How long do you (writers) generally spend thinking about the content of your art

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   Jester4554posted 11 years ago

   How long do you (writers) generally spend thinking about the content of your articles?
   
   I'm working on my first article and, after reading more than a few articles on the site already, I can't help but be curious about how much critical thought goes into ensuring that we touch exactly on the message we're all trying to convey to readers in our publications.
   
   If you're trying to write a really in-depth article, is it natural to spend a few hours at a time going over everything that you've written in order to make sure that it makes sense and reads as logical, yet engaging at the same time?

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2. 83

   Denise Handlonposted 11 years ago

   Great question.  Yes, absolutely it is natural to put in those hours.  In some of my hubs, if there is a subject I am not familiar with, I will put in more than a few hours.  If you are presenting something more than memoir or poetry, fiction, etc, then you want your facts straight, your information well presented and the entire hub set up to have a flow that is 'user / reader friendly'.    Best to you in the process.   Oh, and BTW...it is a progressive journey.  You will look back and realize what a difference your 'latest' hubs are compared to when you started. 
   
   Good luck. 

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3. 94

   Daughter Of Maatposted 11 years ago

   I've been known to spend a couple days on one article, researching, writing and rewriting. Some articles are easier for me than others, my medical articles usually take a couple of days, whereas my articles on paganism and diet may only take half a day. To be a good writer, I think you need to take as much time as you need when writing a piece. Quality over quantity. It does seem to get easier the more you write, however.

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4. 71

   dahoglundposted 11 years ago

   I find it hard to give a simple answer. It depends on previous knowledge, the complexity of the subject. The best answer is whatever it takes. Sometimes a short skimming of some articles will suffice. Other times have to dig deep and read various points of view. Fiction can sometimes take a lot of research to get somewhat authentic background information. Sometimes research is done informally over long periods of time.

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5. 60

   Jester4554posted 11 years ago

   Hm, the three of you have provided terrific answers for writing articles that would need more supportive backing from evidence. Naturally, if we are to write for a topic that falls in the realm of science, work ethic, or some type of study, extensive research would certainly be needed - perhaps even some examples to make hone in on our points more effectively. I also liked that a couple of you touched on fictional writing requiring less research, and yet, in a way, it needs just as much thought put into it as writing an informative article.
   
   So, allow me to rephrase my question.
   
   How much thought would be appropriate when writing an article drawing more on philosophical belief and observed ideals in a person? Essentially, what I have in mind with this question is about the length of time writer should be spending trying to flesh out their own beliefs for sharing. Are these things that a writer should be able to do at the drop of a hat, or do many of you also find yourselves taking the time needed to really describe your ideas at length, all in order to touch on the depth and scope of your own philosophical ideas?

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   1. 82

      Catherine Kaneposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Depends on how complex your beliefs are.
      
      Even if you know what you believe, the act of writing them may bring out hidden depths you had not thought of before.
      
      
      Finding the right words can take time too

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6. 79

   chivs86posted 11 years ago

   Well for me an idea can come from anywhere - I can have it for weeks or publish it on that day.  For content i usually like to write down what i know in on paper first, and for each thing i feel i need to research in the process, I look it up.  It's more about doing than thinking to me, but a trip to the pub or a bit of mindless work - that helps i think.  A bit of time away to think what you're going to do.

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