Showing posts with label freelance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label freelance. Show all posts

Wednesday, April 17, 2019

Take Writing Breaks When Motivation Lulls




This is probably an unnecessary tip to share:

take a break when you have nothing to write. 

For the last few months, I have not been motivated to write due to my involvement in a non-profit websleuthing project. 

I have been working on a new book that I hope to release and sell. After going through it multiple times and making several edits, I finally decided to put it aside for a fresh look later. 
I then thought about going back to article writing, but every time I sat down at the computer, I felt brain-dead. I had no motivation to write. While some of my old articles have sold, I know that if I don't put out anything new, the money will eventually dry up.

Today, I would like to suggest that if you experience a lack of enthusiasm when writing, you should take a break and do other things instead. There's no point in spending time on writing when your heart isn't in it. Wait for your inspiration to return and don't feel guilty for taking a break.

Here's to regaining motivation shortly!

Sunday, November 30, 2014

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.

Monday, November 26, 2012

Challenge Yourself to Write

Try challenging yourself to write.  Yes, at times I feel I need to be in the mood.  I need to have inspiration.  Sometimes I just need to start writing.  Today I challenged myself to write 4 articles.  I challenged myself to do my first one in 15 minutes.  I did it.  It is now saved and simmering to be edited later.

Here's what helped:

  1. On another day I'd come across some material I thought might make a good topic.  My writing is sold at Constant-Content.com so I choose topics I feel will sell to the audience that visits there.  This topic stuck out (topic was fear), so I'd printed out ideas from a few websites and left them on my desk for a later.  Often I'll create a word document and gather ideas and save them.  Both methods are equally effective.
  2. Then I sat down not to copy from the printed material, but to have a conversation in my head about the topic. My thoughts would come out my fingertips (as I'm doing now).  The material was merely supportive.  I liked the tips it offered.  When I got to a place in my conversation where I needed a practical tip or the next paragraph direction, I glanced at the paper.  I adapted what I read to suit my article.  

So what I'm saying helps is to gather material you can use at a later date, and to write as though you're talking to someone.


Friday, August 24, 2012

Do You Have the Urge to Write?

Often a writer will know she loves to write, but jumps from there to asking what will I do with my writing?  Writers often want the reassurance that their writing isn't time wasted. 

When it comes to being a writer, the first person that needs to be convinced is often the writer herself.  If she is to fulfill her life call as a writer, though, she must resist the urge to view it as merely a  dream.  There are bigger reasons she loves to write.  There is a world to bless.

WHAT MAKES A WRITER A SUCCESS?

Successful writers include both those whose unpaid writing stirs, guides or blesses others as well as those who earn pay for their writing.  A writer needs to be convinced that she had been given the gift of writing for reasons beyond herself. 

If you're to fulfill your life calling and love to write, then write.  Then publish it online.  Try to sell it.  Publish in print.  Get it out there for eyes to see.


 

Monday, February 20, 2012

Writing You, Your, They, Their - What's Best?

When you're writing articles for web content use, it is suggested you don't write in first person.  That means no "I" stories.  Of course, if your blog is personal in nature you may.

Another tip is to use "we" loosely.  Apparently, once you personalize your piece, you turn a few readers away. 

Generalizing for a wide audience is best. 

Using "you" is good.

It is also best if you don't use the term "one", such as in this sentence:
  • When going to the hair stylist, one might decide to bring his own shampoo.

There are ways to work around that.  Use the word "person" or "people", for instance:
  • When going to the hair stylist a person may want to bring his own shampoo.
  • When going to the hair stylist people may choose to bring their own shampoo.

Change the sentence around even more:
  • You may want to bring your own shampoo when you go to the hair stylist.
  • When you go to the hair stylist, you may want to bring your own shampoo.
  • Clients may want to bring their own shampoo when they go to their hair stylist.
Using He or She

Now, the problem with the sentence above that used "person" also required the term "his" or "her".  (If you say a person, it is never "their".)

You can, however, use "their" or "they" in a similar way as "you", if used correctly.  Example:  Whenever you visit the veterinarian, always thank him; he studied hard to get where he is.  OR  When you visit veterinarians, always thank them; they studied hard to get where they are.