May 17, 2006

Writing– The 2 PowerQuestions

ME Liz Strauss wrote this at 10:27 am

The Second Question

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When I start with that blank page, whether I think about it or I stare into space, two questions are waiting in white letters on the white space. I have to make myself see them and answer them before I will ever be able to write. The questions are basic and always the same.

What will your topic be?

and

What do you want to say about it?


If I can answer those two questions, the piece pretty much writes itself.

It really is as simple as that.

–ME “Liz” Strauss

Related
How To Beat Writer’s Block
Questions about Burnout and Writer’s Block
Why Dave Barry and Liz Don’t Get Writer’s Block
The Power Writing Series on the SUCCESSFUL SERIES PAGE


Filed under Strategy, Successful Blog, Tips, Writing |



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6 Comments to “Writing– The 2 PowerQuestions”

  1. May 17th, 2006 at 10:58 am
    Steve said

    That is a good point. I try to reverse it and think what I want to write about first and then a title comes to me almost immediately. Then I write to match it.

    Other times I answer the 2nd one and then when I am done writing I go back and answer the 1st one. Sometimes it is hard for me to title the article afterwards because as I write I feel incomplete… Lol

  2. May 17th, 2006 at 11:56 am
    ME Strauss said

    Hi Steve,
    There IS a slight difference between what you want to write about and what you want to SAY. Sometimes folks can get stuck in the topic they know they want to write about because they haven’t yet figured out what it is they want to say about that topic. Does that make sense?

  3. May 17th, 2006 at 5:16 pm
    Tom Vander Well said

    When I’m empty and can’t come up with a good topic, I realize I must “fill the well.” Here’s what I do: I challenge myself to find three blogs I’ve never read before. I do a blog search, or more often I start checking out the blog rolls of bloggers I already read and like (sometimes, when you read feeds in a feedreader, you never even see the blog roll - pity). Within minutes I generally have read something or seen something that shifts my heart or brain into gear. Now, not only do I have something to say or respond to - but I have a great link to share with my readers that will introduce them to my new “friend” and extend the conversation.

  4. May 17th, 2006 at 5:20 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Tom,
    That’s a great idea and a really positive one. Thanks for sharing it on a Wednesday afternoon when everyone is probably feeling a little tired . . . and maybe not up to being too cheery.

    You’re a good one Tom Vander Well!

  5. May 17th, 2006 at 5:27 pm
    Tom Vander Well said

    I’m glad I’m not the only one who noticed lethargy in the blogosphere. Come on everybody! We need blog aerobics! Post!…Link!…Comment!
    Post!…Link!…Comment!
    Post!…Link!…Comment!
    Post!…Link!…Comment!
    (check your site meter)
    Work it! Work it! Work it!

  6. May 17th, 2006 at 5:29 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Don’t forget to hit that back button. :)

    Oh no! Tomorrow is Thursday. I still haven’t got the hang of Thursdays. I’m going to have to think up some Thursday event.

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