Writing an Article. The Simplest Method for Good, Fast, Powerful Writing.

A few years ago I had the pleasure of receiving a writing training by Dutch writing guru Joep Luycx. I don’t believe short texts are always better. Nor that we should always try to write and publish more. But this method definitely helps you write a powerful, concise yet fun to read story or blog article in under 30 minutes. Write what you mean.

Note: this method works best if you first learn by writing by hand, on paper. Later you can keep using the method but now on your favorite device.

Topic, three thoughts, reader

First, choose the topic you want to write about. Decide on three things you would want to say about that topic. Write down a draft title and three draft subheadings. Next, picture a person you know and trust and imagine you’re writing a personal message to them. Now, go.

Five lines times three

Put pen to paper and start writing. Make your three main points and explain or elaborate on them in five lines each. Doesn’t matter one bit if it’s good, if it sucks or if it’s bland. Aim for short sentences. Mute the little criticism-devil in your ear for one minute. Shut it!

Remix to refine

Done? Now comes the remixing and refining bit. This is where it gets really fun. Start a second draft and exaggerate everything you’ve written in your first draft to the extreme. Then start a third draft and dramatically play everything down, stating the exact opposite of everything you’ve just written. Then turn it back upside down in your fourth draft.

Finally, choose the best bits and wordings for your final draft. Don’t forget to replace all words with more than three syllables for shorter ones. Wherever possible. Write a heartfelt closing line.

Done.

Got it? Now go try it. See what it can do for you.

This post was written in 23 minutes. Want to find out more about Joep and his brilliant take on easy, fast, powerful writing? Intrigued to know why clients like the UN council are happy to have followed his method and training? Find out more on the Yoopie academy website.

*Please note that I am in no way affiliated with the Yoopie academy. This is just a method that I appreciate and think more people should have the pleasure of knowing.

I greatly value and thank you for your attention. That’s why I try to bring value. If you know anyone who you think this article might be valuable for, please share it.

FAQ

What makes an article good?
Good articles are well-researched, engaging, informative, and tailored to the target audience. They should provide valuable insights or information, be well-structured, and free of grammatical errors.

How do you start writing an article?
Begin by choosing a relevant topic, conducting thorough research, and outlining the main points you want to cover. Start with an engaging introduction that captures the reader’s attention.

What is the ideal length for a good article?
The ideal length varies depending on the topic and audience, but generally, 500-1500 words is a good range. Longer articles can be used for in-depth topics.

How important is the headline in an article?
Extremely important. The headline is the first thing readers see and determines whether they’ll read the article. It should be compelling and reflective of the content.

What should be included in the conclusion of an article?
The conclusion should summarize the main points, reinforce the article’s message, and leave the reader with a final thought or call to action.

How can you make an article more engaging?
Use a conversational tone, include interesting facts or anecdotes, and use visual elements like images or infographics. Break the text into digestible paragraphs with subheadings.

What role does SEO play in article writing?
SEO is crucial for online articles. Using relevant keywords, meta descriptions, and optimizing for readability can increase the article’s visibility on search engines.

How often should you edit or revise an article?
Edit the article for clarity and errors after the first draft. Revisit and update it periodically, especially if it includes time-sensitive information.

Is it important to include sources in an article?
Yes, citing sources enhances credibility and provides evidence for your claims. It also shows that the article is well-researched.

How can you measure the success of an article?
Measure success through engagement metrics like page views, time spent on page, comments, and social media shares. Feedback from readers can also be a valuable indicator.

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Author bio:

Erwin Lima: What inspires Erwin is helping people, teams and brands to become the best version of themselves. Guiding them with curiosity, empathy, and Growth Storytelling.

Over the past 10+ years as a copywriter, author, consultant, and coach, he’s helped dozens of Brands, Teams, and individual human beings to grow their sense of motivation and focus, but also their reach, engagement, and revenue— through the power of their own story. You can find Erwin on LinkedIn and on his website.