Expert: Greg Miller - 12/19/2011

Question
Hi,
I am hoping you can help me.  For the last few years I have wanted to, and been told I should, pursue writing about some areas I have an interest and certain level of expertise in.  I am not at a loss for ideas and subjects.  My problem is that I have never had any writing classes and I honestly do not know how to begin, build a body of an article and it's components, and how to end it.  I know once I can wrap my mind around some method, formula, outline and/or idea I will be able to start, but right now I am at a loss for how to start it all and construct it.  So, I am hoping you can give me some inkling, ideas or point me in some directions that will provide me with the much needed information which I am missing to undertake doing this.  Thank you in advance for  your assistance!

Answer
Hi Richard -
The structure, tone, length and level of detail in your article will depend on your topic and your audience. I'm not expert in academic formats, but if you're writing for a general audience, the basic structure could be something like this:

- Grabby, sexy, shocking and/or intriguing detail (introducing a protagonist or central issue)
- Essential concept and/or premise of the article
- Other example(s) and/or details
- Background, social, cultural and/or historical context
- Bring the 'story' up to the present

I hope that helps in a generic way.
More about writing: http://othernetowrk.com/