Article Surfing Archive

So you want to start writing articles, but don't know quite how to go about it. Don't think for a moment that you have to produce a best selling novel. Far from it. If you have a good command of your written language, then you too can write an article.

I'm sure you often wonder how some people manage to write not one, not two, but several articles all on different topics. How do they do it? Well writing is a skill, and like all skills, it requires practice in order to achieve success. Success with writing can be in the form of poetry, short stories, newsletters, brochures, etc. Great">All writers have their own techniques and methods for practicing. Here are a few techniques that can assist you in writing articles.

Practice writing everyday. Find a time of the day that suits you. For me, I find it easier to write in the morning than the evening,as my head is clearer. I have a special bound notebook which I use and label,'My Morning Pages.' Of course, you don't have to be that extravagant,any type of notebook will do, just so long as you label it. You don't want to use it as your shopping list as well!

By having such a special notepad though,gives me inspiration to write my morning pages. I write about anything that comes to mind. I simply let my pen do the walking. If you feel you don't have anything to write about, think of your daily activities. For example, waking up, having breakfast, working on the computer, going to the store and so on. From your daily life, you could write a whole page every morning.

If you are new to writing, start with half a page then gradually work up to a page. Keep it at a page, because you want to look forward to your daily writing, and not to see it as a laborious task. Practice makes perfect, and the more you write the better you will become.

Also,invest in a small pocket size notebook for when you're out and about, i.e on the bus, train,or anywhere where it's safe for you to write. (Author Scott Turow spent eight years writing 'Presumed Innocent'on a morning commuter train!) You'll be surprised at your ideas coming to light. There is nothing worse than having a brilliant phrase or idea come to mind, but you don't have the means at that precise moment to document it. Sometimes you can also be inspired by your environment. I was once in a traffic jam (as a passenger, I hasten to add) and had a creative idea for a play. To this day, I still have it written down in one of my old notebooks. Document your ideas and archive them. They can easily become rejuvenated when you need them.

Read whatever you can that is of interest to you. Reading heightens knowledge and develops language. Even if reading a book is not your forte, you can start by reading emails that relate to your line of business. Read internet marketing emails on a daily basis and subscribe to short courses where you can. Short courses not only increases your knowledge, but it also keeps you abreast of what is going on in the business world. You can learn a lot from other people's writing, through their chosen words, content, style and even layout. One word of warning though- don't copy word for word. Not only is this an infringement of copywriting laws, but you do yourself no justice, as your new credibility goes right out of the window. Over time you will develop your own writing identity.

Mingle with other web owners online through social networking websites and forums. You can exchange opinions, views and ideas and maybe get some help with your writing.

Initially when you finally put pen to paper, write about what you know, that is, your trade(s), skills and work experiences, such as raising finance, the pitfalls of being a sole trader, setting up a Limited Liability Corporation etc. But don't stop at your line of business, think about your life outside your working environment like your travel experiences, your hobbies and other social activities.

As you become more proficient in the art of writing, you can venture into freelance writing should you wish. This usually means having to research and write about unfamiliar topics. You can even offer a re-writing service, where you can charge a small fee for rewriting people's articles. The possibilities are endless, so go on, conquer your fear and start writing articles- write away!