Article Writing Trick: Write An Article Skeleton
Good news: It is not necessary to write an article from scratch every time.
In fact, writing from scratch is something that I try to avoid.
Here’s what I do:
Sometimes when I get an idea for an article, I write down a makeshift title, jot some notes on the topic, and then stash it away for a rainy day when I need to write an article.
This is like an article skeleton–just the bare bones of an idea to be developed later.
This takes an immense amount of pressure off of the writing process–when my writing day arrives, if I’m stumped for something to write about, I look at my folder of “skeletons” hoping to find something that will inspire me.
And then–JOY!
I open a file and find that the article main points are already in there, a head start!
Do you stash writing ideas like this?
Right now I have about 50 article skeletons– Sometimes I will just type in the title and leave the body blank if I don’t really have an idea of how to start. Then I’ll save it and just use the title to jumpstart a new article.
But the real treasure is opening up a draft to find that the article is already started, with either points listed or an intro paragraph.
It’s daunting to start out looking at a white page–it saves so much mental energy to start off with the article skeleton already in place.
Today I got on a roll and created 4 article skeletons in about 20 minutes–very satisfying!
It doesn’t take much time when your mind has got that creative momentum going, and there’s no pressure to come up with anything resembling a finished article.
What do you think– Will you try this “article skeleton” technique?
Photo by perpetualplum
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Comments on Article Writing Trick: Write An Article Skeleton
I appreciate this approach as you can give a clear approach to a topic only when you have a clear image crafted for your readers.
This will not happen without planning a structure or as you nicely put, skeleton, for your post or article.
Keep on doing the good work. I enjoy your content.
This is a very helpful suggestion especially for those who are just getting into article writing . Many thanks, Doreen
Hi Steve–
I do exactly the same thing, and probably have about 50 article skeletons in my closet as well!
I have used the article skeleton for sometime. My aproach is to document an idea, write as many things that come into my head as possible and then leave the idea for a few days. I do this for articles in all my areas of interest venturing away to areas where I have not written articles so far. The practice works for me.
good info. I know when I begin to write an article sometimes just one thought will get me started much quicker.
I love the way you use the phrase “skeleton” to describe your article writing process. I use this backlog of skeletons as well. Thanks for putting this information together for us all
Wonderful idea. It takes the pressure off. Thanks.
Hey I’ve kinda been doing this. I generally keep paper and pen near me at all times and write down ideas as they come about. However, I think I will start using a special journal so that everything is in one place. Thanks for the tip!
Fabulous idea Steve. I do enjoy reading your tips. It’s a bit like keeping an ideas book by your bed or in your bag. Jot an idea down and save it for later. Throw in a dash of discipline and you’re away. I have to be in the mood to write and this is a great way of writing away when the mood take you and you don’t waste any time. Am off to create my Skeleton File now! Thanks again. Anita.
Thanks Steve……. another excellent idea.I do have a few skeletons in my cupboard, and need to work on developing more so I write articles more quickly than at present.
Very interesting idea. I need to do that more often. There are some days I don’t even feel like writing. How do you overcome those days?
I absolutely love the idea. Because we all have ideas in our heads – making it real is the key and yur skelton idea is a really good way to do it,. I for one will try it.
Greg
Hi Steve,
I’m loving all your content and very knowledgeable advice.
I have to say, I have never tried the “skeleton” method but it certainly sounds like it would work.
I’m willing to try anything to cut down on writing time so I’ll have to implement it starting today.
Thanks for all the wonderful information!
Deb