So you want to be a freelance article-writer. But what are you going to write about? Most writers start out with one or two pet themes that they want to or MUST write about. They have a gripe or a point they want to make and they plan to use their pen (or computer) to share their perspective with the world.
Then what? Once you find an editor who will give you a break and publish your essay, then what will you write about after that? Do you have a knack for creating more articles using different slants from the same topic? Most new writers haven’t mastered this technique, yet. It seems to take time and practice to get to the place where you can produce new articles from a single theme. It also takes time to achieve a mindset that sees article ideas wherever you go. But, if you want to earn your living or even some pocket money writing articles for magazines, you’ll need to train yourself to do this.
Coming up with article ideas is often difficult for the beginner. After a while, however, it becomes second nature. With practice, you’ll eventually hear yourself saying quite often during conversation, “Oh, that would make a good article.” You’ll find yourself thinking, while out walking, biking, swimming, picnicking, shopping, driving, traveling, working, working out, sewing, gardening, speaking or ????? “Hey, I could write an article about that thought, observation, experience, etc.”
In my book, A Writer’s Guide to Magazine Articles, I suggest finding article ideas everywhere and in every experience. Here are the basics:
• Write about what you know. This might include your skills, hobbies, interests.
• Write about things you want to know.
• Share your experiences.
• Relate the experiences of others.
• Eaves drop—get ideas from the conversations you overhear.
• Pay attention to the world around you
• Keep up with the news
• Pay attention to trends
If you are interested in knowing more, I can flesh out these basics for you in upcoming blog posts. Of course, these are all explained with samples in the book, which is only $6.50 at my website, by the way. Sign up for my online article-writing course and get the book for free. Learn more about the course here: http://www.matilijapress.com/course_magarticles.htm
Tomorrow, I think I’ll give tips on how to create new articles from a single theme. And you know what? Those of you with books should pay attention, too, because article-writing is a great way to promote a nonfiction book.