Ugh the worst part of an article

[JennWith2Ns]

.. is starting it! 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. Other than that, I can write them quickly, but getting started takes me forever.

[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.

[MissyMiss]

Originally Posted by JennWith2Ns

.. is starting it! 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. Other than that, I can write them quickly, but getting started takes me forever.

I used to do that. It stems from fear and wanting things to be perfect. Try writing the middle of the article or creating an outline, then starting at the beginning. That's what helped me. Good luck!

[JennWith2Ns]

That's a good idea, Missy! I may have to try it. I remember for DS articles, I used to write the sections/how-to parts before the intro. I had the hardest times with the intros.

[JennWith2Ns]

Bobbie, that happens to me sometimes too. I got a 1,000 word article last week about something I wasn't familiar with. After researching it, I did not think I would make the 1,000 words without being super wordy. At the end of it, it was like 1,250 words and I had to cut a bunch of it, lol. Had NO clue it was going to be that long!

[copydiva]

I always make an outline before I start the article. Nothing formal just organizing the points I want to make. This is especially useful for those articles that I know nothing about the subject.

[mitako]

For me, the hardest part is just sitting down to write. It's amazing how much I can procrastinate! I do find that making a very simple outline is helpful.

[Kelly2809]

I started outlining after my second year of writing online. Man, I wish I had done so sooner because they're a life saver!

[HighEnergyMom]

I use the outline method. It makes writing so much easier when there is something to follow and then flesh out the rest of it.

If you really don't know what should be part 1, 2, 3, 4, etc., just starting writing down your ideas and then arrange it in order.

[CJWrite]

I'm a freak about jotting down an outline. Even if I'm writing about something I'm very familiar with, I can't function without an outline! And it has to be handwritten too. I have piles of notebooks everywhere!