How to Write a Good Article (from Online Writing Course)

Article Title: How to Write a Good Article (from Online Writing Course)
Author Name: Craig Lock
Category (key words): Writing, Creative Writing, Writing tips/hints, articles, writing articles
Line Space: 65 characters
Web site: http://www2.webng.com/write
z/
Other Articles are available at: http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles.htmln(Personal growth, self help, writing, internet marketing, words of inspiration and money management)

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"We share what we know, so that we all may grow."n *
HOW TO WRITE A GOOD ARTICLEn(a lesson extracted from the "original" Online Creative Writing Course)

Whether you are writing offline or to promote your web site on the 'net', here are a few tips based on our writing experiences ...

"It's easy being a writer... the hardest part is figuring how tonmake a living, whilst one does so."

Firstly, carefully research and study your subject matter. Thinknit all through very carefully, WHAT you are going to say and HOWnyou are going to say it. I believe the essence of writing a goodninteresting article is simplicity, but with a touch (or could itnbe "tinge" of the unusual). Always aim for clarity and simplicitynin your writing. How long should your article be? In writing fornnewspapers or popular magazines the length is probably around
500-750 words (or one to 2 pages). I would far rather read a 1000nword article giving information that would help me, than a breezy
3000 word article of waffle that doesn't say much at all. Alwaysntry to put yourself in the position of the reader.

After completion, re-read your article a number of times. Polishnit up by changing words and expressions.

Ensure that your article reads quickly and easily. Otherwise ifnan article is too long the reader can easily lose concentrationnand give up. Examine your sentences and paragraphs carefully tonensure that the words flow smoothly. A paragraph should deal withnone idea, developed in one or more sentences that logicallynadvances the points you are trying to make, add meaning orndevelop the story you are telling (the plot). Always try to makenyour meaning clear. Ensure that your sentences are wellnstructured and that your grammar is correct.

The first words of your article are of vital importance to grabnyour reader's attention. You are doing a "selling" job to enticenthem to read more - so make the reader want to read more. Developnyour theme logically. Carefully plan what you are going to say.

Make a list of your main points. Then progress from one tonanother (logically), so that they lead to a conclusion. Fornexample:

"...and that is why I think the resource management act is goodnfor the local environment."n norn
"and that is why I believe all accountants and actuaries shouldnbe set in concrete and used as traffic bollards."

Oops, sorry accountants and actuaries!

Do you know what an actuary is? An accountant who didn't have thenpersonality!

An Example Of An Articlen
Eg: You are writing about the growing popularity of homencomputers.

Identify 4 or 5 main points:n nsay,n n* the cost n* who is buying them? n* how they are being used nandn* their implications for the future. n n In a short article each of thesenpoints will be a paragraph. In a longer article, the points willnbe developed. Arrange your points logically. You can includensub-points under each main point. In the example on computers nyou may include:nword processing ncomputer games naccounts andnschool work. n
There are three main parts of any article. You
article should have an introduction. This introduces the reade
to the subject. Then the main body of the article which comprisesnmost of an article. This then leads logically to a finalndeduction or conclusion. This is essentially a summary of all thenmain points mentioned before.

I believe the key to writing good articles lies in good PLANNING.
Collecting your material and thinking clearly. Spend a quiet timenthinking before you even set pen to paper. Ask for inspiration from nyour creative subconscious mind.

Your article should answer the five questions of a veryninquisitive person:

WHOn
WHATn
WHEREn
HOWn nandn
WHENn
I've just remembered I used to drive my dad 'dilly' with thosenquestions when I was a kid. "Inquisitive little bugger!"

As I mentioned, the title and your first words are of vitalnimportance to grab your reader's attention. Make them want tonread more. Develop your theme step by step - it's like building anwall brick by brick. Plan what you are going to say, and how younare going to say it. Make a list of your main points. Thennelaborate on them. Progress logically, naturally and smoothlynfrom one to another, so that they lead to a conclusion. I'mnrepeating myself, not out of senility... but for effect. Alsonsaves me the trouble of even more editing!

Have a strong summary to round off your article. If you knownexactly how you are going to end off, the more easily you willnshape the article as a whole. It's like starting off with a piecenof clay then molding and shaping it.

You are adding your personal touch, a bit of your personality,nyour individual thoughts and creativity to the sculpture of life.
It is a little bit of the real you coming out - a little of younand your unique "work of art" is being expressed to the world.n *
PRESENTATIONn
Not one of my strong points (both on and off-line); but here are na few points to help you...hopefully!

1. Present your work on A4 size paper.*

2. Type on one side of the page only.

3. Use "double space" between lines.

4. Leave a margin of at least 1 inch each side, top and bottom.

5. Have a Title Page with the name of the writer on it. Makes younfeel quite proud of your 'little effort'!

6. Use a Header with the Title, Your Name and Page No.

Much easier writing for the www and being published online.
No chopping down trees, so the "greenies" must be very happy.

OTHER POINTERSn
I firmly believe writing articles should be entertaining as wellnas informative. I aim for that in my writing STYLE. Don't be toonimpersonal - put in little anecdotes about yourself. Also don'tnbe afraid to express personal opinions on issues. (I must learnnto keep quiet at times!)

So why not start writing that article. You may even see thatnarticle published. Seeing my first article in print gave me a bignthrill. Now use your creative imagination to the fullest andnhappy writing. Perhaps I may even see your name in print.

Good luck and happy writing 'dem' articles.

Craig Lock (Eagle Productions)

As the ancient Chinese proverb said so wisely...
The jou
ey of a thousand miles begins with...na broken fan belt and a leaky tire.

About the submitter:
Craig believes in sharing information and insights with a dash of humour, to make a difference in this world: to help and especially encourage people along life's magical jou
ey ... nand that brings him the greatest joy.nhttp://www.craiglockbooks.com http://www2.webng.com/write
z/creative.html
The "original" online creative writing course.

All proceeds go to needy and underprivileged children - MINE!

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