If you're anything like me, the major problem is actually finding the topic that you know will knock the socks off the readers, and hopefully the editor as well. The actual writing of the article holds no fears; it's just finding the right topic and one that's going to be a winner.



So here are a few tips on capturing those elusive ideas.

One thing the seasoned writers will do is pick up the nearest newspaper and read the headlines. If you think this sounds just a little too down-to-earth ? think again. Many a best selling article has been penned from the catalyst of a newspaper headline.

Take a couple of headlines at the time of writing this:

?Laptop Thief Has Bank Details of 15,000 policemen.?

This could start you thinking about laptop security and how you can best protect your data from being compromised. You could write an article on the various methods of blocking viruses and keeping out SPAM. How about an article on the growing trend of hi-tech theft, or the use of the internet and computers by the criminal fraternity? What steps are the banks taking to prevent fraud and identity theft?

?A Monster Following For Nessie.?

Apparently, in this news item, the Loch Ness monster was voted the most famous Scot! This could lead to articles on famous mythical creatures. Is there any basis in fact for them? Were there really flying dragons in Wales, etc? What about an article on real life monsters, unusual creatures that live in far away places or under the sea? How about how the tourist trade capitalizes on myths and monsters, with examples of some wacky souveniers?

More often than not, a story will grab your interest about some subject you've never heard of before, or about one that has been lurking in the back of your mind for a while and now is the time to follow it through.

Sometimes the newspaper article will provide all the facts you need to write up an entire article of your own. If not, it doesn't take long to do a little research at the library or on the Internet to find the missing pieces.

Other ways to find new topics is to visit the library or a good bookshop and browse the titles. Go to sections you are unfamiliar with and see what titles will jump start your imagination and produce some exciting and informative ideas. Read magazines and books for pleasure and cash in on the ideas that strike you while reading that remind you of other things. Your mind makes associations and sees things in new ways when it's relaxed by reading.

You can also observe products while food shopping. There are always plenty of items for sale you've never noticed before, and some of them are fads.

Fads are good to write about because they tie into the current collective consciousness of society and therefore people are interested in reading about them. Look for new things when out shopping. Food items, clothes, gadgets, furniture, gardening, pets ? almost any consumer section is prone to fads and fashions at some time.

Don't be afraid to let your mind wander. This is how different ideas that are floating around a bit aimlessly in your consciousness can suddenly arrange themselves in a new and exciting way.

By purposefully pursuing this mind wandering, you can frequently come up with several topics you've never thought of writing about before. You find yourself enthusiastic about writing your new article and effortlessly pop it out, not to mention a few useful spin-off articles or new angles. You may even end up with a list of new topics that will keep you busy for a few weeks!

Always be ready to tackle a new idea, as the wealth of information that exists on any imaginable subject is almost inexhaustible these days.

Read as much as you can, take notes, talk to people who know the subject you're interested in, and you will soon be turning out articles that editors will grab with alacrity.