Many of you have been there. You find yourself sitting at your desk, looking at a blink Word document, and thinking of a topic to write on. You want to write on a topic that webmasters and web surfers would be interested in. But you can't seem to think of anything that is interesting or that you have expertise in.
I am sure you have wondered how some authors are able to publish hundreds of articles online. Ever wondered where they get so many interesting ideas? The answer is all around you. As you sit and read this article on finding new article topics, there are possibly several ideas for topics, literally, within your reach that you can write on.
For example, take a look at your desk. You, like most of us, may have paper scattered all over it, lunch from two weeks ago hidden behind the monitor, and half of the ties you own stuffed in one of the drawers. Well, I am exaggerating a little, but you get the idea. The question you can ask yourself is how would I fix this? How simple can that be? Figuring out a way to remedy this problem can become useful information that can potentially be used by millions of workers with the same problem.
Another overlooked source for article topics is your television. Television shows and news programs are full of ideas for article topics. For example, while watching the local news, a report on a family that has been exposed to carbon monoxide nearly dies from the poisonous, odorless gas. Again, question how you would have remedied this problem and what you would do to prevent it from happening in the future? If you are not familiar with certain aspects of a subject, be sure to do your homework.
Browsing the internet, driving in your car, and listening to the radio are also great sources to find potential article topics. What about talking to coworkers and friends? In many cases, conservations with friends are usually dominated by problems that friend is currently experiencing. Some conversations may even lead to the remedy of a particular problem. After generalizing the conversation, you will have an article topic to write on, with a real life reference as proof.
Webmasters and internet users are constantly looking for fresh, useful information. The range of that information is as wide as your imagination can span. Provide information that users will find helpful and objective.
If you're like me, then the major problem is finding the topic that will have editors chortling with glee because he knows his readers will love it. 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.
Perhaps the first and easiest thing you should 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.
Here are a couple of headlines I came across whilst 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?
Often 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.
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. Pick up a magazine on a topic that you are vaguely interested in and read it just for fun. Several ideas may jump out at you whilst you're reading. 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 and therefore people are interested in reading about them. 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. 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 may even end up with a list of new topics that will keep you busy for several 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.
Both Jimmy Walker & Mervyn Love are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Jimmy Walker has sinced written about articles on various topics from Candida Infection, Writing and Dating and Romance. Jimmy Walker is the founder of . Find thousands of quality citations from books, periodicals, and electronic sources. Post samples of your work on CitePlane. Jimmy Walker's top article generates over 6600 views. to your Favourites.
Mervyn Love has sinced written about articles on various topics from Writing, Advertising Guide and Writing. Mervyn Love's website for aspiring writers offers a mix of advice, resources. Mervyn Love's top article generates over 18100 views. to your Favourites.