Freelance Writing Tips - August 7, 2007
Writer's Resources...
How to Keep Article Ideas Flowing?
Freelance writers deal with a range of personal issues: computer eye strain, carpal tunnel, mental fatigue, etc. While many writers are able to work through these problems, with the help of strong pain relievers, some problems are more difficult to solve. A common problem that every writer deals with from time to time is writer's block, or more annoying "article idea" block. If you're like most online writers, you probably write a lot of assigned articles, in which the editor provides article titles or topics. In my opinion, these articles are a little easier because the article subject and direction are already given - unless you're assigned a SEO project with silly keyword phrases that don't fit well into normal sentences.
On the other hand, if you're trying to break into print or online magazines, and have to come up with your own article ideas, "article idea" block may be an ongoing problem. Keeping fresh article ideas flowing is hard because several good ideas have already been written on exhaustively. While many publications are willing to print previously published ideas, these articles don't always command a high paycheck.
Great ways to find article ideas include watching local or national news reports or subscribing to a magazine. Is there a medical condition that hasn't receive significant coverage? What's the new high school trend? Better yet, take an already popular topic and approach it from a different or more specific angle. For example, how can college students prevent identity theft on campus? How to get approved for an auto loan with no credit history?
How to Keep Article Ideas Flowing?
Freelance writers deal with a range of personal issues: computer eye strain, carpal tunnel, mental fatigue, etc. While many writers are able to work through these problems, with the help of strong pain relievers, some problems are more difficult to solve. A common problem that every writer deals with from time to time is writer's block, or more annoying "article idea" block. If you're like most online writers, you probably write a lot of assigned articles, in which the editor provides article titles or topics. In my opinion, these articles are a little easier because the article subject and direction are already given - unless you're assigned a SEO project with silly keyword phrases that don't fit well into normal sentences.
On the other hand, if you're trying to break into print or online magazines, and have to come up with your own article ideas, "article idea" block may be an ongoing problem. Keeping fresh article ideas flowing is hard because several good ideas have already been written on exhaustively. While many publications are willing to print previously published ideas, these articles don't always command a high paycheck.
Great ways to find article ideas include watching local or national news reports or subscribing to a magazine. Is there a medical condition that hasn't receive significant coverage? What's the new high school trend? Better yet, take an already popular topic and approach it from a different or more specific angle. For example, how can college students prevent identity theft on campus? How to get approved for an auto loan with no credit history?
