by Melanie Barnes

Created on: December 30, 2008

Finding ideas for article writing

Generating new ideas can be frustrating for new writers. The easiest way is to start by looking at your daily life; everyone has knowledge of certain subjects. For instance, if you're a parent, you'll know what its like to be a new Mum. You could write about coping in the early weeks with a tiny baby.

Draw ideas from every part of your life. Think of all those mundane jobs you do each day. Can you find a way to speed up the housework or declutter the sitting room? These would make great articles or filler items for women's magazines.

Don't forget your hobbies and interests. You probably know your subject inside out, whether it's a sport you're passionate about or some cookery tips to pass on. In our present economic climate, many people are looking for ways to cook meals on a budget. You might have a tasty recipe for using leftovers, or how to cook cheaper cuts of meat.

My special interest is cats. When my cat was a kitten, there were all kinds of issues to face. He spent many happy hours swinging from my net curtains and scratching my table legs. Finding a way to deal with this common problem will make a saleable article.

If you are a pet lover, there are endless subjects to cover. For example, pet mice and a cat kept in the house together. This could be turned into a humorous piece about how to keep your mice safe from the cat.

Here are a few more ideas to try.

1. Buy or borrow magazines and newspapers that interest you. Scan the "news in brief" sections, which often cover unusual or interesting stories. Check out your local charity shop. They sometimes sell second hand magazines for a fraction of the usual price, and you might find something different.

2. Listen to local radio programmes, they always cover topical issues, and give you a wealth of ideas.

3. Read everything, from your favourite books to the junk mail that you receive. It's surprising how you'll soon get those creative juices flowing.

4. Carry your notebook everywhere. And when a flash of inspiration strikes, jot it down, don't let it get away! Always keep a camera handy, or use your mobile phone, and take any interesting pictures.

5. Think about any life experiences you have had. Perhaps you've suffered from an illness, and have found an alternative therapy for pain relief. Most readers are interested in health issues, particularly if it has affected them personally.

6. Other life experiences could be unusual holidays, dealing with debt, extreme sports or starting a new business.

7. Try a brain storming session. On a blank piece of paper, write a list of problems you've encountered or what you have done in your life so far. Below are a few suggestions taken from my own life that will help to stir your imagination.

Coping with a child that has Eczema

Travelled on a plane to Florida with a ten month old baby.

Completed a computer course

Moved house

Trained as a Hairdresser

Have a good knowledge of keeping chickens

These are just a few of the possibilities that could be written into saleable articles. You can write your own lists with other ideas. For example you could try a list of new hobbies and interests you'd like to try, or subjects you'd like to learn about.

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