South Flatland Fiction

You don't know how to write an article? Just remember you'll never learn any younger. So jump right in. Get your feet wet. If you have not read Part 1, do so before continuing.

Exercise for the "duhhh" excuse. Follow the steps below.

1. Choose a subject from the list on excuse number one. (Example of my subject--I thought of my own): Transitions.



2. Get started. Choose one of the four types listed below to use for your title.

( a ) How to ___________
"How to" titles promise help. (Example: "How to Bridge Scenes Using Transitions")

( b ) Ask a question to involve your reader in the article. (Example: "Need Help Using Effective Transitions?")

( c ) Use a "directive" title but be sure to keep the reader involved.
(Example: "Why You Need to Use Effective Transitions")

( d ) Eight Tips for _________
Change the number to suit your article. (Example: "Eight Tips For Using Effective Transitions")

Tucking powerful words in your title like "secret," "free," "quick," work to get the reader's attention but use the words honestly. Your title should promise help, a solution, or some kind of result and arouse the reader's interest.

3. Answer the questions below and then combine the answers into a couple of sentences to start the first paragraph of your article.




Question l: Who would be interested in knowing about transitions in writing? (Or plot/setting/ conflict/ etc--whatever you are writing about.)

Question 2: Why is this information important for the reader to know?
(Example: As a writer, it is important to know how to use the different types of transitions. Transitions allow you to move smoothly into the next scene of your story.)

4. Next, list the ways you plan to show the reader how to use transitions (or plot/setting/conflict/etc.) by providing information about the different types of transitions, the purpose each serves, and give examples showing transitions used in different ways.




(Example: A transition is a device used to move the story forward. Transitions can show the length of time, a change in location, a change in emotion or mood, or a change of the characters in the new scene.)

From there I would go into the purpose each transition serves, then give several examples for each type of transition. You get the idea?

5. Finally, summarize all the information in a closing paragraph. When you have done all of the above, it's time to polish your article until it sparkles. Don't forget to spell check. You're a writer. Be professional.

Remember, you can't move a whole lake at once. You have to do it a bucket at a time. You'll find it's much easier that way. So write your article step by step. It really isn't that hard.

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