Be Cautious of Being a Copycat

I've bumped into several women in person or online who feel God has called them to write a book. Often, their desired subject matter is their life story.  The manuscript they are working on often ends up being a memoir of sorts.  Or it reads like a Christian devotional.

A trait I sometimes see is women copying the voice of published authors they've read.  They may not do it intentionally.  I know I often write similar to a couple of authors myself at times.  Nevertheless, it's important to examine our writing to see if we've been mimicking popular authors. 

If it is detected that you're copying someone else's voice, your work may not have the believability you want it to have.  For instance, one writer I followed in the 90s used the terms blessed one or dear throughout her books. Very few authors can get away with that.

Well-published authors such as this one mentioned above, have an existing platform.  Their voice works for them because of their platform.  

Be cautious of copycat writing.  Edit out fluff and phrasing your reader might identify as being from someone else, as best you can.

Three Tips for Good Article Writing

I haven't added to this blog lately, but today heard good advice on article writing.  So I want to share it with aspiring writers.

To write a full-bodied unique article you will need to include several key ingredients. Every article should have these three parts:

1.  An introduction that tells the reader what you're going to tell them.
2.  The body where you tell them.
3.  The conclusion where you tell the reader what you've told them.

It's easy for those of us who like to get to the point to forego an introduction.  It's also annoying to have to wrap it up with a conclusion.  But good editors will reject articles that don't have these ingredients.

Also most articles that have lists need to have examples that demonstrate the reason the item is in the article. The explanation should be tailored to prove the hypothesis, thesis, or introduction.

There are a few exceptions to the rule.  I think if I were to explain the points in the numbered list above further, it would take away their strength.  But most lists benefit from explanations because doing so makes the article unique. It's the way you get to put a spin on an idea.

When no explanation is given to listed items, the article may resemble an article another person has already written.

You can write your introduction last.  I often do.  You can also write a good conclusion by re-reading your introduction.

Above all, make sure your body really does prove a point, not go off on a bunny trail.

Use these tips to tighten up your writing.