How to Write a Great Article

Article Title: How to Write a Great Article
Author Name: Craig Lock
Category (key words): Writing, Creative Writing, Writing tips/hints, articles, writing articles
Web Sites: http://www.myspace.com/writercraig and http://www.selfgrowth.com/experts/craig_lock.html
Other Articles are available at: http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles.htmln(Personal growth, self help, writing, internet marketing, spiritual, 'spiritual writings' (how 'airey-fairey'), words of inspiration and money management, how boring now, craig!)

Publishing Guidelines: This piece (as with all Craig's articles) may be freely published, electronically or in print.

"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.

Put the basic facts simply into the first paragraph, stating the 'gist' of your article.... to entice your reader to WANT to read on. Write simply for the widest audience. .

Choose simple words, like using 'get' rather than 'procure'. Strong and meaningful, that are easy to understand. Write in short, fast-paced sentences. Ensure that your article reads quickly and easily. Otherwise if an article is too long the reader can easily lose concentration and give up. Examine your sentences and paragraphs carefully to ensure that the words flow smoothly. A paragraph should deal with one idea, developed in one or more sentences that logically advances the points you are trying to make, add meaning or develop the story you are telling (the plot). Always try to make your meaning clear. Ensure that your sentences are well structured 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
In a short article each of these points will be a paragraph. In a longer article, the points will be developed. Arrange your points logically. You can include sub-points under each main point. In the example on computers you may include:nword processing ncomputer games naccounts andnschool work. n
There are three main parts of any article. Your article should have an introduction. This introduces the reader to the subject and covers some basic facts relating to the article... to entice the reader to want to read more. Then comes the main body of the article which comprises most of an article. This then leads logically to a final deduction 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 and reasearching your material and thinking clearly. What points to include and what to omit. 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.

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

Insert a human touch to your article You are adding your personal touch, a bit of your personality, your individual thoughts and creativity to the sculpture of life. It is a little bit of the real you coming out - a little of you and your unique "work of art" is being expressed to the world.

Finally and most importantly,nmake your article interesting and absolutely truthful with the facts.nn *
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!)

Seeing my first article in print gave me a big thrill. Now use your creative imagination to the fullest, as its a great way to promote your business or service... online, as well as in the "real world.".
So why not start writing that article. You may even see thatnarticle published. And perhaps I may even see your name in print.

Good luck * and happy writing 'dem' articles.

Craig Lock (Eagle Productions)n n* rather aptly defined as where 'preparedness meets opportunity'

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 author:
Craig believes in sharing information and insights to make a difference in this world: to help and especially encourage people along life's magical jou
ey ... and that brings him the greatest joy.nhttp://www.selfgrowth.com/experts/craig_lock.htmlnhttp://www.myspace.com/writercraig + http://www.craiglockbooks.com

'Write Rite and be Published': All that I Know about Writing, How to Write Creatively. This e-book is available via email: clock@paradise.net.nz

"A book is small enough to hold in your hand; but when you read it, nthe walls fall away and you're in a room as big as the world."

THIS ARTICLE MAY BE FREELY PUBLISHED

Don't worry about the world ending today... nit's already tomorrow in "little" scenic and tranquil New Zealand n