Article Writing: How to Find What to Write
It’s not you. You’ve not lost your creativity, you haven’t failed as a writer, and it’s definitely not writer’s block. Seriously, repeat that to yourself.
Now we’ve got that out of the way, let’s move on to how to generate article ideas. That’s what it really boils down to, after all. When we’re sitting at the computer staring at a blank screen, the panic can settle in quickly if we don’t know what to write about in the first place. Having a list of topic ideas helps… but takes us right back to the question of how to get those topic ideas in the first place.
The Internet: A Writer’s Best Friend
Inspiration is – literally – at your fingertips.
Every day, the Internet grows to even more impressive sizes. There is content on everything you could ever imagine – and many, many things you’d never thought to imagine before. With this invaluable tool, generating article topic ideas really isn’t difficult. Half the work is done for you.
The key to remember is that unless you’re writing about something so new, so local, and so unique that you’re the only person who has ever seen/heard/experienced it, it has been written about by somebody to some extent. A lot of variables in that sentence – that’s where ideas begin.
Your goal is to locate some good information and study it. Sit down with pen and paper or word processor and start taking notes. Here’s the process:
1. Find an article. There are a ton of article directories, and any site worth the cyber-space it takes up has dozens more specifically targeted to a topic. You could do a wide search for, as an example, cameras. Just make sure the topic is something you are very interested in and, preferrably, have some experience with. It will save you a lot of time, eliminating a good percentage of your research.
2. Before you read the article, check out the headline. This is the first thing you want to take notes from. Based on the headline alone, what do you expect to find in the article? Be as detailed or as vague as you want, but jot down any ideas or impressions the title of the article gives you.
3. As you read the article, take notes of its main points. Articles perform one basic function: they inform. What information is this article stressing? Compare that to the notes you just took – does the information presented answer the questions you had when you read the headline?
4. Based on the article as a whole, what information would compliment that given? Going back to our camera example, let’s say that I was reading about how to choose a digital camera. Within that article was information on different types of camera storage – the fact that images could be stored on CD/DVD or a memory card. The article doesn’t do more than mention that fact, though, so I’m intrigued. This would make a good article.
With your four-point list, you have the stuff to start generating ideas. What questions weren’t answered? Write an article that answers them. Complimentary information is also a wonderful way to go – especially if you have experience in the topic you’re writing on.
Brainstorm: Creativity is Inspiration
When I’m bored (usually while sitting through one of my daughter’s kid-shows), I keep a small notebook and pencil nearby and let myself brainstorm. There are two types of brainstorms that I do.
Brainstorm One: In the Headlines
Pull out a back issue of one of your favorite magazines. You’re not going to open it – instead, you’re going to focus on the front cover. A magazine places headlines on the cover which they believe will sell the issue. Pick a headline at random that intrigues you. Then, start writing everything that comes to mind from that headline. Don’t let the inner editor come out – you’re brainstorming, not creating perfection. You want to get ideas flowing.
If you have time, go on to another headline. This is a good writing exercise, as well, that will keep you constantly looking at things from an article writer’s eyes. “How can I write about this? – What is happening that would make a good article?”
Brainstorm Two: In the Home
Kick back with your handy-dandy notebook (go Blue) and take a look around your home. The first thing that your eyes fall on is your subject. Let’s say that I looked up from my paper and randomly fell on my orchids that are just now peeking out of the potting soil. What subjects are related to that? I could start with something broad, like “Caring for Orchids” and narrow it down later – “Fighting Common Orchid Illnesses”, for example.
Putting It All Together
Already you know what you need to start creating pages of article ideas. Don’t analyze your brainstorms right away – let them sit a day or two while you work on new ones. Then, go back to your previous lists and focus on creating specific topic ideas from there.
One good practice is to keep a “neat” list near your computer, for those moments when you start to panic at the sight of a blank white screen. Another idea that a friend recommended and I’ve tried to some degree of success is to bookmark articles as you do your normal web browsing that catch your eye. When you’re in the mood to generate topics, you can hit back on those bookmarks and find that the information still intrigues you.
What many article writers seem to forget is that writing is supposed to be fun. All of us stress, and we all have moments of self-doubt. If we can get past that, though, our core of inner strength starts to shine and we, as authors, become better for it.
