How to Write the Best Associated Content Articles

I've been writing for Associated Content for a year and a half now and I've learned a few things through my experience. I'm here to share with the new AC content producers, also known as "newbies", some of the best methods to follow to have a great time on Associated Content.

1. Brainstorm your ideas first.

Personally, each time I settle down to write an article for Associated Content, I jot down around 5 article ideas that I would like to pursue. What have I been interested or involved in recently? What are some of the popular news topics lately? I have a notebook full of ideas that I keep with me. That way, if one day I'm having writer's block, I can read through my list to get my creative juices flowing.

2. Go with what you know.

There are a few questions that each AC newbie should ask himself before he begins writing.

What do I do each day? What am I am expert at? What unique life experiences have I had?

The answers that you get to these questions are the topics that you should be writing about. For instance, what you do each day is something that to you may be so common and boring, but to others may be something that they struggle at. For instance, maybe you are great at applying your makeup. You can't imagine how many women want tips on this! Or maybe you know the best grocery store deals, or perhaps you have a stunning vegetable garden. Also ask yourself what you have done that makes you special. For instance, I recently wrote an article called "What to Expect When You Get Your Nose Pierced." Not everyone has gotten their nose pierced, but I have. I was able to recount my personal experience and that article is quickly becoming one of my most popular ones. I didn't even need to look for outside resources, I was able to use what happened to me. Writing about what you are an expert at or what you have experienced makes for a great, truly genuine article.

3. Create an outline.

Before you start writing, you need to organize your thoughts. I take a piece of paper and think of my title and then make a list of what points I want to cover and in what order. Under each point, or main idea, I jot down a few supporting details. When I sit down to write, it fits together great.

4. Don't try to sound too fancy.

There is a time and place to sound academic. Associated Content is not the place. Average people with average educational backgrounds flock to AC for information and advice. Don't try to impress them by using over the top language. If you're writing about something unusual, like perhaps a medical condition, be sure to define any tricky vocabulary. It's okay to dummy things down or to simplify them.

5. Create your rough draft in Word.

Do not try to write your article in the little boxes provided on the Associated Content website. Instead, open a word processing program like Microsoft Word. Type your article, format it correctly, and then copy and paste it to AC. Also, take advantage of the tools provided on MS Word, such as word count (all AC articles except prose must be at least 400 words long) and spellcheck.

And last but not least...

6. When the mood grabs you, go with it.

Sometimes the best ideas come to me at the most inopportune times, like as I'm getting ready for bed or when I should be making dinner. If you're getting an overwhelming urge to write, then embrace it. Your writing will be fresh and full of passion. The times when you are dreading writing are the times you should step away from AC and do something else!