Ugh the worst part of an article

[andra33]

This happens to me as well I just don't know where to start from. And then I start checking my email or my FB account and waste my time.

[writerkristy]

I'm a big procrastinator, as well. For example, I am posting here instead of working on that large article that is due later today!

My biggest challenge is also starting an article. Once I get started, I can fly through one fairly quickly but geez, writing that first/intro paragraph can take hours!

[karmicwindows]

I'll admit I haven't used an outline in years. My brain just doesn't work that way. However, I have sticky notes everywhere, for everything. Not to mention stray piles of restaurant napkins that have ideas on them and little note papers, spiral notebooks, looseleaf papers, and a dry erase board that's on the fridge. One of the family's standing jokes is that all of the paper I buy is pregnant and multiplies upon sitting in the drawer.

Amazingly, though, I manage to know where everything is according to any article or project I am working on and I never miss a deadline.

[JennWith2Ns]

I suppose I outline, or I make notes as I am doing research. I took some of your advice and wrote the body of my articles first today, and the intro last. Definitely helped!

[Lumara]

Originally Posted by JennWith2Ns

I swear I stare at the blank screen for 20 minutes before I write the first sentence, lol. I don't know why it is so hard to just start one.

I can so relate to this! That is why I am a slow writer and why I couldn't make much at wisegeek. Some people could write two articles for them an hour, but it always took me several hours to write one. Then when I'd have trouble writing the first paragraph I learned to write different sections of the article and then put all together. That worked better, but was still slow.

I'm doing better writing for Remilon now, because it is very formulaic and merely a matter of plugging the right information into the right format. Plus, if my mind shuts off at a certain point, I can just stop the clock and go back to that article later when I am fresh. It's not for everyone, but this type of writing is working much better for me, and I'm enjoying this gig.

[rhpearson1]

The best part about writing online is that the first paragraph is easy to change later when you're revising and editing. With that being said, just jump into each topic by stating a response to the topic. For example, if the topic is barnyard cats, just jump in with a working "thesis" (for lack of a better word).

Barnyard cats are especially savvy.

Then, add three "because" sentences in your mind and you're off and running. Turn the "because" sentences into paragraphs.

Barnyard cats are especially savvy because they need complex scavenging skills in order to survive. etc.

If it comes out stiff and formulaic, revise it after the bulk of the text is completed and you can tweak it to your liking.

[goldengoal]

I have the same problem with the ending. I keep thinking of the perfect ending because a bad ending will spoil the whole article.

[Talullah]

This is my very first post on here. I found WAHM last week and have been enjoying reading all the threads; it's the perfect forum for me, so I'm really glad I found it!

The worst part of writing any article for me is the editing. If I have the time, I will even leave it until the following day. I find it really helps me if I read it out loud, for some reason.

Cheers!

[FairlyOddFrances]

Originally Posted by karmicwindows

For me, it's ending it. Sometimes I've covered everything I needed to cover and run out of words for that last paragraph. Other times I have to figure out when to shut up, some subjects I can write about forever.

OMG me too. I can write a great intro and middle but I always flounder for a few minutes on the end. Sometimes I have to do some looking around at similar type of work for inspiration (not plagerism of course, don't get it twisted lol).

[ajs34]

I start in the middle too! I make quick subheadings for the main points to cover and then go back and fill out the introduction and conclusion at the end.