You need an article for your newsletter, and you need it now. As a matter of fact, you can spare only forty minutes to get the article written, edited and slotted into place. The good news is that it can be done - and done well. Here’s how to generate a 400-500-word article in a short time.

1. Turbo-Outlining.

Give yourself 5-10 minutes for this part of the process. If you already have a topic in mind, you’re in front. If not, you have exactly 90 seconds to decide. Naturally this needs to be a problem that YOU can help solve in your article.

2. Speed-Writing Your First Draft.

Allow 20-25 minutes to write the first draft. Spend an extra few minutes on the first paragraph. Don’t use long-winded sentences or ramble on about how awful it is - just get to the point. By the end of the first half-dozen sentences, your reader needs to feel keen to read on and find out the solution.

3. Tweak and Polish.

After thirty minutes you should have an excellent basis for your article. If you can afford to take fifteen minutes out at this stage for a cup of coffee or a quick walk, do so. It’s always better to take a break before editing your work. If not, just start reading it from the beginning. Check for these things:

a. Spelling and grammar.
b. Wordy sentences or phrases. Weed them out!
c. Badly-phrased advice.
d. Missing steps.

Now, you should have a finished article that will prove both interesting and helpful to many of your readers. At worst, it will be competent. At best, it will surprise you with what you can achieve in a short time!