I basically just sit down and start writing with a general idea in mind. Then I go off on some points and find out later that the article has gotten away from me.

I end up editing and re-working the article. I go from step A to D, skipping B and C, much to my disadvantage.

Thanks for showing a better way!

The article was helpful indeed.

Thanks,

Qura-tul-Ain

I have used all of the above points to write articles. It depends on the vibe that I’m in.

I might just get an idea from reading something. This could be a book, email newsletter, watching a movie or just something that is fresh in my mind.

Normally, in these cases I would just start writing and the information would just keep flowing. Unfortunately, this does not happen as often as we would wish.

Points C & D above tends to be the most effective ways, although I tend to use D more that C. I’m kinda lazy, so I tend to go with some previously written content for my outline.

I am always adding ideas to my notepad. Arranging them in categories helps. This way when I’m writing on a specific topic I can get some bullet points from that.

As always Steve your tips are Right On!

Thanks,

Godfrey

Yes, I totally agree–creating an outline or list of bullet points helps organize our brains and also stimulates ideas!

Thanks so much for chiming in

Not only does it help me get the article done quickly but it also has a few added advantages:

1. It organises my thoughts, leading to a more logical and reasoned article

2. It lends itself to creating multiple versions – online articles, blog posts, print articles and special reports can all come from one good outline.

3. It suggests new topics for future articles. Almost without exception when I create a bullet point article outline, each bullet point could become an article – or at least a blog post – in itself.

In fact, this comment is suggesting an article outline right now …..