Sugarplums and Writing Articles

Christmas Eve and all through my house it's pretty quiet this year.
For the first time we're going to the kids' homes. Someone else is
doing the cooking and decorating. I have to say, it adds an element of
relaxation to the holiday for me.

What I am busy with is my writing/coaching plans for 2008 -
group coaching, teleclasses, retreats, workshops and more. I have so
many ideas rattling around that sometimes it felt like nailing Jello to
the wall. To help, I created a plan outlining where I'm headed and what
my first step needed to be. That first step created momentum and got things underway.

Ever feel like that with your writing? Sometimes the best way to get
anywhere is simply to start.. Just put your pen on the paper or your
fingers on the keyboard and start anywhere. Who made up the rule that
an article or story has to be written in linear order anyhow?

When I have an article to write, I create a WORD document and start
my research on line. I particularly like Google and Wikipedia. I copy
and paste any information I want to reference into the open document. I
add links, statistics, and anything else I find that might be
pertinent. I don't judge it at this point, only add it if it tweaks my
interest.

Once I complete my research, I save and print off this document. As I review it I highlight the really juicy stuff.

Then I start writing. I don't worry about an opening line or even
word count. In fact, I want to blow past the word count my editor
assigns me. I want lots of raw material to choose from.

Once I get that first rough draft down I go back and look for my
opening line. It's almost always there somewhere in the text. When I
have that in place, it creates a real starting point, allowing me to move the rest
of the article around so that it flows logically. I trim and tighten
and then I put the whole thing away for a couple of days. I want to read with fresh eyes.

After I revise and polish I enlist the help of a reader -- NOT an editor. I'm not looking
for that kind of feedback. I want someone who reads a lot and whose opinion and good intentions I
trust. (Choose wisely. I'm lucky. In my house, it's my husband.)

What you want to know are things like - does the article leave
any questions unanswered? Does it flow in a logical progression? Did
the reader finish it feeling he'd been informed? That's the kind of information that is valuable to me.

I incorporate the answers that feel valid and ignore the rest.
Here's where you need to trust your own instincts. If something really needs adjusting, your
editor will let you know.

Happy Holidays!