You don’t always get to choose the topics that you know too well or are close to your heart. You might find some to be rather dull or too technical for you, yet you cannot just say no to your editor or turn down the writing project. You might come across topics that you may tag non-creative and start to panic. For more experienced writers, however, the key is to find out a good outlet for this.

Effective approach to non-creative topics

* Add human interest to the story. Consider current events so you can easily appeal to your readers. You can present statistics or some trivia to hook their interest without losing focus on hard evidence or facts.

* Use a cause-and-effect scenario. Some conditions and terms are easier to explain when you use examples. The illustration will make it easier for your readers to understand the topic in different aspects and views. It will also make the article appear more introspective than just a mere rewrite.

* Present quick solutions to problems. Most readers can easily relate to problems. However, you shouldn’t give them a hard time looking for solutions. So your article will be more helpful, present solutions that are easier to understand. You can use steps to serve as their guide, lists in bullet points for quick recall, and subheads to chop up the whole block of information, which can be overwhelming for them.

* Add quotes and anecdotes. You can easily present facts or a more solid argument if they’re backed up by experts or other people who are familiar with the topic. This gives your article more depth and credibility, and makes it easier for your readers to relate to your topic.

Tips from the experts

Always think about your readers before you write anything. Make sure that the article is written for them, based on what they need to know and how they want the facts to be served to them. It seems like the common technique used by most writers is writing in a more conversational tone. They address the reader as if they’re talking to them directly. This is accomplished by using the second-person approach (you), and writing in plain English to explain themselves better. Still, this depends on the requirement of the project.

Some non-creative topics do require plenty of time for research. All areas should be covered if you want to present ideas and facts in a non-boring way. Engage your readers by writing with enthusiasm and with much familiarity with the topic. Whatever approach you use, make sure that it doesn’t get in the way of clarity, accuracy, and presenting complete information.

You can get inspiration from numerous sources. Read samples that will serve as your guide on how you should write about such topics.

Related questions:

1. How can you write about topics you’re not familiar with?
2. How do you explain technical terms?
3. How do you discuss a topic that is boring in itself?

They say that speed and quality is an odd combination. Oftentimes, you sacrifice quality in your efforts to be more productive. However, you can still turn in a bunch of articles in just a few hours, without sounding gibberish at all . There are some tips and tricks for you to achieve full speed in writing while ensuring quality for your written output.

How to speed up the writing process

Do you constantly find yourself beating the clock for the scheduled submission of your articles? Quit worrying too much. You can be as productive as you can be with these simple yet effective tips.

* Prepare for the writing tasks.

Know the topics to write about, the instructions for the project, and consider the possible sources of information. If you’re not too familiar with the topics, allot enough time for research. Find a nice, quiet place that has minimal distractions. Also make sure that you eat and sleep well so you’ll be more focused on your work.

* Set the clock.

When you’re conscious about time, your adrenaline rush can work to your advantage. Time pressure will help you get started. It also keeps you focused and not easily distracted by other things. A good tip from professional writers is to always set your own deadline. For instance, set a time for finishing an article of high quality, considering the research that has to be done and the actual writing process. Try to beat the clock so you can get in the habit of meeting the deadline.

* Don’t get stuck with a blank page.

You simply can’t wait for creativity to come to you. Force yourself to write even if it seems impossible. Pour your thoughts on paper and edit later. Even professional writers don’t make the perfect piece the first time they do it. That’s why you have to proofread and edit your drafts.

* Read and write more often.

Whether you’re a professional writer or just a student asked to submit a term paper, practice does make a big difference. This is the best way to enhance your skills for writing more effectively. Write as often as you could about any topic the interests you. You’ll soon get the hang of it and be able to write faster.

Also the secret of most proficient writers is their love for reading. This is where they get their inspiration and develop their own writing styles. Be in the know of the latest writing techniques through reading and take notes from well-crafted articles.

How to ensure quality in spite of the rush

1. High quality writing starts with good research. If you have all the information you need, you need not turn to gibberish talks just to meet the wordcount requirement. When you have covered every aspect of the topic you wish to discuss, the easier it is for you to get started with your writing.

2. A good outline sets a clear direction for your work. With an outline, you get to be more organized and meet the wordcount easily. You present facts and ideas in a more cohesive way and in a logical manner. This means cutting some time off on editing and proofreading.

3. Set a workable plan for yourself. Some writers prefer editing their works after writing the entire article; others train their eyes to catch possible mistakes while writing. Know what works best for you.

Related questions:

1. How can you deal with writer’s block?
2. What should you do if you lack inspiration when writing?
3. How do you check for errors when you’re in a rush?

When rewriting an article, you don’t just paraphrase each sentence and run it in a copy checker to cover up any trace of plagiarism. That’s not how it should be done. Master the art of rewriting if you want to spread the word hot off the press.

Tips and tricks in rewriting an article

1. Don’t stick to just one article as the source of information. Use at least two sources of information so your rewrites won’t appear derivative. Remember that good research is the backbone of a more focused and well-written content.

2. Make yourself an outline. Read through the article(s) and get the most important information that readers would love to know about the topic. Copy-paste parts of the original article, or make notes about the details. Arrange them in a way you want to present them to readers, be it in logical or chronological order. Just make sure that every part will be tied in a cohesive way.

3. Create a catchy headline for the article. Keep it short but ‘sweet,’ and make sure that you insert the main keyword here. A headline that guides readers to what they’re about to get or find out in your article is always a good start.

4. Keep your intro interesting. This is perhaps one of the biggest challenge as most readers would give this part a quick read. If they don’t find it appealing, they move on to other sources of information. The beginning of your article shouldn’t be too long. Two to three senteces will do, as long as they command attention. You don’t have to follow the same structure of the original article. Just get the juiciest details and present it on your own creative way.

5. Make the body of the article the meatiest part. If your intro is a teaser, then the body should give readers the full view. Get straight to the facts. Make sure that they’re presented in a way readers would easily understand them. If it’s a blog, all the more that you should write in a more conversational tone. Online writing experts prefer writing in plain English, given the limited attention span of online readers. This also works well for copywriting.

6. Wrap it up with a call to action. You can summarize the most important points or leave a note to persuade readers.

Secrets to giving the article a fresh look

So your article won’t look sub-standard next to the original piece, give it a fresh look. Make it easier for your readers to understand bits of information that they need to know. Get them hooked from beginning till end, the way an essay does when it’s written persuasively. There are more than a few ways to do this.

* Use subheadings as warning posts to readers. Divide the article into different sections to make it look original and more focused, and not another derivative content.

* Make your own list, and use bullet points for this. If the original article has the same list, make sure that the ideas come in a different order.

* Create steps to serve as your readers’ guide.

* Use the active voice as much as you could.

* Consult a thesaurus for synonyms, alternative words and expressions.

* Adopt a reader-friendly tone.

* Use analogies and examples for descriptions and definitions.

Edit your article for similarity in content, grammar and syntax errors, and reader friendliness.

Related questions:

1. How can you avoid derivative writing?
2. How do you edit for content similarity?
3. When is the passive voice more preferable?