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Script Mechanics—Suggestions for Writing Effective Voiceover Copy
As with any of the performing arts, an effective voiceover begins with a well-crafted script. You don’t have to have many years of writing experience to create copy that is both effective and a pleasure for the voice actor to perform. Here are...
The Myths Of Writing: Have You Bought Into These?
There is an image most people carry of the artist (think Van Gough's self-portrait, the one with his ear bandaged), working in solitude in a barren garret in a dark corner of the city. Everyday is a struggle. He continually walks between moments...
Web Writing: Create Writing Flow With Four Uncommon Connectors
Web Writing: Create Writing Flow With Four Uncommon Connectors Connectors -- conjunctions, punctuation, and transitional phrases -- allow readers to process information promptly by creating balance and relationships between sentence parts. The...
Writing Without Style
Conditions of use: Editor: The following article is offered for free use in your ezine, print publication, or on your web site, as long as the content is not altered, and the copyright and author credit box at the end are also included....
Your Writing Anxiety - 10 Ways to Bring Relief
Anxiety, apprehension, cold feet, consternation, dismay, distress, dread, fear, fright, horror, nervousness, panic, scare, strain, stress, tension, terror, trepidation, unease or uneasiness: whatever it's called, you've got it.
And the reason...
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Writing A Short Article Can Be As Easy As 1-2-3
One of the greatest obstacles many writers face when attempting
to start a new project is how to format the article. I know I
used to spend a great deal of my preparation and brainstorming
time trying to sort out the answer to that very question.
Similarly many of the writers that I work with as a writing
instructor and consultant were struggling with the same issue.
If you are reading this article then probably you have as well.
Writing a short article can be even more challenging because you
need to stay focused and organized, however writing a short
article really can be very easy if you work with a simple
structure. In fact it only involves three steps:
Step One: Write a thesis statement
I know you just had an ugly flashback to freshman composition
class and I apologize for springing it on you like that, but
really your English teacher did know what he or she was talking
about when they insisted you have a thesis sentence for your
essays. A thesis is key to all successful essays and articles
because it is the heart of your paper. It is simply the main
point you are trying to make with your article. As the central
or controlling idea, your thesis statement holds the article
together. Your thesis statement is a promise to your reader --
"I am going to say this". If you do not have a strong thesis you
run the risk of confusing your reader or even losing the reader
entirely.
In addition, your thesis also helps you as a writer because your
thesis introduces your subject and what you have to say about
it. Simply brainstorming a thesis can get you rolling and for
short essays and articles that momentum can often be enough to
carry you through.
However if you take your thesis statement to the next level it
can be an even greater asset. A simple thesis is short and to
the point, for example: Writing an article using the three-step
process is easy. However, an expanded thesis includes not only
the position statement but also some supporting reasons (I
recommend using at least three) to shore up that position. So an
expanded thesis becomes:
Writing an article using the three-step process is easy because
it offers a format and organization that is flexible and simple,
it can be adapted
to a wide variety of situations and topics,
and it is a proven formula.
This step is the most important of the three and key to your
success. Don't forget a good thesis defines the purpose of the
article and outlines/introduces the message the writer wants to
send about the subject; makes a clear point that is supported by
the body of the article; and uses specific, concrete language.
Step Two: Frame Your Article When builders "frame" a house they
build a structure that will give it support, shape and a
framework for outer coverings. This is essentially what you will
do during this step. You have begun the process by shaping your
thesis statement but now you need to add some notes on how you
will expand the three supporting points you outlined in the
second part of your thesis. This step does not need to take very
long although time spent here may well save you time on step
three.
Step Three: Write Your Article
You have now laid the foundation to quickly and easily write a
short article following the keyhole strategy:
Your goal is to write a simple five-paragraph article following
this structure:
~ 1st paragraph--Introduction including thesis
~ 2nd paragraph--Body-Topic/supporting point 1
~ 3rd paragraph--Body-Topic/supporting point 2
~ 4th paragraph--Body-Topic/supporting point 3
~ 5th paragraph--Conclusion
Each of the three body paragraphs should expand on the points
you identify in your thesis using the ideas and examples you
brainstormed during step two.
This simple strategy won't be likely to win you any writing
prizes but it should enable you to quickly write a short focused
informational article that you can use for many of your business
needs. The optimal length for many internet articles is 450
words and this structure should help you achieve that with ease.
About the author:
Deanna Mascle is the publisher of the writing newsletter Word Craft Online. You can
submit your writing to her Article Directory. She is
also happy to share tips and advice for Writing On the Internet.
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