A guest post submitted by Jennifer Harshman from Harshman Services.
What Should You Write?
There are a multitude of ways to get your message out to the world. There are so many options that it can become tricky to figure out the best way to get your writing to the people who need it the most. Should you concentrate on blog posts? If so, what type? Maybe a book is in your future. Fiction or nonfiction? How does anyone ever decide?
Let’s talk about it. The good news is that you have plenty of choices.
Short Form / Blogging
Blogs are a great way to get your message out quickly. It is possible to research, write, edit, and post a blog post in one day. While it seems simple and fast, you still have to make sure your content is interesting, relatable, and posted on a schedule that makes your readers continually come back for more.
Before delving into the many ways of blogging, let’s talk a bit about what makes a successful blog.
Be yourself: You are amazing! I think what you have to share with the world is, too. Choose to write about something that you are interested in and know about or would like to learn about. Readers want that personal touch, so make sure to give it to them.
Make it snappy with easy-to-find information: Modern readers tend to enjoy zipping straight to the information they are looking for. So, use headers, subheads, and bullet points. Get straight to your point with informative sentences that are short and witty. Pull them in with exactly what they were looking for, then keep them around because they fall in love with your content.
Use images: We live in an increasingly visual world. Give your reader what they want: appealing images, photographs, drawings, and if appropriate, charts. Remember, you are dealing with people who love the aesthetics of Pinterest and Instagram. Use that to your advantage.
Pay attention to SEO: You’ve probably seen this initialism a thousand times, but what does it mean? It stands for Search Engine Optimization. It sounds scary, but it’s not. In fact, paying attention to SEO means that your blog has a better chance of rising to the top in search engines. Simply put, use words and statements that people often search for, making sure that it matches your topic. To find out what words to use, test it out in Google for yourself using incognito mode. Take a look at what pops up. Do you notice any similar words? Those are the words you want to use in the content you create.
Keep yourself on a schedule. If you decide to post three times a week, make sure to keep to that. It’s a good idea to write a number of blog posts in one sitting. That way, you can take time away from writing when you are sick, on vacation, or lacking motivation. Your readers will look for your posts when they recognize your posting schedule. Don’t let them down.
Interact. If you allow comments on your blog (not everyone does, for various reasons), and someone comments on one of your articles, make sure to comment back. It’s an important way to build a fruitful community. Besides, readers love it when a writer answers them.
Types of blogs:
Personal / Lifestyle blog: These posts are told as if they are stories, and they are! Make sure to keep a conversational tone so your reader starts to see you as a friend. Ask questions of your readers, and when they respond, reply. This is the personal touch many are looking for as they embark on their own journeys. Be transformative and inspiring by keeping it real. Your blog posts will be a mix between photos, updates about what you are doing, and helpful information. It’s important to find your niche, such as special-needs parenting, unschooling, or gluten-free travel. What sorts of blogs are you interested in reading? Maybe that should be what you write about.
Recipe / Craft / DIY blog: Do you have a stack of recipes others would love? Are you gifted in macrame? Do you have a family tradition others would enjoy bringing into their homes? This may be your niche. Start by telling them a bit about yourself as a way to get your reader hooked, but do not overdo this. They are there for instructions, after all. Jump right into instructions and tutorials. Make sure to write in chronological steps. Try to include a photo with each step in the directions. Some people are visual learners and need this. Keep your language brief and succinct. You don’t want your reader leaving your piece to search for information. Neither do you want them becoming frustrated. Easy to follow is the name of the game.
Business blog: If you have a business or hope to start a business, you might want to consider starting a blog on your website. The fact of the matter is that people are more likely to work with people they trust. One way to build trust is through a blog. Your prospective clients have an opportunity to get to know you and your services. You can also give them information to educate them about your field, and a client who truly understands what you do is an easy client to work with.
Fitness blog: Do you teach fitness classes? Are you obsessed with running? Cycling? Share what you know with the world. People always search for ways to become healthier, start an exercise routine, and reduce knee or back pain. Not only that, but if you are on a weight loss journey, consider sharing your journey. Not only will it give others motivation to follow in your footsteps, but sharing your success will also provide you with accountability.
Review Blog: If you love reading, consider creating a book review blog. New and indie authors are always on the lookout for people to review their books. At the same time, readers love hearing about new work. Tell a bit about the story—no spoilers, of course—then give your review. After that, include information about the author, including their author photo. Don’t forget a photo of the cover and a link. If movies are your thing, review movies! Use the same formula.
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Writing an Article
Magazines, journals, newspapers, and books are always looking for new writers and content ideas. If you have a poignant thought you must express, write an article. Be choosy with where you submit work. Do they cover your topic? Are their readers your target audience? You need to become an expert on that platform’s work and submission requirements. Make sure you do proper research on the topic you plan to write about.
You can usually find submission requirements and other information on their website. Learn what they are expecting before you start writing. Pay attention to font and margin size, number of words, how they want your document set up, and anything else they tell you. If you mess up on this, they won’t read your wonderfully written article. In short: follow directions.
What type of articles are there?
Listicle: A listicle is an article that uses lists of facts, quotes, or tips about a particular subject. They are quick and easy to write and have a tendency to push readers to research a topic further. You must still do your research, but since the entire article is segmented in bullet points and subheaders, presenting your research becomes easier. They are also extremely readable, making them easy for your readers to digest. Listicles may be named things such as: “10 Ways to Lose Weight while on Vacation,” “5 Herbs to Get Rid of Hives,” or possibly “15 Songs to Boost Your Mood.”
Chronological: In a chronological article, everything is organized by time. Often, these types of articles are written during groundbreaking news, which means that a reporter is updating as the event is taking place. Use dates and times as a way to organize pieces like this so that the progression of time is clear.
Op-ed: Op-eds are articles that are written by someone not affiliated with the newspaper or magazine. They are meant to stir conversation and provoke deep thought. These are opinion pieces and are generally written by a subject-matter expert. As always, start with a hook by introducing the issue you are writing on. It might be a good idea to include a story to make the reader care about the topic. When giving your opinion, make sure to back up what you are saying with facts, which means that even though this is all about your opinion, you must research. Then leave your reader with a call for action. Let them know what they can do to help the situation.
Letter to the editor: Sometimes you just need to be heard. Maybe something is impacting your community, and you need to get your opinion out there. If this is you, maybe it’s time to write a letter to the editor. First thing to remember is that you must be authentically you. You don’t have to sound like you are all business. Get personal. Make the editor care about your issue in a way that will lead them to publish your letter. If you are responding to an article that was written, make sure to cite that article and use quotations. If it’s about your community, be heartfelt and include action points for your neighbors. Make sure to fact-check, revise, and edit. Then submit.
Long Form
Write a book, and become an author!
A great way to set yourself up as an expert in something is by writing a book about it. I know this can feel overwhelming. With structure and support, you can do it. One word after another becomes a sentence. One sentence after another becomes a paragraph. After a while, you end up with a book. It’s worth the time and effort, I promise. Remember, with the advent of e-readers, not all books are 200 pages. You can write a 20-page e-book. Plenty of business, spiritual, and medical experts publish smaller e-books. The length doesn’t have to be overbearing and scary. It can be short, sweet, and to the point. If you feel called to write, there’s no reason for you to not write a book. Remember, there are coaches and teams of editors and proofreaders ready to help you get your work out there for the world.
Nonfiction:
If you have expertise in something, share that knowledge by writing a book! Nonfiction can encompass everything from history, science, and travel guides, all the way to recipe books and DIY home decor books.
The goal is that the information be rooted in truth. That doesn’t mean it can’t be creative. Books full of your beautiful photography would certainly count as nonfiction.
The key to writing nonfiction is to select a topic or issue you are most interested in, and then research, research, research. Then answer the big question: “Why?” What about your stance would others benefit from knowing?
Here are some ideas for interesting nonfiction books beyond the usual biographies, textbooks, and travel guides.
Memoir: A memoir is one part of your life, a snapshot, a moment. But it is a pivotal moment, one that is defining, clarifying, and possibly lifesaving. It’s important to understand that a memoir is not an autobiography. It is not your life story; it is one moment. A memoir is told as a story, so you get the opportunity to employ the same literary techniques novelists use, while telling your (very real) story. Do you want to write your testimony? Could one event in your life give hope to others? Then, that’s what you should write about.
Bible Study: Have you been drawn to a specific book in the Bible, or possibly a topic that could be aided with deep reading of the Bible? Others might enjoy learning and growing through what you put together. Choose a topic or a book of the Bible. Then write some well-researched commentary, and create space for deep thought in a workbook. Add some discussion questions to aid readers in taking their study to the next level, and you have yourself a lovely Bible study that others will find comfort in. Remember to follow copyright law regarding the use of Scriptures. Here is a free guide to help you avoid legal problems when you quote Scripture.
Recipe book: Did your grandmother leave you a recipe box filled with scrumptious desserts? Does your women’s Bible study need a fundraising idea? It’s easy to create a recipe book of your favorites. Find your niche. It could be anything really: vegetarian, heart healthy, or maybe fun summertime cobblers. Take some colorful photos, and type out the recipes. You can learn to do interior book design or hire it out.
Fiction:
There is so much you can do with fiction. There are wonderful ways to get your point across through fiction. Throughout time, novels, poetry, and plays have been instrumental in teaching lessons, exposing truths, and entertaining audiences. You are really only bound by your own imagination, but once you learn how to grow creatively, you will be set to write some powerful prose or poetry.
Let’s take a look at some of the different types of fiction that you can explore:
Novel: A novel tells a fictional story and generally includes a theme. You get to create your own characters, worlds, settings, and situations. Sometimes you can even create your own languages, as J.R.R. Tolkein did. A novel is generally between 50,000 and 100,000 words. Write what you are interested in reading. There are many genres to choose from: science fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery, young adult, and middle grades. Writing a novel is a rewarding experience. If you’re interested, go for it!
Novella: Novellas are like novels, only shorter. The typical novella is between 10,000 and 50,000 words. The nice thing about novellas is that you can produce them to become an e-book, then create a series from them. If you can write one novella every two months, you’ll gain followers who are always waiting for your next novella to come out. This is a great way to grow your reader base. And, if you self-publish, you can get them uploaded rather quickly. Don’t forget to solicit an awesome cover design and good editing.
Children’s books: Writing children’s books is a wonderful way to shape the future of our world. How delightful it must feel to know that a three-year-old climbs up on his mother’s lap to listen to your story being read to him. How amazing to think that a child’s first small chapter book could be the one you wrote. Themes and lessons come into play when writing children’s books, so there are many important decisions to be made. First, select the age group you would like to write for, then head to the library to see how books for them are written. Brainstorm ideas, then get writing. You can use www.lexile.com to check to make sure your writing is appropriate for your target age range. This is a magical opportunity to really create lasting change. Why not give it a try?
Poetry: How many of us wrote seriously sappy love poems as a teen? Did you give that up as you got older? Why? Start writing poetry again. Writing can help you heal, and poetry can be especially cathartic. Poetry does not need to rhyme or fit a specific rhythm. There are many ways to express yourself in poetry, including blank verse, prose poetry, haiku, narrative, sonnet, ode, and ballad. Of course, there are more than this, but just dig in. Use poetry as a way of healing, and maybe you’ll heal others in the process.
As you begin your journey as a writer, know that your words are important and worthy. You may have moments of self-doubt, but push through them. It’s worth it.
Whatever you decide to write, one thing is always true: it’s best to have a professional on your side. If you run into problems while writing or would like a professional opinion, contact Harshman Services for a free consultation.
