Category Archives: How-To

Writing Chameleon- #3 Writing an article

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Writing an article can be as simple as a, b, c.

Faced with my first long article I couldn’t figure out what do to.   It was long and unfocused.  With the help of my writing group and editor friend I broke it down into smaller, readable bites.

I pulled out one consistent theme from the longer breaking it down into sections or points.  Each section had a heading (a sub-heading from the article title). Since I didn’t have the space to ramble I was forced to be focused and concise.

I ended with a concluding paragraph and I was done.  There a couple of versions to be covered in the next tip.

Tip #4 Bullets can be a writer’s best friend.

Writing Chameleon- tip #2 Don’t take it personally

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Writing Chameleon- tip #2 Don’t take it personally

When writing for a publication remember you are writing for them not yourself.  You are being hired for your talent, style and your ability to be a chameleon. It is a skill to craft an article that meets the needs of a publication.

Even with the best writing the editor may ask you to make changes to the article.They have a vision of what they want and it is your job to deliver it to them.  It may feel like they are chopping and dicing to pieces.  Don’t take editing personally. Editors are there to do a job. Use their editing suggestions to create an ideal article and get hired again and again. The advantage of editing is the free coaching you get. You can’t beat having a professional go over your work and make suggestions.

Again don’t take it personally- it is not about you but doing the best job you can.

Tomorrow, tip #3 Creating an article