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Jun 25, 2001
HOW TO WRITE A GOOD ARTICLE
The basics to writing (Inspirational)

How to writing an interesting article using your imagination to attract readers.

HOW TO WRITE A GOOD ARTICLE

by Craig Lock

Firstly, carefully research and study your subject matter.

Think it all through very carefully, WHAT you are going to say and HOW

you are going to say it.

I believe the essence of writing a good interesting article is

simplicity, but with a touch (or could it

be "tinge" of the unusual).

Always aim for clarity and simplicity in your writing.

How long should your article be?

In writing for newspapers or popular magazines the length is probably

around 500-750 words (or one to 2 pages).

I would far rather read a 1000 word article giving information that

would help me, than a breezy 3000 word article of waffle that doesn't

say much at all.

Always try to put yourself in the position of the reader.

After completion, re-read your article a number of times.

Polish it up by changing words and expressions.

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 grab your

reader's attention.

You are doing a "selling" job to entice them to read more - so make the

reader want to read

more.

Develop your theme logically. Carefully plan what you are going to say.

Make a list of your main points.

Then progress from one to another (logically), so that they lead to a

conclusion.

For example

"...and that is why I think the resource management act is good for the

local environment."

or

"and that is why I believe all accountants and actuaries should be 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 the personality!

An Example Of An Article

Eg: You are writing about the growing popularity of home computers.

Identify 4 or 5 main points:

say,

* cost

* who is buying them

* how they are being used

and

* implications for the future.

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:

* word processing

* computer games

* accounts

and

* school work.

There are three main parts of any article.

Your article should have an introduction.

This introduces the reader to the subject.

Then 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 the main points mentioned before.

I believe the key to writing good articles lies in good PLANNING.

Collecting your material and thinking clearly.

Spend a quiet time thinking before you even set pen to paper.

Ask for inspiration.

Your article should answer the five questions of a very inquisitive

person:

WHO

WHAT

WHERE

HOW

and

WHEN

I've just remembered I used to drive my dad 'dilly' with those questions

when I was a kid.

"Inquisitive little bugger!"

As I mentioned, the title and your first words are of vital importance

to grab your reader's

attention.

Make them want to read more.

Develop your theme step by step - it's like building a wall brick by

brick.

Plan what you are going to say, and how you are going to say it.

Make a list of your main points.

Then elaborate on them.

Progress logically, naturally and smoothly from one to another, so that

they lead to a conclusion.

I'm repeating myself, not out of senility... but for effect.

Also saves me the trouble of even more editing!

Have a strong summary to round off your article.

If you know exactly how you are going to end off, the more easily you

will shape the article as a whole.

It's like starting off with a piece of clay then moulding and shaping

it.

You are adding your personal touch, a bit of your personality, your

individual thoughts and

creativity to the sculpture of life.

It is a bittle bit of the real you coming out - a little of you and your

unique "work of art" is being

expressed to the world.





PRESENTATION

Not one of my strong points, but here are a few points to help

you...hopefully!

# Present your work on A4 size paper.*

# Type on one side of the page only.

# Use "double space" between lines.

# Leave a margin of at least 1 inch (25cm) each side, top and bottom.

# Have a Title Page with the name of the writer on it. Makes you feel

quite proud of your 'little effort'!

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



Much easier writing for the www and being published on the net. No

chopping down trees, so the "greenies" must be very happy.

OTHER POINTERS

I firmly believe writing articles should be entertaining as well as

informative. I aim for that in my writing STYLE.

Don't be too impersonal - put in little anecdotes about yourself.

Also don't be afraid to express personal opinions on issues.

(I must learn to keep quiet at times!)

Hope this article may be helpful to you.

Now use your creative imagination to the fullest and happy writing.

Perhaps I may even see your name in print.

Good luck

Happy writing

Craig Lock


Creative Writing Course

http://www.nzenterprise.com/writer/creative.html

My various books* are available from:

http://www.nzenterprise.com/writer/books.html
and
http://www.novelty-gift.com/

* Fiction and non-fiction, novels on South Africa,
travel, humour, inspiration, self help and money books (money management and steps to financial success).


"Life is about finding, then following the dream... and one's dream/vision comes to reality through believing in yourself, making the commitment and then creating it."

- Craig Lock

http://www.craiglock.com
http://www.elkpublications.com/godzone.htm






Cherish your visions and your dreams as they are the children of your soul,

the blueprints of your ultimate accomplishments."

- Napoleon Hill

Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and

leave a trail.- Ralph Waldo Emerson

He who cherises a beautiful vision, a lofty ideal in his

heart, will one day realize it. Dream lofty dreams and as

you dream so shall you become......James Allen



"You will do foolish things, but do them with enthusiasm."

- Colette

So why not start writing that article.

You may even see that article published.

Seeing my first article in print gave me a big thrill.



Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach him to use the

Internet, and he won't bother you for weeks.



"Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not

reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them,

and follow where they lead."

- Louisa May Alcott





As the ancient Chinese proverb said so wisely...

The journey of a thousand miles begins with ...

a broken fan belt and a leaky tire.



Best Wishes from the First City to see the Sun in "Godzone" (as "little" New Zealand is affectionately
known)

Craig Lock
Eagle Productions


Creative Writing Course

http://www.nzenterprise.com/writer/creative.html

http://www.elkpublications.com/godzone.htm

http://www.novelty-gift.com/


Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and
leave a trail.- Ralph Waldo Emerson

He who cherises a beautiful vision, a lofty ideal in his
heart, will one day realize it. Dream lofty dreams and as
you dream so shall you become......James Allen


"You will do foolish things, but do them with enthusiasm."
- Colette

Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach him to use the
Internet, and he won't bother you for weeks.


"Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not
reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them,
and follow where they lead."
- Louisa May Alcott

Contributed by:
Craig Gerald Lock
©2001 Craig Gerald Lock
Email: clock@xtra.co.nz
Website: Creative Writing Course