An Easy Way for Writers to Move From Skinny Ideas to Rock Solid First Drafts
By: Dawn Bevier
Tags: Marketing Strategies, Marketing, Writing Tips, Freelance Writing, Writing

I used to believe that writing was a kind of romance. I would wake in the early hours of the morning, steaming hot cup of coffee in my hand, and light a candle. Just me and the dark and my muse. The scene was set. The wooing had begun. Now all I had to do was wait for her arrival.

So, I would sip my coffee and wait. And wait.

Usually, my beloved muse would show up. But she was a mess. Unfortunately, she was almost always drunk. All she could give me were mutterings I could barely make out. Incoherent rambles. Slurred words and vague statements.

And usually, if I listened to her muddled monologues long enough, she would throw me a bone. A word. A random thought. Kind of like those movies where the guy is dying and he knows where the killer is hiding the abducted child but all he can do is whisper some cryptic words as he takes his last breath.

That was where she left me. With a word and a puzzle. And it was infuriating.

It wasn’t supposed to be this way. I was supposed to sit down at the computer and be inspired. Be driven. Instead, I found myself stuck. I had the seed of an idea, but I didn’t know how to make it grow.

So I tried what everyone seems to think is the right way to get the juices flowing. Just start writing. That was a “no-go” too.

Then, I started thinking about all the strategies I used in the past. What were the common threads that ran through my most successful articles? What were the common threads that ran through writers I enjoyed reading?

I made a list. And then I created a pre-draft subheading of ideas which I filled in before I began actually writing the article.

The results were amazing. By filling out this template, I found ways to practically make my articles write themselves and satisfy my reader as well. And I am hoping my strategy can help you too.

The pre-writing structure that helps me write fuller, more engaging articles

On my blank documents, I write the following headings:

The “Why

The “How

Supporting Research

Personal Anecdotes and Examples

Start by brainstorming the “Why”

You must always provide a “why” in your writing. People want to know the reason they should listen to what you have to say. How will you add value to their lives? Will you give them insights on how to improve their relationships, their finances, their health, or their career? Will you validate their opinions, feelings, or ideas, or will you change their minds so that they can lead a happier, more rewarding existence?

Once you brainstorm the “why,” the next step is elaborating on its importance. Help the reader imagine the direction their lives will take if they listen to your advice or choose to not follow it. The best way to do this is to conjure one or both of the following emotions: excitement or fear.

For example, if you are writing on qualities they need for a successful relationship, make them excited by helping them imagine how much more fulfilling, fun, and intimate their connection with their partner will be.

On the other hand, you can create a bleaker future for them to imagine. For example, what will happen if they don’t listen to what you have to say? Will their relationship continue to fall apart or their communication with their partners dwindle away to nothing? Will they continue to live lives with their significant others more as friends than lovers?

Create a scenario for readers to envision. A “picture” for them to hold on to as they read. This fear or excitement is what hooks your reader.

Now outline the “How”

Now that this picture is in your reader’s mind, tell them how to either make this picture a reality or ensure it doesn’t happen. Some rules to follow when you do this?

Isolate your tips into separate headings

Readers like you to make their lives easier. One of the ways you can do this is to separate each of your ideas into separate bullets or subheadings. The subheading itself tells the reader what they can do in simple terms. If used correctly, it also manages to create more curiosity in your reader.

For example, a good subheading is clear enough to let your readers know your general idea or tip but not explicit enough to keep them from reading more. The result of this type of subheading is that readers will feel compelled to continue because they want to know exactly how to put your advice to use.

Make your advice specific

Using the relationship example from before, let’s say you tell your readers that they need to take more time to connect with their partners. Give them specific ideas on how to do this. Don’t just say you need to find time to talk. Give them ways to implement this advice.

Maybe you suggest that they take their kids to play in the park so that they can talk together without interruption. Maybe you suggest a daily walk together so that the temptation of entertainment at home or the urge to complete household tasks is eliminated.

Specific tips such as these will not only give your readers actionable advice, it will also serve as a catalyst for their own brainstorming. In other words, maybe your tip won’t exactly fit their lifestyle, but it will jumpstart their own ideas on how they can fit your advice into their specific routine or circumstances.

Collect research

The more proof you can give your readers that your advice is sound, the more they will trust you. So do the research to back up what you say. And when you do so, look for reputable sites that are related to the topic at hand.

For example, if you are elaborating on the importance of communication in your article’s “Why” section, you could use the following information from the Forum for Family and Consumer Issues.

“In one study of couples, both men and women agreed that the emotional connection they shared with their partner was what determined the quality of their relationships and whether they believed they had a good marriage or not.”

So now, instead of you alone saying how important communication is, your readers have additional proof for what you say. Also, by providing this hard and fast evidence, readers trust you more overall, as it is obvious you have done your “homework” on the topic.

Make a list of personal anecdotes that bond you to your reader

One easy form of “research” you can give your readers is facts learned through personal experience. For example, a psychological study such as the one mentioned above is valuable, but first-hand experience carries equal if not more weight.

Not only that, when you share your experiences with readers, a bond is built. You’ve been there. You “get” them. And they see you as not only a giver of advice but as a “friend” of sorts.

All readers come to writing seeking commiseration or validation of their feelings, struggles, or beliefs. They want to know you have been there too. They’re not necessarily looking for a time you experienced the exact same situation (although it’s certainly a plus if you have), but they do desire hearing you’ve been in a related situation or have indirectly witnessed or been affected by the same experiences they’ve been through.

So give this to them. Brainstorm personal examples or examples from others with whom you come into contact as it concerns the topic. You may find yourself using this as the “glue” between your claim, hard evidence, and your “how to.”

The bottom line:

Good writing is not always inspired writing. Sometimes it’s more like a grocery list, a list of objects your readers absolutely can’t do without. So fill their refrigerator by planning ahead and giving them the emotional connection, rock-solid facts, and simple tips they desperately desire.