Writing Content: Mastering Magazine and Online Writing
Roger W. Nielsen
R.W. Nielsen Company, Trade Paperback, 202 pages
 

Those aspiring to write articles for magazines and the web may find general writing tips sprinkled across the internet, in writing magazines and covered briefly in how-to manuals on bookstore shelves, but serious article writers should consider clearing a space on their personal bookshelves for Roger W. Nielsen’s new title, Writing Content. Well-organized and comprehensive, Writing Content provides a single, information-packed resource for beginning writers, as well as an excellent refresher and reference for experienced writers.

In his book, Nielson deftly explains the full spectrum of article-writing mechanics from types of articles, structure, focal point, leads and conclusions, to transitions and the importance of well-constructed article titles and subtitles. In clear, easy-to-understand narrative peppered with bits of humor, Nielsen also covers description, content flow, verb and noun usage, and style. Regarding style he writes:

To develop a clearly discernable, unique writing style, you have to be ceaselessly discontented with your own writing. Your search must be relentless for a clearer, more concise, more complete, more constructive way to say what you need to say. You can’t be content.

This idea falls directly in line with one of his cardinal rules: never stop learning.

In the chapter titled Doing Due Diligence, Nielsen encourages writers to go beyond the familiar writing-class adage, “write what you know,” by pursuing subjects in which they themselves have an interest. Through research and interviews a freelancer can tackle any topic they wish as long as truth and accuracy prevail, thus broadening their scope of opportunities.

But Writing Content doesn’t stop there. Nielsen also discusses the intangible as related to writing. In addressing the idea of one’s passion for the craft of writing he stresses:

My point is this: if you really enjoy doing something and have an aptitude for it, doing it for four to six hours daily isn’t hard work. You do it because you find joy in it. You do it because you are consumed by it.

Nielsen further relates the importance for writers to read broadly to gain inspiration and knowledge of the styles and content of what others have written, explaining that consistent reading provides writers with the means to write.

With 40-plus years of writing, editing and publishing experience, Nielsen knows his stuff. And he shares his knowledge with enthusiasm in this must-have book for any writer wanting to become an efficient, thorough writer of articles for magazines and the web.

--Reviewed by Nancy Owens Barnes

______

Note: Writing Content is available through bookstores, online booksellers and the author's website.