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Ezine Article Writing - Structure And Stretch by Elaine Currie

If you are a webmaster you will know that writing articles for publication in ezines is an excellent way to get free publicity for your website. One thing that holds many would be writers back is that they don’t think they will be able to find enough to write even on a subject they know well. Webmasters who have never written an article before tend to feel their minds go blank at the suggestion of writing for publication. One of the most common reasons for not writing articles is that people do not think they will be able to write enough about a topic. This worry is usually overcome during the writing process but, even if you run out of words too soon, there are a few useful tricks you can use to increase your word count.

Most article directories will not accept an article consisting of fewer than 500 words; the most suitable length for an article is between 500 and 700 words. Let’s go for 500 words for our first attempt. That might sound a lot but, if you look at the structure of most articles you will see that they are broken down into three sections: introductory paragraph, main content and closing paragraph. In turn, the main content will be broken down into 3-5 paragraphs.

If you plan your article to have three paragraphs of main content, you only need to find 100 words to write in each paragraph and that is a far easier goal to think about than finding 500 words. When you write the article, you obviously won’t have exactly 100 words in each paragraph but this rule of thumb gives you something to aim for. Decide in advance on the sub-topic of each of the main content paragraphs, you can give them subheadings if appropriate, otherwise just use the sub-topics to plan your structure.

To get a feel for structure, let’s look at an idea for an article. Our subject can be planting spring bulbs and our plan will look something like this:

Introduction - general information eg about types of bulbs available for spring flowering, type, varieties available, colors available, best time to plant, benefits of using bulbs in preference to other forms of planting.

Para 1 - choosing the right bulbs for particular situations eg shaded ground, containers, mixed planting, indoor displays etc.

Para 2 - planting techniques e.g. choosing growing medium for containers, choosing containers, depth to plant different species, color schemes

Para 3 - general care e.g. watering, when to cut down, propagation, naturalizing

Closing - brief summary of topics covered or something along the lines of “if you follow this care guidance, your bulbs will provide a colorful display year after year”.

In this plan our closing paragraph is very brief but there should be no problem in writing well over 100 words for the first paragraph. In fact, if you are a bulb expert, you could write several articles based on each of the sub-topics.

If you feel you need to write an article on a particular subject but really run out of things to say, there are a couple of simple ways to bring your word count up to the level required by the article directories. Make it a rule, however, that you never use artificial padding to inflate your word count. The trick is to add words that enhance the value of your article, not just puff it up. These are legitimate ways of boosting your word count:

1. Add a sub-title to the article and use sub headings (if appropriate) for each paragraph.

2. If you use acronyms or initials, place the full term in brackets after the abbreviation. eg if you are talking about PPC, add “(this stands for Pay Per Click advertising)” after the abbreviation to add seven extra words.

3. Use quotations or statistics. Some articles can be uplifted by the use of a famous quotation. Inserting the quotation and author name adds several words but you can expand this by adding a brief biographical note about the author eg “the famous Russian metaphysical poet”. If the article is not suited to the insertion of quotations, you might be able to add an interesting statistic. The information together with details of its source will add more words.

If you follow the steps set out above, you should find it comparatively easy to write an article of sufficient length for Ezine publication.

Elaine Currie is the owner of the Free Work At Home Directory containing ideas for the best ways to make money online and author of Ezine Article Writing - 10 Steps To Success.

Article Source: AamRas.com - Articles

What’s Wrong With The Big New York Publishers? by Jerry D. Simmons

The traditional marketplace for book sales is shrinking. The six largest publishers are shipping more books and selling less than ever before, even though the distribution chain is saturated with copies that will eventually be returned. The basic laws of supply and demand are being ignored and no one is trying to do anything about it. What’s wrong with this picture?

Reports show that book sales are falling and have been for almost 15 years. In response, the six largest publishers in the country are romancing retail bookstores to take as much inventory as possible, often more than they can handle.

Experts say more than 800 new titles are published independently and traditionally every single day in the US. That’s over 290,000 new titles per year and the growth rate for the next ten years is predicted to be near 10-15 percent. With a growing number of new titles being published and forced into a shrinking marketplace, the difficulty of marketing and selling books is obvious.

This growth of new authors and books is the direct result of new digital technology, and the ability to print books inexpensively and on demand. This has spawned a new book making industry and a different kind of “publisher,” one whose business model is based on charging writers for printing and marketing, as opposed to selling books to readers.

This turn about in the industry has accelerated the growth of new authors, new books, and the print-on-demand publishing model. These companies make their money by printing books and selling services to writers. The problem with this new kind of publisher is that authors absorb all the cost and pay dearly for an opportunity to market and sell their book in the traditional marketplace.

If you are an Independently published author and your marketing efforts focus primarily on finding shelf space in bookstores, you should refocus your attention, save your money and your time. There is a better way!

There are two major factors that create the perfect ingredients for success of the Independently published book. (1) The only area of growth in publishing today is from the Independent author, and (2) The future for global book sales is the Internet. The key is how to utilize both facts with the creation of a single, online marketplace.

It’s time for the Independent Author to unite behind one goal, to market and sell more Independently published titles – an online platform where you can profile yourself and your book, a place where readers can discover voices never heard and stories never told. The goal is to help the author create that personal connection with their audience, easily and inexpensively. Where readers can find titles they will not find in a typical bookstore right in one location.

This is ideal for writers who are tired of playing a marketing game controlled by the largest publishers in the world. It’s time for Independent authors to unite behind one goal and that is to market and sell more Independently published titles.

The first step toward total independence in the marketplace for bookselling is joining together as Independent writers and authors.

Jerry D. Simmons founded Nothing Binding for readers worldwide to discover voices never heard and stories never told. To subscribe to Jerry’s free newsletter, email jerry@writersreaders.com subject: subscribe.

Article Source: AamRas.com - Articles

Dog Houses – They Are A Great Way To Protect Your Dog From The Elements by Jesse Akre

The weather is starting to turn a little chilly outside and if you have a dog that likes to spend time in the elements, then he needs to be protected by something other than just his fur. Sure, his fur will keep him warm, but not that warm, which is where awesome dog houses come into play.

Dog houses provide your pooch with protection from the weather and what’s great about them is how they come in a variety of styles and designs, perfect for almost any sized dog. For example, you can get one that has a simple box design with a flat roof and just a small opening where he can get in and out. Or, if you want something more elaborate, you can get one that is just like the miniature version of your home equipped with shingles, a swinging doggie door, and even windows and siding. There are many others available as well including ones that are multi-levels, others that are made for two dogs, and even some that have porches or decks.

Along with the dog houses that are designed for the outdoors, you can even get your pooch one for inside as well. That’s right, they make indoor ones too. Now, they are not made like the ones for outside because instead of being built out of wood or plastic, they are crafted from soft, plush fabrics. So, your dog has a nice place to sit and relax whenever it feels like it, or whenever you don’t want him on the bed.

Not interested in dog houses since your dog does his job quick and doesn’t spend a lot of time outdoors, but are still on the lookout for ways to pamper him? Well, you’re in luck because there are a lot of dog supplies available that allow you to easily do just that. Like, you can buy actual clothes for your dog so you can dress him up for every occasion including giving him a costume for Halloween or maybe some pajamas for sleeping at night. If he needs a comfortable place to sleep at night and you don’t want an indoor dog house, then a great option where he could do just that is on a plush dog bed. Along with the clothes and dog beds, some of the other items you could pamper your dog with include special shampoos and conditioners, dog toys and treats, and you can even get him jewelry if you want.

Going to the pet store and getting your dog’s supplies can be a hassle, so instead of doing that, just hit the Internet for some online shopping. There you will be able to easily browse through all the dog houses and supplies that are available, making it a synch to find just the right stuff for your pooch. What’s even better is that it will then be shipped to your home, talk about convenience because you didn’t even have to leave it to get your shopping done.

So to make sure your dog is protected when its outside, just turn to lovely dog houses. They provide your dog with a nice spot to keep warm so you don’t have to worry about him if he likes spending a lot of time outside during those cold, winter months.

Jesse Akre, owner of many sites, provides online consumers with buying advice when purchasing plush dog beds, sturdy dog houses, and stylish dog furniture.

Article Source: AamRas.com - Articles

Hall Chests – A Fantastic Option For Improving The Look Of Any Hallway by Jesse Akre

If you are looking for a nice way to improve the look of that long hallway of yours, hall chests are the perfect way to do just that. Not only do they have a magnificent look to them, but they are practical as well and are basically one fabulous furnishing that will be sure to please.

The reason why hall chests are so pleasing to the eye is because of the many wonderful substances they are crafted from. For example, you can get one made out of any number of lovely woods including oak, pine, maple, cedar, and even mahogany. When left in their natural state with only a plain finish applied, each has a stunning appearance, however, all of them can be made even more beautiful by the other finishes that can be applied to them. Like, there are ones that feature espresso finishes, others that feature a lighter wood type finishes, some that can be distressed with hand painted accents, and you can even get ones that have an antique black finish along with those that have rich cherry finishes.

As you can see, with hall chests there are just a lot of substance and material options, all of which create ones of all sorts of styles that are an ideal choice for placing in your hallway. Some of the different style options include those that are more modern that have a sleek, symmetrical look. You can also get ones that are traditional, antique, colonial, and transitional, featuring a combination of styles. To easily check out all the different hall chests that you could get for your space, simply jump online for some comparison shopping. Browsing through the many products is easy since you just have to plunk your butt down in front of the computer to do it. What’s even better is when you happen upon something you like, you can just purchase it and it will then be shipped right to your home.

On top of adding a nice decorative look to your space, hall chests will also add a practical one to it as well. How so? Well, it is because its designs allows for easy storage of many different things. You see, one will generally come with drawers and cabinets, perfect for putting away extra linens, clothes, sheets, special keepsakes, and anything else you might want to keep out of plain sight. You can also set down and display different things on them too with some of those being family photos, vases, and even lamps.

Along with putting at the end of your hallway, since they are so practical and pleasing to the eye, one would also be a great addition to other rooms throughout your entire home as well. Like, you could put one in an entryway or foyer area to spruce up the space and even in a formal living room. Basically, one would work anywhere and some other nice spots for one consist of your bedroom, a large bathroom, and a living room.

With hall chests, you just get a great furnishing that will improve the look of any hallway thanks to its stylish appearance. Plus, it will add some practicality to it as well. So, what are you waiting for, purchase this grand furnishing today so you can enjoy it tomorrow.

Jesse Akre, owner of many sites, provides online consumers with advice when purchasing lavish storage chests, rich bedroom chest, and stunning hall chest.

Article Source: AamRas.com - Articles

Tips on Cleaning the Gardening equipments by Mitch Johnson

Sometimes we tend to forget to clean the gardening equipments after used, and we’ll find some problem when we want to use them in the future. Here are some best tips which you can use in cleaning the gardening equipments.

GARDEN TOOLS, especially at summer’s end, should be stored clean and dry. Mud left on spades, hoes, rakes, etc., encourages rust to develop, and insecticides left over the winter in a garden sprayer can corrode the metal parts to such an extent that it will not be usable in the spring. Remove the mud from all garden tools in the autumn, if you take pride in good equipment; rub off any rusted spots with steel wool, and wipe the metal with a good lubricating oil, or vaseline. Wash out sprayers and insect dusters and store them thoroughly dry.

POWER MOWERS AND SMALL TRACTORS, stored in the basement, are not a woman’s job, but probably the woman will be the one to nudge the greens keeper of the family into putting them up properly in the autumn. The Department of Agriculture says this is how to do it: drain all left over fuel oil from the gas tank and carburetor to avoid gum deposits. While the engine is warm, drain out the old oil and then refill the crankcase with fresh oil of the weight you will use in the spring. Take out the sparkplug and squirt a tea-spoonful of oil into the firing chamber, roll the fly wheel a few turns to distribute the oil* and then replace the sparkplug. Last of all, cover the exhaust pipe to protect it from moisture. As for the lawn mower, obviously, the one that is sharpened and put in tiptop condition before the grass begins to sprout has the edge on the one that is left to be sharpened during the early spring rush.

CARPENTRY TOOLS. In a household of putterers no items of equipment are more elusive than carpentry tools. Screwdrivers, small hammers, and such items apparently have a life of their own, migrating according to the dictates of fancy to locations ranging from the attic to the basement This is why so many women have learned to use hairpins, knives, and kitchen scissors for an amazingly wide variety of minor repair jobs. However, if you can achieve it, there is nothing like a well organized carpentry bench in the basement-with jars for nails, tacks, and screws of various sizes, and racks for tools, neatly arranged. Tools can be kept from rusting by rubbing off spots of corrosion with emery cloth, and wiping the metal parts with olive oil or Vaseline. Store sharp tools safely in racks or on their sides to protect the cutting edges. There are wall racks with adjustable pegs that encourage the neat disposal of small tools and you might want to try one of those. The problem, though, is to get members of the family to put the tools back into place after using them.

Keep the gardening equipment near to the outside door so they are easier to locate in times of need. Remove the mud from garden tools, to avoid the rust. Keep the carpentry tool from rusting by wipe the metal parts with olive oil or Vaseline, and keep them organized in carpentry bench.

Mitch Johnson is a regular writer for http://www.kitchen-plans-n-designs.com/ , http://www.closetorganizerforme.info/ , http://www.closetorganizerforu.info/

Article Source: AamRas.com - Articles