Creating A Standard Article - Advice For Beginners
Article/Page/Post
- Although throughout this blog post I use the word 'Article' the same information would apply to whether you are writing a post or a page.
Fear of writing
- A lot of people come to WA worried that they don't have good writing skills. Mostly these fears are unfounded, but the only way that you can get over that fear is to actually start writing. You're writing may not be 'perfect' (whose is?), but you an only learn to improve by 'doing'. So don't waste time worrying about it - start practicing.
Types of articles
- There are many different 'types' of articles that you can produce. Common ones include the 'How to' Article where someone gives specific instructions how to do something eg 'How to make your own skateboard.' or 'How to build your first website in 24 hrs!' Other common ones include The Advantages and Disadvantages of [Blank] and the Top Ten [Blank}. But the most common is the Standard Article -which is a type you can use over and over again. You do this by following a standard format.
Keep it simple
- One of the reasons many people struggle to complete their first few articles is because they make it so complicated and try and include too much. Follow the instructions below to ensure that writing your article is a less painful process.
Click here for the full-sized infographic
Recent Comments
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Thanks for this post Beverly. I've been looking for advice on writing and this is it. Having a standard procedure to follow for writing articles will definitely help.
This is terrific, it was simple in the training I took too, but to see it all laid out in an infographic is awesome. It makes it really clear in my mind.
But only 3 or 4 sentences a paragraph? That is so easy-I was struggling with that. :P
Thanks for this post. :)
You really do want to keep the number of sentences down People want to read things easily. Just look at your reply here. Never be afraid to use paragraphs of a one or two sentences. It works. Obviously there are times when you might do a few more but if you want to produce articles easily - keep it relevant and keep it simple.
Thanks so much for this blog post. I have been scared to write because of fear. Maybe I will finally get started now. Thanks for the illustration above.
Hi Beverley,
Excellent graphic.
It's funny to see how easy writing can be if I just K.I.S.S. And follow these steps. It took me a very long time to grasp the idea of the simpler the better. I was convinced I needed to research everything and make it into a marathon writing day just to feel like I was doing it right.
I don't mess with over thinking, over researching or over writing and it's funny how much I'm able to write. I've written an average of 3-4 posts a week and that's really good for me. Now that I'm trying to concentrate on just one site, I can see my site "fattening" up quickly if I can stick to these ideas.
Thanks for putting it in a graphic for quick reference.
Patty :)
Thanks Patty
I think over researching is a mistake that many people make and it really slows you up - then you get frustrated and before you know it you're busy telling yourself that you can't write. You've found your way past that - which is really good.
Beverley
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Thanks for the GREAT info!!...this is very helpful and I appreciate you taking your time to share this...;-)