Getting started writing an article

Do you have trouble getting started writing an article?

For most people one of the toughest obstacles in article writing is actually starting the writing process. No matter how many articles we write, at times it is something we want to avoid because sometimes don’t know where to start.

Since article writing has become a form of marketing that almost anyone can do and afford, now is the time to take on this challenge head on.

More than half of the people who write articles feel creating an outline is one of the best methods to get started with an article. Having an outline will provide a foundation of your article. It gives you a starting point from which you can build a story. They use as outline to make the article writing process easier and faster.

I myself seem to have better luck sitting down and writing. I do one rough draft, which is really like an outline but without the rigid form. Then I go out and enjoy my backyard, relax and clear my mind.

When I settle back down to write my thoughts are clearer and the words seem to flow. Often times the article keeps the same outline and sometimes I see where the work can actually be turned into two articles.

Stepping back from your article, whether you use an outline or not gives you a fresh outlook on your work.

Overall, when writing, you need to find a system that works for you. Research your topic, try to find a fresh look for your information and provide your reader with facts and opinions that are new and helpful.

Ebook Motivation

All good ideas run into roadblocks or a time when you just don’t feel like working. Normally I do well in keeping motivated but as you can see I have been quiet in all my sites. And it’s been difficult to get inspired to post again on a regular schedule.

Part of this lull is an extensive time consuming job that I have taken on and the other part is related to family issues. The job is done and the family issues continue but its time to get back to working my sites and creating these eBooks that has been sitting in a file, aging to perfection ;).

So, how do you keep motivated and get over a lull or technical problems that could affect your work or website?

I find three areas of action that will get me going again.

Inspiration

Inspiration may come from a trip, friends, reflection, change or many other areas. My inspiration usually comes from friends. Sometimes a new look to your website or information you have read will give you a new idea or area to research.

This time it was reading inspirational thoughts from a friend who helped me learn to build a website and conquer many of the technical aspects of an online business. Thanks Mark for all your help over the last few years!

Appreciation

Take time to appreciate life and all the small things. It’s pouring out and dreary today but that’s the weather that is great for writing, working on art projects and taking on all the projects that sit on a sunny day – like cleaning the house. House cleaning? I feel a writing marathon coming on!

One of the thoughts I read today is “Beauty surrounds me, just waiting to be enjoyed.” Even on a rainy day the creek is beautiful and outdoors takes on that clean fresh feel. Life is so short so take the time to call a friend, say thank you and enjoy the small pleasures in any day.

Goals

And most important in any project or undertaking is setting goals. You may have goals in your mind but writing them on paper reminds you of what you would like to accomplish and what you already achieved. Here is a post I wrote on setting goals. It’s a fast outline that may help you with goals.

One tip I will give you on setting goals is to set them in small steps and celebrate each step. There may be a day when one goal is more difficult to reach so remember the success you have had and use that as motivation to finish your project.

There are two valuable pieces of advice I was given in my life that usually apply to almost any situation.

1.My parents always said there was no such thing as failure. If you try – you have achieved. The outcome may be different than you expected but it is the ground to build on for another step or journey.

2. “Do it now.” Life is short so don’t put things off.

Enjoy the day!

Create your eBook Plan

If you have decided you want to make and distribute an ebook you have to have a plan and set goals to have a successful selling campaign. And if it’s just for friends or as a promotion you still need a plan.

photo credit: JustinLowery.com

Depending on the size of the project and your technical skills the time and goals may vary. By setting a daily task or journal you can meet your timeline and get that eBook out.

If you pick up an eBook with a rebrander and only make a few changes you can have an eBook out in a few hours. But you should also consider how to distribute the book. Will it have its own website. I highly recommend your own site to promote the book.

Many people have made an eBook and put it online but they don’t have sales. With your own site and traffic you can create a bond with your readers and easily promote the eBook.

Your eBook could be entirely your own work. This type of eBook takes longer and you may fall into the trap of not getting it out as fast as you wanted. (This is experience talking here 😉 ) So a plan is twice as important for you.

With you own eBook you need to assemble the information, have it proofed, have graphics to match the book and a way to sell the finished project.

So to create an ebook plan you need to:

  • Select your ebook topic
  • See if your topic has demand
  • Set up a website or have someone promote your eBook
  • Create a plan for sales set goals for its day of completion and public launch.
  • Have a friend, mentor or look for help online for the areas you need assistance in.

I have an eBook project called Easy Backyard Oasis Projects. This is the site I have set for information on the books, for sales and to help create traffic: Backyard Oasis Projects. And in the next several days I will be launching my eCourse that relates to the book. It’s my hope the eCourse will create interest in my eBooks that relate to creating a backyard oasis easily and at a reasonable price.

This plan will work for any niche.

So my eBook plan so far has been:
1.  Select my eBook topics
2.  Get the books assembled.
3.  Set up my website to promote the eBook
4.  Start to create traffic and a buzz for the book
5.  Set up a form of delivery for the eBook
6.  Work on my sales page. It’s not done yet! So this is my top priority right now.
7.  Promote the eBook with my website and my other relates sites, ezine articles and forums.
8.  And most important for me, ask my friends many questions! They have done these projects before and their advice is invaluable.

Check back at Create an eBook now to see the progress and steps taken to get an ebook created and out for people to read.

NOTE: in the next few days there will be a free mini eBook that will help you with your eBook project.