Overcoming writing obstacles

Your methods can be sand traps.

Writers often complain about common obstacles they encounter in their day. We have a flair for the dramatic. To hear some writers talk, you would think there was no way for them to jump hurdles placed in their path. My Mom always said, “Where there's a will, there's a way.” Didn't yours? How can you make common writing obstacles disappear?

Writers block is time oriented.

Why are we always hearing about writers block? Because it's real. Jump this hurdle with a realization. Time is your best friend when it comes to writers block. To overcome it, you need only wait. While you're waiting for it to pass, instead of letting the frustration get to you, enjoy the rest of your life. There's a big world out there waiting for you to embrace it.

Finding your muse is amusing to me.

Take note that the theory of muses came from Greek mythology. Note the word myth lurking there in the shadows. Can any one person or thing be your only inspiration to write? If you have the idea in your head that you must wait for the perfect inspiration in order to write an article, you won't likely produce many articles. Muses are myths. Treat them as such.

A lack of tools can be a frustrating obstacle.

Thinking outside your parameters when facing imagined barriers can help. What if your internet is down? What if you can't afford a computer right now? People wrote without computers for many centuries before technology gave us this tool. Many great authors worked by candlelight. Write articles with pen and paper until you can get to or purchase a computer. When your tools are ready, you'll have plenty done in advance.

Opinions are just that.

Know when to ignore negative comments on your online articles. Many writers let the opinions of others set them back. Some even give up entirely. While it's important to listen to the experts, it's more important to listen to and be true to yourself. Take opinions for what they are (one person's viewpoint and nothing more).

Your methods can be sand traps.

What's that saying? “If you always do things the same way, you will always get the same results.” Don't get stuck on one method of doing things. Branch out. Learn. Grow. Above all, keep an open mind. Want to be successful? Hang out with successful people. Substitute your worn out methods with their effective ways. Looking to overcome writing obstacles? Be willing to change and grow. Don't get stuck on an obstacle, just because someone tells you it's normal to do so.

Keywords can still be used to your advantage

Key-wording has changed. However, it still works when done right!

Do we really need to use keywords these days? Why? When I first started using certain words for increased page views, my writing was choppy. The keywords were almost an assault on the reader. The way search engines work is changing. It's rumored that soon, key-wording will be obsolete. Until then, here's a few tips that might help your article be found, without keyword stuffing.

Right now, search engine optimization is impossible without inserting some keywords.

At least, until the rules change again. The idea is to get the search engines to pick out your article among thousands with the same subject. As a traditional writer, I was taught not to repeat words. Therefore the creative use of keywords online seemed a compromise in the quality of my writing. Then, I learned there are ways to use keywords that don't annoy the reader.

If one is careful, it is possible to get those keywords in without sounding too repetitive.

Writing with few keywords can become part of the creative writing challenge. Use keywords once in the first paragraph of an article. Keep other paragraphs brief and to the point. Insert keywords scattered through your content. Use them no more than 4 or 5 times, unless needed for better comprehension.

Keywords are not the only way to get the attention of online search engines.

Using words related to the writing topic is another way. For example in this article, which concerns online article writing, I've naturally used the words article, writing, writer, creative, internet, words, and paragraph. This will tell the search engines that online writing is the subject.

Another thing to remember is to use forms of keywords.

Words and keyword are forms of the word keyword. There are also words such as SEO that have become synonymous with keywords. These will all communicate with search engines to help reveal the subject of the Internet article.

I like to use my creative writing talent to find ways to insert keywords smoothly.

I think of it as a challenge. How can we get that keyword in so that it doesn't slam the reader in the face? SEO can be very frustrating, but I'm starting to get used to it.

Key-wording sometimes involves phrases.

Two or more keywords can be used together. Something such as "creative writing" or "keyword SEO" gets immediate notice from search engines. Internet search engines are logical thinkers. They also recognize spam, so if keywords are too high, it does no good for the writer trying to get his work out there.

Keeping up with the changes.

As search engines improve, key-wording will become a thing of the past. Search engines now recognize articles that are too keyword dense as spam. If you're intending to make article writing a career, be sure to keep up with the latest techniques for bringing your article to the top of the search page.

Inspiration for better article writing through life enrichment

Taking time out to peruse the magazine aisle can provide inspiration.

Inspiration for writing can come from many sources. Friends and acquaintances who subscribe to my work often ask where all that inspiration comes from. Honestly, sometimes inspiration just pops out of my head from nowhere. Sometimes the inspiration for articles came from the very people who ask; my friends. Nevertheless, the best writing inspiration usually comes from simply getting a life beyond the computer. Living life to the fullest is the best inspiration for writing.

Friends and acquaintances.

Maintaining a wide circle of friends can be the best source of article inspiration. Having a variety of people as friends can really open the mind to different experiences and knowledge. Writers and other artists tend to be loners. This can limit the scope of articles seriously.

Reading the work of others.

A well read author keeps abreast of new writing trends and subjects. Use other writers for inspiration, not plagiarism. It's alright to be inspired by the work of others. You may even write on the same subject. Just be sure it isn't the same angle or idea.

Browse the magazine aisle at the supermarket or book store.

See what type of subjects article writers are featuring. There's inspiration for article writing in even the gossip mags and tabloids. These type of articles do sell. It may not win a Pulitzer prize but it will earn page views. We all need money to survive.

Read or watch the news every morning.

If there's a story that moves you, this could be the inspiration for a commentary or editorial piece. Go to online news sites as well. See what people are excited about. Try writing an article on the same subject with a new twist. Research the subject and find the history behind it to enrich the article.

Pay attention when social networking

What are people “buzzing” about? What excites them? What makes them angry? Is there something they have questions about? Do you have the answer to those questions? Social network sites like Facebook and Twitter can easily provide you with hundreds of article ideas in a week. In fact, you may get so many ideas that you can't possibly tackle them all. However, on the opposite end of the spectrum is life experience....

Just get out of the house.

Take a short walk. Go window shopping or to the park or another fun venue. Chances are there will be some type of interesting encounter or experience to begin writing about. Sometimes inspiration for an article can come from a product on a shelf. The human mind works in strange ways, who knows what connections to inspiration it will make while walking around town.

Take a day or two off to clear your head.

Article writing is just like any other job. Inspiration has a hard time finding it's way into a burned out brain. Experiencing new things gives much inspiration to article writing. Take the weekend off and go on a road trip. All the new sights and sounds are sure to give inspiration a hand in your next article. Keep those eyes and ears open and write on!

Employers use social networking tools to “spy” on employees

Somebody's watching your Facebook page. It's your boss!

Today's employer can find information about applicants from their social networking tools websites. There are many questions employers are not legally allowed to ask in interviews. Not to worry, much information can be obtained from a Facebook page or Twitter account. Professional online writers often have both. What do your online profiles say about you that may not appeal to future employers?

Interviewees often hide their true identity from potential employers.

Many times a job candidate has excellent qualifications and credentials, but is impossible to work with due to personality issues or other problems in their personal life. Social networking tools can help to reveal the applicant's true goals in life.

Social networking tools should be used to show your best qualities.

Keep posts upbeat and positive. Avoid bashing other users when using social networking tools. Maintain a professional attitude. These websites can be very helpful in boosting your image if used properly. If you work online social networking tools are invaluable self promotion.

Social networking tools can draw potential customers to your website.

Friendships made while using social networking tools can also bring attention to a business through word of mouth. Use social networking tools to highlight your achievements, not to boost your sex life. Future employers are not interested in your measurements, and certainly won't be hiring anyone who posts such things on their pages.

When using social networking tools, always be cautious about revealing too much personal information.

Take care not to post character damaging photos or statements when using social networking tools. For your own safety and dignity, never post items of a sexual nature. In addition to ruining your reputation and your chances of being hired by a serious employer, this can be viewed by sexual predators and used against you.

The good part:

The knowledge that social networking tools are used by employers to screen applicants can be helpful as long as websites are used in a professional manner.

Don't be afraid of a little self promotion using social networking tools.

Always be honest in your posts. Avoid bragging about qualifications you don't possess. The truth always comes out eventually. Honesty is the best policy.

Social networking tools are becoming invaluable as more and more people work online.

Social networking websites aren't just for socializing any more. These sites, which used to be a dating nightmare, have been turned into valuable business tools. So be careful what you say online. The boss could be listening.

Portions of this article were previously published on a now closed Yahoo property.

Writing more professional online articles

Don't forget to check facts!

There are times when a writer writes with creativity only in mind. There are other instances in which a more professional approach to articles is required. It can be difficult for the creative writer to write professional articles of a serious nature. The creative mind doesn't always lend itself naturally to professional writing.

Writing professional articles requires a little discipline.

It also necessitates a bit of compromise on the part of the creative writer. Interjection must be kept to a minimum when writing professional articles. Professional writing can have personal opinion within, but not to the point that it takes over the article. It's important not to let professional articles become rants on the authors pet peeves.

Write an outline containing vital information and stick to it.

The facts become the outline with each paragraph limited to two or three sentences supporting the facts. The outline makes writing professional articles quicker. There is no pause to ascertain what comes next. Remember to link to other professional materials that support facts.

If there's a point or opinion to express, stay within the outline.

Make the interjection brief and to the point. It's also best not to personalize the opinion with statements such as, "I believe that" or, "it seems to me". Rather it is best to use general terms such as, "some people have expressed". Then proceed to explain why each side feels the way they do. This gives the reader the respect to form their own opinions.

The old news adage still rings true.
Be sure professional articles answer all basic questions regarding the subject. For those who are unfamiliar, that would be who, what, when, where, how and why. The how and why of the article subject is not always clear. This is the place for opinions and interjections.

Make an effort to keep paragraphs at two to four sentences.

It also helps to keep paragraph size consistent throughout the article. This allows for a more profession look and an easier read. Run on paragraphs cause the reader to lose attention. Keep ideas concise and convincing.

Keep publication requirements in mind.

Writing professional articles is like any other job in this respect. Business owners have every right to run their business as they see fit. When writing professional articles you must stick to the rules or get out of the game. This is not an easy thing for the creative mind to swallow but it must be done if you are to earn any money.

Professional articles fill a different need.

Creative articles often fulfill a two fold need. They satisfy the artist's need to create and the reader's need for entertainment. Professional articles, on the other hand are mostly about keeping people informed on subjects of interest to them. The writer's motivation is generally monetary, rather than creative. This is not to say there are not professional article writers who are creative, it's just a different motivating force.

Portions of this article were previously published by this author on a now closed Yahoo property.

Ten Items for the Writers Backpack

Writers on the go need a few essentials.

Online article writing can be done anywhere with the right tools. Writers never know where they will be when the next idea or opportunity strikes. Work at home sometimes becomes work on the road. I find it useful to keep a writer's backpack, which I take with me just about everywhere I go. Here are ten things that might be included in a writer's backpack and why.

Notebook computer

If you have one of these, it's a handy little addition to a writers backpack. Notebook computers are a lot easier to lug around than a full size laptop. Online article writers get used to writing with a keyboard. It's just faster and more efficient. You don't have to write everything twice if your notebook is not your main computer. Just put your field work on a flash drive.

 
Notepad and pen

If you don't have a regular laptop or a mini, a pen and paper is the next best thing. When you're out and about, you can jot down quick article ideas or even make outlines for articles. On Saturdays, I ride along with my plumber boyfriend. While he's in a customer's home, I'm outside jotting down ideas, writing, editing and making outlines for online articles.

Camera

Most online article writers place pictures on their published work. Some even post slide shows and videos of places they have visited to give their readers a descriptive pictorial. One of the best work at home strategies for the on the road writer, is to pack a camera with extra batteries or a cell phone with a good camera. Photo opportunities are often unplanned, so make like a boy scout and be prepared.

Cell phone

Having a cell phone in your writers backpack serves a multitude of purposes. In addition to using it for a camera, it can also be used as a voice recorder or to take notes. Those GPS systems come in handy when you're hunting down leads. Use this work at home tool to let loved ones know you'll be late due to a story that came up. Of course, they're great for emergencies too.

First aid kit

Having a first aid kit in your writers backpack may sound like overkill but it really comes in handy. I've used mine on numerous occasions. Usually, that's after climbing a fence or walking through a field to get the perfect picture. You can buy tiny first aid kits for basic bandaging in the travel size aisle at supermarkets and big box stores.

Badge/Business cards

If you do the type of writing that requires access to off limits areas, your writers backpack better carry an ID badge as well as your personal identification. Sometimes a business card is helpful when conducting interviews as well. This work at home strategy allows entry and gives people a way to contact you with further information.

Comfortable Shoes

I can't tell you how many times this summer I've been traveling the back roads of Colorado in my sandals and wished I had a pair of comfortable shoes. As I said before, an online article writer never knows when a photo opportunity will present itself, or where they will have to go to get that photo. A pair of cheap tennis shoes will slide easily into the outer compartment of the writers backpack.

Change of clothes

It doesn't take much trouble to roll up a t-shirt, jeans and underclothes and tuck it into the bottom of your writers backpack. An extra change of clothes is nice to have with you, whether or not you're an online article writer. Sometimes I stray off the beaten path and find myself too far from my home office. It's sure nice to have a fresh change of clothes when forced to spend the night away on the road.

Grooming supplies

These come in handy for impromptu overnight stays as well. It's also nice to have supplies to fix windblown hair. Deodorant wears off and so does perfume. Packing grooming supplies in your writers backpack will have you looking and smelling your best at all times. You never know when an interview or story opportunity will come up while on the road.

Water and a snack

Online articles writers need to keep hydrated and energized when a story takes them away from their home office. Most backpacks have a spot for a water bottle and a snack or two. Why not tuck them in there just in case? You might decide to take a nature walk to capture some interesting photos. This work at home strategy will give you the energy you need for any on the road assignment.

Portions of this article were previously published by this author on a now closed Yahoo property.

Article maintenance tips

Edit till your eyes hurt!

If you're new to online article writing, you may not be aware that the real work begins after you write your article. Article maintenance has many components, not the least of which is editing. You will also need to decide where to place your article and how to categorize it. All these thing will determine the success of your article. Lastly, you must promote your article and link to it from other websites. This is how your article gains popularity on the web. Why do you want your article to be popular? So it will get page views, of course. Unless you have a problem with making money.

Editing

Breathe a sigh of relief. Your article is done. You may think it's perfect. It probably isn't. That's where the phrase first draft comes from. All writers have an editor, and for good reason. As an online article writer, chances are, you will have to be both writer and editor. Go over your article with a fine tooth comb. Naturally, you will have to check spelling, grammar and word usage. You should also be sure your title fits your article and that you have stayed on track. Does your article say what you wanted it to? Is it easy to read? Does it make sense? Would you enjoy reading it?

Placement

Now that you have the final draft, where are you going to place your article? If you write for several websites or clients, think about where it would get the most traffic. If it's an assignment, check to see it meets the specifications set forth. If not, you can either re-write it, or place it elsewhere. Remember, until you submit your article, it's yours to do with as you please. This fact may come in handy, if you've departed from the assigned subject matter altogether.

Categorization

Now that you know what venue you have chosen to place your article with, you may also have to choose a category. Some websites allow you to submit an article under more than one. You will have to think about which category your reader will look under for this information. If your article is about curing your dogs fleas with apple cider vinegar, it might fit under pets, alternative medicine or both. Choosing more than one category will make your article visible to more people.

Promotion

Most online article writers use social network sites such as Facebook and Twitter to promote their articles. You will need to have a page on as many social network venues as possible in order to get the most from article promotion. Facebook has a cool option for making your article post visible to all Facebook users. This can help widen your audience beyond your social network circle. As you become more experienced at promotion, you will learn many other tricks like this one, to further your writing career. For instance, you should never stop promoting your articles, no matter how long ago they were written. You never know who might have missed them the first time.

Backlinks

I will close by mentioning one highly valuable technique for promoting your article. Online article writers call this method backlinking. The idea is to link to your article from as many venues and websites as possible. This gets the attention of search engines. It makes your article look like a hot property. You can do this through friends, your own websites, or other venues you write for. Just make sure it's not against the rules of the other sites. So, you see, the real work in online article writing begins after the article is written. Article maintenance makes a huge difference in your success.

This article was previously published by this author on a now closed Yahoo property.