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.

How To Write Articles Quickly

There are times you need to be able to set down and write an article in 20 minutes or less. And the article also needs to be informative and entertaining to hold the readers attention. And if you’re like me with several websites and eBooks in the works you really do need to be able to get an article done as quickly as possible.

photo credit: Helena Liu

Here are several tips that will help you write an article 15 to 20 minutes.

Pick a topic that appeals to your readers. Either ask them directly, or use keyword search tools to find out the most popular searches on the web in your field. I also use my websites to show me popular articles and trends in keyword searches.

Write to appeal to basic human emotions. If you appeal to a reader’s emotion you will keep their attention. This may be a problem, a concern or way to save time or money.

Suggest three ways to solve the problem. It’s a proven fact that the brain finds it easy to think in threes. So limiting your solutions to three points makes it easier for readers to digest your ideas. It also makes it a whole lot easier and faster to complete your article.

Summarize the problem with the three solutions. If your article is for the web, be sure to repeat your key words used in your first paragraph in the summary. Note: article for the web and article for papers and magazines have different priorities.

Your last step is to write your title. This is the most important step of all, because your title provides two important keys:

  • A good title will entice a reader to read the article
  • If you are writing for the web it ensures that readers will find your article on the web when they search for solutions on Google or their favorite search engine.

This article layout will provide you with a fast, informative article that will capture the reader’s attention.

Of course if you are interviewing a person or creating a series of articles that go together and need a flow, the set up and questions asked will be somewhat different. But if you stay with the theory of three ideas and three solutions you will find you can create an article in 15 to 20 minutes for most situations.

Note: Writing for newspapers or magazines still use who, what, when, where, why and how questions for writing an article.