Hint #9 Simplify structure
January 24, 2009 by health writer
Filed under Write Health Articles for Magazines
MAGAZINE HEALTH WRITING BASIC 12 part – 9
Some writers see an article’s ideal form the way Michelangelo saw art in a block of marble.
“In every block of marble I see a statue as plain as though it stood before me, shaped and perfect in attitude and action. I have only to hew away the rough walls that imprison the lovely apparition to reveal it to the other eyes as mine see it.” ~Michelangelo
For others, the worst part of the job is after they’ve gathered all the research and interviewed all the sources. They sit at the keyboard wondering how they’re going to squeeze this mass of unformed marble into 1,000 words or less. If that’s you, don’t think so hard. Structure is really less about art and more about mechanics. Be prepared to chisel away.
The structure your article needs depends less on your personal style or subject matter and more on where it’s going. Take a closer look at the magazine or website you’re writing for and you’ll see its preferred form and structure for various departments. Some like a brief intro followed by bullet lists. Some like a long intro that explains why the reader needs the information to follow. The editor will expect you to organize your piece in the same mold.
It’s really that simple.
Happy Health Writing,
Kathy Summers
[See the full list of 12 hints here: 12 Hints for Magazine Health Writers]
