How to Write a How-To Piece (Creative, I know)

First, you must think of a topic that no one else will think of that is creative and thought provoking. Since you are just writing the steps of how to do something, you make it interesting by choosing an interesting topic. Make it a relevant topic for your audience. For example, a step by step procedure of how to write a how to is genius (especially because everyone on this blog has to write one), but writing how to make “break and bake” cookies is pathetic. Next, you begin by telling the precise directions to complete the task. Describe everything. Sometimes state the obvious. Avoid making the steps verbose and confusing. Assume that the audience has the intelligence of a kindergarten age student and go slowly. Make sure to throw in some transition words like first, next, then, or finally to keep the piece moving. Utilize effective verbs that describe the actions you are conveying. Eliminate any confusion that the audience might have about the topic. Make them feel like it’s an easy task to accomplish by the time they are finished reading it. If you have achieved this, you have successfully written a how to piece.