What Is The Single Worst Writing Mistake?
The following answer sounds simplistic?but think about it. The single worst writing mistake is "not starting."
In my 20-plus years as a magazine editor, I read dozens - perhaps hundreds - of articles on writing. But few gave me advice on beginning a report.
See, if I can't decide how to start something, I hesitate. If I hesitate, I next procrastinate. Procrastination turns to delay, then into hiatus. Whenever I get to that "hiatus" state, I sometimes just abandon the story idea completely.
Please, don't let that happen to you! Here are some "story-starter" ideas to help you commit those first thoughts to paper:
1. If the story is a feature, think first about your CONCLUSION. What main theme do you want to convey to the reader?
2. If the story is a research report, think first about your SOURCES. What experts or researchers do you need to contact? What specific information do you need from them?
3. If you're writing a persuasive paper, think first about EVIDENCE. What facts do you need to present to prove your point?
4. Now, here comes the hardest part: What should your first sentence be?
Here's my secret: I start with my conclusion first, then build the rest of the story to support it. (That technique is discussed in detail in Chapter Three of my book, "Words That Stick.")
One other tip: If you've got a great idea for a report or story, don't let it get away. At the very least, make a short note about it on your desk calendar or in a notebook.
Your very next idea could be a truly great one.
Rix Quinn offers writing tips for both students and professionals in his new book "Words That Stick." It's available from your local bookstore, or http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1580085768/qid/
For details on Rix's next telephone seminar, call 817-920-7999.
MORE RESOURCES:
 Washington Post | The Writing Life, by Ken Ludwig Washington Post This (along with Rules Two and Three, see below) is how playwriting differs from writing novels, poetry and other forms of literature that fit between two ... |
Trial set for Destin doctor charged with writing illegal prescriptions (DOCUMENT) The Northwest Florida Daily News PENSACOLA — A Destin doctor charged with illegally writing prescriptions that caused two patients' deaths will go on trial May 3. ... |
 College Hockey News | Hunwick, Michigan Writing Cinderella Story College Hockey News Hunwick, who is writing one of this season's bigger Cinderella stories, led Michigan to a 5-2 upset of top-seeded Miami, his fifth consecutive win, ... |
 PR-inside.com (press release) | COPYWRITERS SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR NEXT OFFLINE/ONLINE WRITING PROJECT PR-inside.com (press release) The fact is some copywriters or marketing writers think writing projects are built. Some of the copywriters think writing is engineered as well. ... IF SEEKING A MARKETING WRITER OR A TRUE COPYWRITERS FAST AND PROVEN RESULTS ... |
Oscar-Winner Christoph Waltz Writing/Directing Rom-Com 'Up And Away' MTV.com (blog) Now that you've become a fan of Christoph Waltz through his Oscar-winning performance as Hans Landa in "Inglourious Basterds," can the Austrian actor woo ... |
The News Virginian wins 19 awards News Virginian Gonzalez also placed second in general news writing, feature series or continuing story and public safety writing. He placed third in breaking news writing ... The News & Advance earns top state press award again Times-Dispatch winners in Virginia Press Association competition Pilot named best large newspaper in Virginia |
 USA Today | Must schools change how writing teachers are taught? USA Today LOUISVILLE — "I was incredibly well trained to teach college writing, but only one course at a time. ... When Writing Class Moves Online |
 HeyUGuys.co.uk (blog) | On Writing Predators – Alex Litvak Talks Franchises and Fans HeyUGuys.co.uk (blog) Alex goes into detail about the grueling writing process, who was involved and what ideas were bandied around in the scrum, and it's great to hear ... |
Mel Brooks writing songs for 'Blazing Saddles' Deseret News I'll never forget the fist time I saw Mel Brook's "Blazing Saddles." I like Brooks' irreverent humor and laughed during much of the movie. ... |
 The Guardian | Orange Prize: Women authors can lighten up and still be taken seriously The Guardian Aren't these writers as capable as men of writing books that are great fun? As a man, I must admit to some wariness about venturing any sort of opinion ... |
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