Lesson 1: What Should I Write About?
Finding Good Ideas
Writers find ideas everywhere – from newspapers, magazines, books, television and conversations, for example. It is good practice to read an article and think of a fresh angle on the topic. Imagine that you have recently read an article about a castle, for example. Could you expand on the castle’s history? Do the owners have an unusual way of making money? Were any of the former owners especially interesting? You can often ‘brainstorm’ and obtain many different angles based on the one subject.
SOME SUGGESTIONS
1. Using your professional background can give you a headstart in the competitive world of freelance writing. Michael Perry, author of the Handbook for Freelance Writing, has a bachelor’s degree in nursing. He writes patient profiles for an in-house hospital publication and chapters for a medical/legal textbook company. I have a Law degree and often write legal articles. One big advantage of using your professional background is that you can write for fellow professionals or you can simplify complicated subjects so that lay people can understand them more easily.
2. Write about what you care about. If you are passionate about a particular subject it is likely to show in your writing. You may, for example, be concerned about the effect of violence on TV and film on children or the easy availability of drugs. The proviso is, however, that health can be a difficult field to break into.
3. Write about your personal experiences – they could be life-changing, humorous or romantic. You may know someone with an interesting story who would make a good interview subject.
4. Hobbies and activities that you like doing will provide you with many ideas. If you like films and books, for example, you could write reviews. Some other examples include travel, technology and sports.
5. How-to articles are always in demand. Use the skills that you are good at to write these. You may be a wine buff, for example, and able to teach others about wine.
6. Humorous articles are popular, but many people, including me, find them difficult to write. The antics of children or articles which are slightly self-deprecating are usually enjoyed by many people.
7. Seasonal articles are always in demand, for example, articles about Easter, Christmas or Thanksgiving. So many articles have been written about the history and customs of these celebrations, however, that it is more difficult to find a fresh angle than with many other subjects.
Most writers keep clips of articles about the subjects which they want to write about – to help their research and to provide fresh ideas. An ‘ideas file’ with clips from newspapers and magazines is very helpful. Remember also the wise advice to always keep a notebook handy! A writer is like the Australian bower-bird: obtaining ideas in many different ways.
