How Journalists Write So Much, So Fast
The other reason why repeating the 1/3/1 structure works so well is because it forces you, the writer, to be conscious and clear about what you’re trying to accomplish in each section. Within the first five sentences of the piece, what are you trying to say? What’s the one singular point you’re trying to drive home? What’s this story really about?
... See moreNicolas Cole • The Art and Business of Online Writing: How to Beat the Game of Capturing and Keeping Attention
I would go so far as to suggest that you should always write your lead (redoing it and polishing it until you are satisfied that it will serve) before you go at the big pile of raw material and sort it into a structure.
John McPhee • Draft No. 4
My favorite writing trick is to only write my introduction then ask friends who represent my audience this question:
I pick and choose the responses that resonate with me. This is how I de-risk my post from lacking novelty: Am I headed... See more
"After reading only this intro, what are the most interesting ideas I could possibly cover in the rest of the post?"
I pick and choose the responses that resonate with me. This is how I de-risk my post from lacking novelty: Am I headed... See more
What to Write About
For example, if you wanted to “beat me” at the game of online writing, and acquire all the achievements I’ve acquired, all you would need to do is: Publish something new every single day (because I publish something new every single day). Write fast-paced articles that use short paragraphs, declarative language, and subheads for every main point. C
... See moreNicolas Cole • The Art and Business of Online Writing: How to Beat the Game of Capturing and Keeping Attention
Headline: What is this piece about? Who is it for? What will the reader get in exchange for reading through to the end? AND, why should they trust you (what's your credibility)?Introduction: (Repeat the information from the headline with slightly more detail.) What is this piece about? Who is it for? What will the reader get in exchange for readin... See more