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<p>http://az616578.vo.msecnd.net/files/2016/05/19/635992270346063760-1936896075_635841957604688445-623502608_power-of-words-by-antonio-litterio-creative-commons-attribution-share-alike-3-0.jpg</p>
<p>Here is how to build an article out of an idea, because what works for products also works for writing.</p>
<h1>Make a headline</h1>
<p>http://i.imgsafe.org/0edc42208f.jpg</p>
<p>First you need to write your headline. You need to know what is the article about? What concept do you want to present? This is important for you as well, because you need to have an idea what you want to write about before your type all that text. </p>
<p>It is important to keep the balance by telling what the article is about but still sparking curiosity in the reader. The same is true for the article picture: it needs to fit the narative, but doesn't have to spoiler it. The headline can be stylish: Maybe write some words in capitals? Clickbait titles on the other had are a double edged sword, because the promise of the title has to be fulfilled by the article.</p>
<h1>Write down the main Steps</h1>
<p>http://i.imgsafe.org/0edc48d247.jpg</p>
<p>With the headline, you now know what you want to write about. Next come the steps that you took to reach your conclusion. The reader needs to be guided to towards it to make sure the article is understood. This is done from the big picture to the detail. </p>
<p>Start with the overview and then take appropriate steps towards the detail by following your own thinking. During this you have to assume that no prior knowledge about the topic exists, since you want to have a lot of people enjoying your work. At the same time don't explain to much and bore the reader: give the necessary bits of information that take the reader to the next step.</p>
<h1>Brainstorming</h1>
<p>http://i.imgsafe.org/0edc5acd6b.jpg</p>
<p>While the chapter headlines build the rough frame work, it now has to be filled with live. In the chapters, the necessary information is given out to guide the reader to the next step. To do this, you first write down what comes to mind for the headline. </p>
<p>Try to follow the little steps that you take to span from one headline to another and fill out information that is helpful. Think about what pictures could fit the topic? Also helpful can be graphics/diagrams that aid in visualizing you intentions. </p>
<p>While you are brainstorming there are no bad ideas. You can still throw out unnecessary things later, but during brainstorming it is important to get a lot out and allow to explore the topic freely.</p>
<h1>Make connections</h1>
<p>Once you have the fine structure out, it is necessary to go through it to see if you can follow the golden thread. After the brainstorm it is time to get it into order to build a narative. To mention it again: the explanation has to go from coarse to fine, from overview into detail. </p>
<p>Catch the reader with something he knows and guide him/her to the conclusion. Now is finally also the time to kick out stuff that is unnecessary.</p>
<h1>Smothing out</h1>
<p>http://i.imgsafe.org/0edc677083.jpg</p>
<p>With the narative in order, it can now be written into complete sentences. By building a flow inbetween them it will be easy to read and understand. Same with the details, it needs fine tuning to not write too much: the goal is to make it easy to read and still moving towards the point. </p>
<p>Sorting the steps before writing the narative prevents losing yourself in details or worse drifting of. This alows the reader to know what is going on all the time, to trust the author and enjoy the ride.</p>
<h1>Add visuals</h1>
<p>http://i.imgsafe.org/0ee2a9f0b6.jpg</p>
<p>With the text standing, you can now add pictures that break the blocks into digestable chunks. This is done using either explanatory pictures to clarify things or pictures that set the mood and help to ease into the desired feeling. </p>
<p>Think for example about using a picture of a calm forest while you write a text about relaxation and nature. Try to fit in a picture after every conclusion or at the beginning of the chapter to mark a new step.</p>
<h1>Correct Formating</h1>
<p>http://i.imgsafe.org/0f144621ef.jpg</p>
<p>After getting that text out in the editor, it is the time to take care that it is also in readable format. From top to bottom the text is checked for errors and too long sentences are split up. Blocks of text have to be broken into smaller chunks to allow the eyes to focus again. </p>
<p>To further put focus on important parts use highlighting by writing them in <strong>bold</strong> or <em>cursive</em> letters. Also check if all the lists are proper formated and if the article is looking consistent.</p>
<h1>Final check and liftoff</h1>
<p>http://i.imgsafe.org/0f221176b9.jpg</p>
<p>After you are finished with formating, scroll another time over the article, add your greetings to the end and fill out the hashtags for the category. I recommend to add the categories only at the end of the work to prevent accidental posting. </p>
<p>If everything looks satisfying, the only thing is left to post the article and telling your friends about it.</p>
<p><br></p>
<p><em>Thanks so much for reading. I hope this guide helps you produce articles easier and having more fun on Steemit.</em></p>
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