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Have you ever read something and thought “What’s the point?”  Have you listened to people tell a story, or explanation of  a procedure, and then notice that they made their point 10 minutes ago, but are still talking?

Talking on paper is very much like talking in person, but it does require carefully chosen words and sentences, whereas a spontaneous conversation can be flawed and much more casual. 

The words need to flow, have a rhythm, almost as if the reader “feels” like you (the writer) are in the room with them.  The point of the story needs to be introduced in a way that makes the reader want to read more.  Remember, while you should not talk “down” to the reader, you want to be clear enough with your writing to create a “picture” what you’re saying.  The reader needs to find you believeable, an expert on the topic.

Think about your subject.  How much does the reader need to know so they can understand, even if they know nothing about what you’re saying?  How much “basic” information should you begin with, and yet not bore them?  Are you teaching?  Informing?  Entertaining?  Do you need to provide drama, invoke emotions? 

It matters, as all approaches are different for each of those writing purposes, yet informing can be entertaining, and teaching can be dramatic or even scary.  Weave your story carefully.  Sometimes, you will find that your writing flows, the order requires little revision, and the topic is popular!  Other times, it’ll be a difficult struggle, but you’ll win by following basic writing steps:  Think, plan, write, re-write, edit and repeat.

As you think about these questions, write a few of your thoughts.  You don’t need to write paragraphs, just short sentences or keywords to jog your memory when the real writing begins.  Many writers will think for days, weeks or months about a topic or story they want to tell.  I know.  Months?  It seems an extraordinary length of time just to tell a story.  The point, is to not be in a hurry.  Write down some paragraphs, get it started and let it cook awhile in your mind and on the paper.  How does it sound, how does it feel, how does it taste on your tongue as you read, re-read or read aloud?  At least take a few hours and give your story time to “hatch.”

Often, a writer will think of a great phrase, a catchy and witty comment, or the perfect word while they are in strange places, such as the shower, the car, church, the grocery store, or in the middle of a conversation with someone else.

Be prepared and keep a small notebook handy because these thoughts often leave as suddenly as they come, and you’ll agonize trying to recall the perfection.

Yes, your friends might find that strange, but if they know you and your passion for writing, they’ll come to accept your “aha!” moments.

Always ask yourself before you write “What will be my main point?”  and  “Is this even of interest to anyone else?”  Don’t be overly concerned about the second question because most readers love to read about things they don’t do themselves. 

If you’re going to be writing for money on the Internet, or monetizing your website, the use of keywords are vital to the success of your site or article.  Every writer wants and needs an audience.

In that instance, reader interest is crucial.  If you hate fishing, would you read about the best fishing rod and reel to use on a fishing trip?  No. 

Write about something you’re passionate about, and check the interest on the net.  Google has keyword tools to assist you in finding topics that have large search interests, which in turn helps you make money with your visitors to your site.

Lead up to your point, make your point, and then summarize in an interesting way.  End with a punch, a short phrase, but not sentences that have nothing to do with what you’ve written.  Leave the reader feeling satisfied, as they would after a delicious meal, and have them look forward to more, like dessert!

You want them coming back again and again, to read more of what you write.  Right? 

Let the writing begin!