3 Article Outline Essentials

Most writers I talk with who experience "writer's block" do not get bogged down by the content of the article, rather they are stopped by the outline proper. Without an outline, there can be no article. You can write effectively by remembering three essentials; I will share with you how your success or failure in article writing depends on mastering these essentials.

So, what are the essentials? You already know them: your topic sentence, the body of your article, and your conclusion. A fourth essential, your title, can and should be derived from your topic sentence. Thus, if you have a title it is your topic sentence and vice versa.

The problem many writers have is really with the second essential, the body of the article. Too often this is what holds up the outline, and ultimately the article, from being successfully completed. What is the answer for you? Bullets. That's right, think of three or four generalized points and make them the highlights of your body. For example, if you are writing a product review on the Chrysler 300M your bullets could be:

1. The car's unique style.
2. The car's performance.
3. Chrysler's success with the model.
4. Special price offers for the car.

Take each "bullet" and expand the thought further by naming at least 3 related thoughts. For example, with bullet #1 you could mention that the car is boxy, with big wheels, and possesses a solid grill.

Bullet #2 could speak about the car's engine, speed, fuel performance, and interior.

Bullet #3 could stress how the 300M has successfully pulled up Chrysler's sales, you could compare it with its chief competitors, and you might want to make mention how it compares with its "twin," the Dodge Magnum.

Finally, bullet #4 might cover any specials Chrysler is running on the car, financing and leasing options, and warranty information.

Once you have the bullets in place and have identified the related thoughts associated with each bullet, it is time for you to write. In this sample case [the review of Chrysler's 300M] you will probably come up with four solid paragraphs containing an average of six sentences each.

Oh, did I mention the conclusion? Perhaps you will want to leave the conclusion out of the article until the body is done. Yes, this flies into the face of what your English Composition teacher taught you in high school, but it can be a fun thing to do. Why? As you write your body you will see that you can "move" in a variety of ways as you make your point. Once you are satisfied with your point, then write the conclusion [or summation] based on the body.

Most articles of 500-600 words can be written and written well with as little as three bullets. Longer articles require additional bullets or, at the very least, you will need to expound further on points that you have made.

You do not need to be held hostage by your outline, or lack thereof. Create a simple outline that can be expanded as you master the bullets which comprise the body of your article. In no time you will be writing strong, persuasive, and interesting articles and your writer's block will be nothing but a dim memory.

(c)2005; Matthew C. Keegan, LLC

Matt Keegan is The Article Writer who writes on a variety of subjects. In addition, Matt designs websites and manages web communities. To view his portfolio, please visit http://www.thearticlewriter.com

---

Write Your Slice of Life: 6 Quick and Easy Steps to Writing a Personal Essay

Do you know why the "Chicken Soup for the Soul"... Read More

Five Great Ideas For Your Next Article

It's amazing how quickly free articles can generatetraffic - my... Read More

How to Write Articles that Sell

In order to sell your article must do three things:1.... Read More

Do You Have the Characteristics of an Article Writer?

In order to answer the question I've just asked in... Read More

10 Steps to a Magazine Query

IntroductionThere are two ways to submit to magazine editors.One is... Read More

13 Techniques That Boosts The Power Of Your Resource Box!

***What is the Resource box?'Resource box' is an information box... Read More

For The Serious Internet Marketer: Heres A Quick And Easy Way To Reach 1000s of Buyers today

Why do so many internet marketers waste their time on... Read More

Top 10 Benefits Of Submitting Articles To E-zines

When I started Ezine-In-A-Box I wanted to help people publish... Read More

Understanding That Online Writing is Business Writing Will Make You a Fortune

Never before in the history of the business of writing... Read More

How To Write Best Articles

I've been able to distinguish 3 main categories that people... Read More

Ten Top Tips for Writing Articles on the Internet

Online readers love information, but be sure your information is... Read More

A Writers Glossary (Part Three)

Find definitions from Q to Z... Query -A letter... Read More

How To Master Article Writing To Get More Traffic

If you are starving for traffic, can't seem to consistently... Read More

SureFire Ways To Get Free Publicity Using Articles

Free publicity can help to spread the word about your... Read More

Are You Submitting Your Articles?

Last month, I began promoting Jason Potash's "Article Announcer." I... Read More

Why Article Writing is Increasingly Important in This SPAM Era

There is no doubt that Spam has affected online business... Read More

7 Steps Toward Successful Article Writing

As you write the outline for your next article, there... Read More

15 Commandments To Submitting Articles - Article Submission Sites

1) Don't use all capitals in your title:People don't like... Read More

Finding Your Way Through Online Articles

For me, to decide to start a home business was... Read More

Resource Box Rules: Winning Tactics

Lets face it people use articles to send traffic to... Read More

How to Use Free Articles to Explode Your Internet Business!

In this article I will show you how to use... Read More

A Writers Glossary (Part One)

Find definitions from A to G! A About... Read More

The Magic Words to Writing Successfully on the Internet!

Writing effectively on the internet is the most effective way... Read More

How to Write Articles to Sell Your Book

Selling books online means that you need to get interested... Read More

50,000 Articles Indeed

How is it possible to turn an idea into the... Read More

Articles and Internet Branding: 5 Steps to Success

Are you ready to become an internet marketing expert? Are... Read More

Website Promotion ? Where to Get Ideas for Writing Articles

Some six weeks ago, I began writing and submitting articles... Read More

The Benefits of Publishing Articles to Build Big Ticket Marketing Relationships

Ok, today we are going to talk about one of... Read More

Content and Articles to Improve Revenue

It is important for all webmasters to realize that if... Read More

Article Marketing Keyword Parrots and Linking Fanatics in Web Content

It's stunning sometimes how far article marketing has come over... Read More

Article Writing Mistakes - 7 To Avoid

Making your articles available for reprints by other ezine publishers... Read More

Build Better Link Popularity with Syndicated Articles

There are many schools of thought on how to build... Read More

10 Article Writing Quirks

Much has been touted about the effectiveness of article writing... Read More