Ready Set Go - The 30
Minute Article
by: Kevin
Sinclair
You need an article for your newsletter, and
you need it now. As a matter of fact, you can spare only forty minutes to get
the article written, edited and slotted into place.
Breaking it down, that means you pretty much have to write the first draft in
around 30 minutes. Not a lot of time - especially if you don't consider
yourself to be much of a writer. The good news is that it can be done - and
done well. Here's how to generate a 400-500-word article in a short time.
1. Turbo-Outlining.
Give yourself 5-10 minutes for this part of the process. If you already have a
topic in mind, you're in front. If not, you have exactly 90 seconds to decide.
Presumably you understand where your readers are coming from (if not, you're in
big trouble.) Use those 90 seconds to jot down words or phrases that summarize
anything that is likely to be causing them a problem. Naturally this needs to
be a problem that YOU can help solve in your article.
From this list, choose the topic that appeals to you
most. Now - in three and a half minutes - it's time to outline the article. Use
these headers to guide you:
a. State the problem - and promise a solution. (Just jot down quick notes at
this stage.)
b. Outline the process for solving the problem. Divide this into 3-5 logical
steps. Label each step (this will become a sub-heading in your article).
c. Jot down points you want to make in your conclusion. This can be advice on
how to ensure that the problem doesn't recur, or offer links to resources that
can help. End on a positive note that leaves the reader feeling glad that he
read your advice.
2. Speed-Writing Your First Draft.
Allow 20-25 minutes to write the first draft. Spend an extra few minutes on the
first paragraph. This is where your reader will decide whether or not to
continue reading. Your job is to show that you understand exactly what the
problem is and to sound confident that you can help them solve it. Don't use
long-winded sentences or ramble on about how awful it is - just get to the
point. By the end of the first half-dozen sentences, your reader needs to feel
keen to read on and find out the solution.
Each of your 3-5 sub-headings should clearly indicate what the following
paragraphs are about. Remember that many readers skim-read an article to see if
it's worth reading. Look at the words you've chosen - can you rephrase these
headings to make the whole process sound simpler or faster?
Under each sub-heading, write two or three paragraphs on the part of the
problem-solving strategy you are outlining. Since you are writing this quickly,
it is likely that you will automatically adopt a forthright, casual tone. If
you find yourself writing in overly formal language, stop and reconsider. The
best 'how to' articles use simple language and everyday terminology. Make it
all as easy as possible for your reader to follow.
The ending is just as important as the opening paragraph. It's vital not to let
the article fizzle out in a weak conclusion. You need to leave your reader
feeling inspired, energized and confident that they can follow your advice and
fix the problem. You can:
- tell them how much time/energy/money they will save by following your advice
- share a 'secret' of some kind that will help them move on to the next step
(be more successful, save even more time, etc)
- point them at further help or resources. (These can be provided by you and
your web site, or by others who have a level of expertise.)
3. Tweak and Polish.
After thirty minutes you should have an excellent basis for your article. If
you can afford to take fifteen minutes out at this stage for a cup of coffee or
a quick walk, do so. It's always better to take a break before editing your
work. If not, just start reading it from the beginning. Check for these things:
a. Spelling and grammar. Your computer should do most of the work here, but a
computer can miss typos or offer strange advice when it comes to grammar. You
need to read it through yourself for flow and overall impact.
b. Wordy sentences or phrases. Weed them out!
c. Badly-phrased advice. If a sentence doesn't flow, write it again. Think of
how you'd explain to someone else in a casual conversation. Does your writing
reflect this?
d. Missing steps. When you're familiar with a process, or trouble-shooting,
it's all too easy to leave out a step or a small but vital piece of
information. Run over the whole process in your mind to make sure you haven't
left anything out.
Now, you should have a finished article that will prove both interesting and
helpful to many of your readers. At worst, it will be competent. At best, it
will surprise you with what you can achieve in a short time!
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About The Author Kevin Sinclair is the publisher and editor of http://besuccessfulnews.com,
a site that provides information and articles on how to succeed in your own
home or small business. |
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