article Announcer." I... Read More
Advertisements are one of the biggest indicators of a magazine's... Read More
This author started with a clean website and wrote 5... Read More
Do you know why the "Chicken Soup for the Soul"... Read More
One question I get asked all the time is how... Read More
By now you probably understand how important writing for trade... Read More
In order to sell your article must do three things:1.... Read More
Writing articles for your site and for the use of... Read More
If you've spent any time online trying to promote your... Read More
Anyone who's been in the business for 2 or 3... Read More
Never before in the history of the business of writing... Read More
Lately, there seems to be some confusion between Article Marketing... Read More
Most Internet marketers worth their salt know how effective articles... Read More
Article Writing |