Pages

18 September 2024

Hook, Message, Call to Action: Advice on Journal Article Writing for Dummies—by a Dummy

Leyton Summerlin

However, contributing these experiences or insights can be intimidating for several reasons. Over the last year, I have learned much about writing by reading almost everything the Army’s journals have published—the good and the bad. I’ve also had the opportunity to meet and learn from some phenomenal writers and editors whose advice I have collected and want to share to help soldiers with great ideas who may simply need another perspective on writing to get started.

I recently spent three weeks traveling the Army, talking about professional discourse and the importance of the Army’s journals. At least once a day, someone would say, “Not all of us have a writing background or a degree like you do. It’s not that easy to just get started.” Well, let me enlighten you on my academic background. I barely passed high school, failed junior English twice, and lied or cheated my way out of any writing assignment I ever had in school because I hated its rigidity and subjectivity. My teachers only passed me because they didn’t want to deal with me for another year. Incoming cliché—if I can do it, anyone can. If you’re like me and struggle with conforming your ideas to what you were told all writing should look like, this different approach to formatting may help.

No comments:

Post a Comment