In the field of observation, chance favors the prepared mind.
Louis Pasteur.
Have you ever wondered how great writers, authors and journalists keep pumping out material on a regular basis? The words of Isaac Asimov, Stephen King, Charles Dickens seem to go on forever. Where does this material come from? How do they remain so fresh, topical and interesting? Why do they attract such a large following? Where do they get all their ideas from? The answer is observation. They observe (or observed) the world around them, kept notes and wrote about what they observed.
Stephen King
Go out and spend a buck or two today, buy a newspaper then analyze it and see how it is formatted. You will notice it begins with hard news articles, factual articles in a brief, how, when, where, and why format. You will find feature articles that were perhaps former hard news articles that writers have re-written in greater detail. They would have researched this further, interviewed more people, and written a longer more elaborate story. You will find fillers, tiny articles editors use from time to time to fill gaps in the paper. Then, of course, you will find assorted photographs and illustrations. Newspapers hit the streets each and every day and need to be topical. Writers must come up with fresh material or reader interest will wane and disappear.
Maintaining a blog or webpage which is designed to attract a following, is no different to a newspaper. It requires an interested audience who feed off interesting articles. These, for the most part, should also be topical and offered to your readers in a simple tone with as few adjectives and adverbs as possible. Don't bore your readers; interest them. Don't preach to them, inform them. Offer them, "eye-opening" articles that will have them asking for more. Readers read because they need entertainment and information. Cover these two elements and you are on a winner.
So how do you keep drumming up fresh, topical articles? Well, as previously mentioned, you use the world's most powerful tool for writers: OBSERVATION.
Article writing material passes each and every one of us on a daily basis. Whether you live in a city, town, or out in the sticks the facts are that a good to great story is unfolding right before your eyes. Giving you examples will kill the purpose of this article. YOU need to become and observer in your field and figure that out for yourself. I have been one for over 20 years. If you train yourself as an observer, you will soon find that you have too much to write about. You don't need examples, just a simple formula. Stick to this and you will have all it takes to be a consistent writer.
OBSERVE
Read the newspapers, listen to talkback radio, the word on the street and the latest developments on the internet. What's new? What are the latest trends? What are people talking about? Who has the best, the latest, or greatest money making ideas? Keep an open mind and leave home each day as an observer. Don't let things pass you by without reaction. Observe and react. Ask yourself, is this newsworthy? Observation is more often than not an intrusive tool. You spy on your neighbor, eavesdrop at your local coffee shop or hangout and you are never afraid to stick your nose in and "sniff out," a good story. It's all out there and it's all happening right now. You have to find it.
INVESTIGATE
When you find a story you consider worthwhile, investigate it further. Ask questions. Arrange interviews. Search and research until it comes together in a neat start to finish package with a decent middle. Sometimes stories come easy and the ground work is minimal. Other times it's hard slog. However, it's the hard slog articles that pay dividends and get your name up in lights. In future articles I will elaborate on research and interview techniques and discuss the, "How To" of these arts. For now, go for the smaller stuff and simply learn to become an observer.
RECORD
You can observe your soul out, but without some recording tools it can be a futile crusade. You need to recall facts, figures, names and details when you eventually start word-processing. A reliable pen and a small to medium sized notepad should accompany you 24/7. Tape recorders, cameras and other types of technology are optional, but the simplest and easiest tool is a pen and paper. Important things to highlight when writing are correct spelling of names, accurate quotes and correct titles.
You may at this point feel the title is a bold statement. If so you may wish to note this quote from a better man than myself. The man who founded, Forbes Magazine and the Investors League and also author of more than 7 books, including, How To Get The Most Out Of Business.
Judgment can be acquired only by acute observation, by actual experience in the school of life, by ceaseless alertness to learn from others, by study of the activities of men who have made notable marks, by striving to analyze the everyday play of causes and effects, by constant study of human nature.
B.C. Forbes
The Most Powerful Writing Tool on Earth - Observation
There are few things in life that produce moments of spontaneous elation. A lottery win, getting the keys to your new car, the first night of your honeymoon and for writers, the final period following a completed and edited draft. Learn the methods I use to create copy that sells. It isn't hard and it's free.
Visit James at: [http://worldofwordz.com].