How To Write Articles Like Agatha Christie (Or Jason Better)…
I’ve only read one mystery novel by Agatha Christie, “And Then There Were None” (Also known as “Ten Little Indians”) but the story has permanently tattooed itself on my brain.
Because there’s one secret Agatha uses through the whole novel that will help any article marketer write more persuasive, gripping, and I dare say hypnotic articles. The best part is, it’s really easy to do.
Before I tell you about it, let me give you the sneaky back-story…
You see, the story takes place on an island where 10 people are summoned by mysterious letters for an unexplained purpose. But here’s the juicy part…
When they get to the island they disappear (one-by-one) and the novel turns into a paranoid “who dun it” page turner.
Yeah I know, that sounds “cliche” today, but this is the original dinner table murder mystery novel – the book that inspired them all.
“It was Colonel Mustard in the library with the lead pipe”
In fact, Agatha’s novel was so successful that till this day it’s still one of the bestselling novels of all time and it’s a fantastic read. (If you can find a copy).
It’s a thrilling mystery that hooks you on the first page and grips you like a 28 foot anaconda till the very last word.
And that’s what your articles should do too…
- They should hook readers with their headline and hold them tight.
- They should be thrilling mystery till you make your point.
- They should arouse curiosity and reward it in full.
Now, you don’t have to be Agatha Christie to inject a little mystery into your articles. So, never forget that every article (or blog post) you write has the potential to be a bestseller in it’s own right. Especially today in a world of Facebook, Twitter, and friends.
If you enjoyed this article then help make it a bestseller by sharing it with your FACEBOOK friends today – it’s really easy to do – it’s the blue button at the top of this post. Thank you. 
To your success,
-Jason The “Better Networker”
-The Jason Better Blog
New Here? Well then, join the circle of friends by signing up for more free network marketing tips delivered straight to your inbox. It’s real easy to do. 
56 Comments
Josh Garcia on April 30th, 2010
Hey Jason,
Love those quick tips you provide on how to become a better writer for the articles we write.
As I continue doing my articles. I’m seeing a huge improvements on my end. My goal is to become a fantastic copywriter like Tim Erway. Over time it will happen.
Have a great weekend…
Josh
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Yadvinder Singh on April 30th, 2010
Hi jason, I remembered the old saying while reading your post and that was “curiousty killed the cat” but here the idea is to give value while hooking the reader up and I would emphasise again this is a million dollar skill to have and it can do wonders for you. Thanks for the post and enjoy your weekend
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April 30th, 2010 at 11:25 am
I’m almost tempted to say that copywriting is THE million dollar skill.
As long as you don’t forget the marketing side of things.
Some writers lose sight of that.
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Josh Garcia on April 30th, 2010
Hey Jason,
Love those quick tips you provide on how to become a better writer for the articles we write.
As I continue doing my articles. I’m seeing a huge improvements on my end. My goal is to become a fantastic copywriter like Tim Erway. Over time it will happen.
Have a great weekend…
Josh
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April 30th, 2010 at 11:25 am
It will happen.
If there’s anything I would never give up it’s my daily writing.
You’re already a fantastic writer.
I check up on you. 
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April 30th, 2010 at 1:50 pm
Hey Josh. That looks like Lake Eola in Downtown Orlando behind you. Is that right?
Kind Regards & Blessings
Nelson
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April 30th, 2010 at 2:05 pm
Hi Nelson,
That’s the famous fountain Downtown Orlando.
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Tommy DiPietro on April 30th, 2010
Hey J,
That is the problem with many articles these days. It’s the same information recycled over and over again.
I try a different spin using real life examples or public figures to tell a more interesting story.
I tried this last night post an article and so far so good.
This was a good refresher on what to write about.
Have a great weekend!
Tommy D.
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April 30th, 2010 at 11:34 am
Hey Tommy,
You have a great weekend too.
You know, it’s not so much that people recycle the same ideas that’s a problem…
A good idea is a good idea…
It’s the total lack of personality or any sort of flair that bores me to tears.
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Ilka Flood on April 30th, 2010
Hi Jason,
Ahhh, Agatha Christie! What a great writer! I devoured her novels when I was a kid. “Murder on the Orient Express” is my all-time favorite.
Yes, to write articles as suspenseful as her novels that would be my dream.
Have an awesome day!
Ilka
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April 30th, 2010 at 11:26 am
I haven’t had time lately to grab a novel but I’ll have to add that one to my pile of novels to read next.
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April 30th, 2010 at 1:31 pm
I know what you mean, ha. I’ve switched novels for knowledge the past few years. But every once in a while you’ve got to let your hair down and just relax with a good read
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Kerie Cooper on April 30th, 2010
The formula is simple enough, yet can be challenging at the same time. I’m finding it to be a process to find my voice, as to not simply mirror everyone else in this industry writing about the same thing…I’m working on it… You seem to have it pretty solid…I’m taking notes.
Have a great weekend!
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April 30th, 2010 at 11:27 am
Kerie, that’s the toughest thing of all!
I know you’ll find it though.
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Dwayne Huggins on April 30th, 2010
Great lesson to learn
I am implementing these guides and I think I’m getting better.
In a weird way you have to write to impress yourself. If your head line won’t turn your head i probably wont turn other heads and so on.
Thanks for your continued value.
Have a great weekend
Dwayne
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April 30th, 2010 at 11:28 am
Hey Dwayne,
I see you’re rocking the boat at Better Networker today.
Three articles!
And trust me, you are getting better.
You were already good.
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Amy Starr Allen on April 30th, 2010
I always admire your ability to simlify things, Jason. These 3 tips pretty much sum it up and make it easy for us to apply to create juicy articles…
Sometimes I wish I could just carry you around in my pocket .
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
-A
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April 30th, 2010 at 11:31 am
Well, I know some peeps would say that’s because I have a simple childlike mind.
But, it’s a lot of work to keep things simple.
As for the pocket thing…
What do you think I am?
Jiminy Cricket?
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April 30th, 2010 at 1:10 pm
Well, you are always commenting about how small you are
Jiminy Cricket… you crack me up. Where do you come up w/ this stuff? I had forgotten about him.
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April 30th, 2010 at 2:59 pm
I wish I knew!
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Wayne Vassell on April 30th, 2010
Hey J,
I like the three hot tips there, as I said before your headlines always hook us in, so I know we can lead from example for sure.
I guess the other two points are where experience in copywriting comes in, a valuable skill that we all need.
Nice tips and have a great weekend.
Wayne Vassell, signing out…
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Derek Alvarez on April 30th, 2010
I love it Jason,
Who knew my love of fiction would someday pay off?
I’ve never read Agatha Christie, but it sounds like I’ll have to add her to my list.
Right now, I try to squeeze in some short stories from guys like Mark Twain and O. Henry, but I’ve read the gamut…
From “War and Peace” to “Harry Potter.”
I love that stuff! Plus pop culture like TV shows, newspapers, and comic books can give some great ideas, too.
I think reading is the best way to get good at writing — that’s why I come over here!
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April 30th, 2010 at 2:55 pm
I have to agree with that…
I’m a very big reader, blogs, books, or anything.
It definitely helps your writing.
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Matthew Pedler on April 30th, 2010
Hey Jason,
Another great list ( 3 counts as a list right?..mini list?..)
Those 3 things plus a big personality and you have a winning blog… like this one
Thanks,
Matt
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Mark Gubuan on April 30th, 2010
While we’re on the subject of novels. Reading and “digesting” other writing masterpieces is a critical activity to developing your writing style.
I find that if I write first thing in the morning I am the most creative and the words flow a lot better. Of course I might still be dreaming, but what ever works right?
Mark
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April 30th, 2010 at 2:57 pm
I’m with you here.
Especially the morning thing.
I do my best writing in the morning.
I have a really hard time writing past 6:00 at night.
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Rhonda Miller on April 30th, 2010
As the old saying goes “Practice makes Perfect”. It’s funny b/c I can’t even look at a magazine or newspaper anymore w/o total concentration on the headline. lol
The 3 R’s still hold true today: Readin, Ritin & Rithmatic. The more I read & write, the easier it’s getting. At least it doesn’t take me 2 hours to write a single article anymore:)
Your posts and everyone’s participation have helped immensely.
Have a great weekend,
Rhonda
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April 30th, 2010 at 2:58 pm
Have a great weekend too Rhonda!
Unfortunately those 3 R’s seem to get a lot of abuse in our school systems these days. 
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Nelson Montanez on April 30th, 2010
Thanks for the outline Jason. It really helps for someone like me who is challenged in the creative writing area.
Nevertheless I will continue to push onward.
Have a great weekend.
Kind Regards and blessings!
Nelson
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April 30th, 2010 at 3:02 pm
Nelson,
Having said that…
Have you listened to the Ty Tribble ABN Member Interview on Better Networker?
I have a feeling you would totally dig it.
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Gayle Buchanan on April 30th, 2010
Morning Jason
Haven’t read an Agatha book (I’m a wiss!) but get what you mean.
Have a great weekend, have a book list to pour through my brain and kindle the writers fire, thanks for the reminder
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April 30th, 2010 at 3:04 pm
There’s so many authors out there and sooo many books.
I’m sure you have your own favorites.
And you have a great weekend too Gayle.
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Mitchell Dillman on April 30th, 2010
Well Mr. Better,
Believe me when I say you are good…However, to put yourself up there with the likes of Agatha Christie…
Are you aware, sir, that Christie has been referred to by the Guinness Book of World Records as the best-selling writer of books of all time…
…and the best-selling writer of any kind, along with William Shakespeare!
For goodness sakes Jason, only the Bible is known to have outsold her collected sales of roughly four billion copies of novels…
Geez man, I love it!
Putting yourself up on a pedestal that Tall takes some Big Kahunas Jason…Big Kahunas.
Looks like we’re in the presence of Greatness around here!
I suppose when Zig said “See you at the Top” he was speaking of where you live, Huh?
Mitchell Dillman
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April 30th, 2010 at 4:34 pm
Gosh, I didn’t think about it that way.
You sure know how to lay on the flattery Mitchell…
It’s like icing a cake with canoe paddle instead of a spatula.
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Marcus Baker on April 30th, 2010
Hi Jason,
I remember Agatha Christie well although it seems like another life ago now – ha.
I once wrote quite a lot of short stories and of course your tips applied there too. They apply to all good writing.
I will say I find writing fiction a whole lot easier than articles. For instance those darn keywords often get in the way of some of my first creative title ideas. I guess therein lies the challenge which is why any best selling author will tell you it’s a craft that must be learned and practiced.
Cheers
Marcus
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April 30th, 2010 at 4:35 pm
Then write stories Marcus!
You know, some of the best sales letters and articles are stories.
So, don’t let keywords, rules, or tradition get in the way.
Add that “stuff” in later like a carpenter sanding the rough edges down.
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Susanna on April 30th, 2010
Hi Jason,
I have always loved reading, like Ilka, I’ve switched to development and knowledge books lately, rather than pure entertainment.
You’re 3 steps really make it all seem simple. Like anything, the more you do it the better you get at it. I won’t ever stop working to make it better, but I like to think I’ve improved since I started.
Have a great weekend!
Susanna
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May 1st, 2010 at 1:47 pm
Awesome,
I go through phases where I’ll devour every marketing book in sight or reread the good ones. But, sometimes I just need a brain break.
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Melisa on April 30th, 2010
I love murder mysteries so this really hits home for me. I like the way you look at things.
I have been working on my copy skills and I am going to keep these tips handy. Still have plenty to learn.
Melisa
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May 1st, 2010 at 1:49 pm
Oh don’t worry about that Melisa…
…there will always be plenty to learn.
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Ken West on April 30th, 2010
Hey Jason,
Nice article. Every sentence should make your reader want to continue reading the next…I think I learned that from you;) I try to always keep this in mind when I’m writing.
Also, totally with you and Mark G. I write much better first thing in the morning.
Take care,
Ken
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May 1st, 2010 at 1:50 pm
“Every sentence should make your reader want to continue reading the next”
Joe Sugarman says that a lot too.
If you haven’t read any of his copywriting books you might enjoy them.
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Kylie Doak on May 1st, 2010
Hi Jason
The three points you make are excellent and I would encourage everyone to do their best to apply each of them in their writing.
I would also add another one (which won’t be relevant in every instance) and that is … humour!
Of course there are varying degrees of humour, however, telling a story that is entertaining makes it engaging for the reader, and they are more likely to read through to the end of it.
Your style of writing comes to mind here …
I hadn’t visited your blog for a while (time issues, nothing to do with the content!), but I’m glad I’m back!
I also love reading through the other comments on your posts and your replies to them …
… Jiminy Cricket – that’s funny! (now I’ve got “Give a Little Whistle” going around in my head!
~ Kylie ~
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May 1st, 2010 at 1:53 pm
Thank you Kylie,
Humor is one of those tricky things…
Perfect for articles but not always the best for marketing or sales letters.
Still, I like an article that makes me laugh a little.
Too many people take life too seriously.
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I like the 3 easy ways to implement this.
They sound like great ways to keep readers coming back for more!
Thanks for always keeping me curious and excited about your next post
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April 30th, 2010 at 11:22 am
Hey Monique,
Thanks for dropping in.
I’m just as excited about the posts on drivetheline.
I need to work my time management better and get my butt over there to see what’s new.
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April 30th, 2010 at 1:21 pm
Well, you are always welcome at our place.
If you let me know you’re stopping by I’ll make brownies or strawberry shortcake for you
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April 30th, 2010 at 3:00 pm
Soooo very tempting.
April 30th, 2010 at 11:39 am
Whoa, congrats, sweetie — you beat Josh to the first comment!
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April 30th, 2010 at 11:40 am
P.S. Thanks for the huge compliment, Jason!
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April 30th, 2010 at 2:54 pm
No prob.
Honestly, you two are a deadly Network Marketing duo.
April 30th, 2010 at 2:54 pm
It’s a miracle!
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