How To Write An Article In 19 Minutes

by Mike Griffith

How would you like to learn how to write an article in 19 minutes? Well, believe it or not, that's how long it took me to write this article. And I truly believe that if I can do it -- you can do it.

Writing an article in 19 minutes doesn't require magic. All it takes is knowing and implementing a few common-sense techniques-- coupled with a bit of resolve. So I'll provide you with some of the techniques I use. But you'll have to come up with the resolve.

So here's how I do it.

Do some research
The 19 minutes includes actual writing time only. It doesn't include any research or outline time. If you're not familiar with the topic you're writing about you need to first do some research. All that means is getting on the internet and looking up 5 or 6 sources on the topic you're writing about.

As you know, the web is full of information on any subject you can possibly imagine. Click here if you need to know where to find article ideas. My research involves simply reading through my sources and highlighting the items that directly relate to my topic. Be careful that you don't copy someone else's work, word for word. That's plagiarism. It's unethical and illegal -- and could land you in jail.

Of course, if you're already familiar with your topic, don't waste your time doing research.

Organize your article into sections
I gather all my research together and separate them into related subtopics, or sections. You'll need at least 4. I consider each section a "tip." Next, I write each tip down and leave a space under each one. To help me get started, I mentally view each tip as a question.

Write a "mini" article for each section
Next, I answer each "question" in my own words, using the notes from my research. If I did my research properly, I won't have any problem with this. Now I start filling in the information, in my own words, under each topic. I Don't stop to correct any grammatical or spelling errors. As I write, I'm organizing my thoughts and systematically writing them down on paper, separating the different sections of the article.

When I finish writing the "meat" of the article (in my own words), I write a conclusion, which simply consists of a reference to my opening sentence and a one or two-sentence summary of what I just said.

Some helpful tips
1. Use only the most interesting and informative ideas from your research. You'll have to drop some of them in order to make room for best ones.

2. Always incubate your article as soon as you finish writing it. In other words, set it aside and come back to it later, when I'm in a different state of mind -- and able to read it in a more "objective" mode. (this does not count in the 19 minutes).

3. For your subtopics, use bulleted or numbered points -- or both. Since readers tend to "scan" online content, bullets and numbers holds their attention and makes for easier reading.

4. Don't be long-winded. Keep your article length at about 400 words. This way, if you submit it to article directories, webmasters who have space limitations are more likely to grab it and publish it on their site.

5. Write in conversational tone -- the way you talk. Pretend you're emailing a friend.

6. When you write, try to anticipate the questions your readers might be asking about a particular aspect of your topic. To do this, consider the questions you would ask if you were reading the same article. Then answer those questions in the content of your article.

7. Once you start writing, don't stop until you're finish. Forget the misspelled words, run-on sentences and grammatical errors. Just keep writing. Otherwise that little "editor" in your left brain won't let you go anywhere until you've crossed every "T" and dotted every "I."

Let your article "age" for a few hours before going back to edit it. That way you'll go back to it with a fresh, objective mind.

If you still don't have time to write your own articles, here's an article that will tell you where you can get PLR articles on any subject, many for less than $1 per article. You can publish these articles as your own, and add your name as author.

Copyright 2010 by Mike Griffith

How to Write an Article in 19 Minutes