Article Writing vs. Creative Writing

I never believed that I could write articles. Since I got involved with Constant Content, a site that brings writers (and artists) together with buyers, I've discovered that I'm not too dang shabby at the whole article writing thing. But article writing is a very different animal from creative writing.

I can't speak for all creative writers, but I know I'm not alone when I say that creative writing requires fire and passion. If I don't feel impassioned about the subject, than my muse gets bored and goes on vacation. ~insert evil name for muse~ That dang fickle creature is so sensitive--she's turned off by any number of things, from life stress to storyline glitches. And sometimes for no apparent reason. Urgh. Getting the muse interested and recovering the fire and passion takes some serious effort, and usually requires waiting until the planets are aligned just right and the wind is blowing the right way. (Bribery does no good--I've tried.)

On the other hand, article writing is more about a formula and facts than about fire and passion. It helps to have some lively phrases and unique voice, but it's not a requirement. I've written articles under all kinds of conditions, from my son screeching in my ear to during phone calls to riding in a car to sitting in front of the tv. Writing articles doesn't seem to need the "perfect conditions" that creative writing does for me. The only time I can't seem to write an article is when I'm dog tired and brain-wiped. Then I'm no good for anything, let alone writing. As long as I've done my research on a subject and know the rough outline of the piece, I'm set. I'm not as fast at cranking them out as I'd like to be, but I'm working on it.

So if you're a creative writer and are thinking of branching out into other writing areas, consider article writing. It's not as bad as you think, honest. Remember that formula you learned in high school, about an intro paragraph, body paragraphs, and conclusion? There ya go.
;)


For those interested in Constant Content, try my author referral link:
http://www.constant-content.com/?aref=26525

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