Do you have a favorite writing topic? Maybe it is a pet rant, something you’re passionate about, something you know well or would like to know more about. Most writers, especially when starting out, write about something near and dear to them. And this is a good idea for many reasons.
• It’s easier to write about something with which you are familiar.
• You can more readily come up with new angles for stories.
• You have already done some research on the subject.
• You have material on the topic.
• You know who the experts are and how to reach them.
• You know people to quote on this topic.
• You’re familiar with appropriate publications for your articles.
• You know what else has been published on this matter.
I once heard someone say that he never ever had one of his articles rejected. And I maintain that is because he wrote only on the subject of his expertise and interest and he submitted his pieces only to known and appropriate publications.
It is true that you will have a better chance at being published if you write about what you know. This might include:
• Your line of work.
• A hobby you’ve pursued for many years.
• An affliction you’ve lived with all of your life.
• Something you’ve studied in depth.
• Something related to a life experience.
The subject might be flying light planes, caring for Alzheimer’s patients, being a twin or triplet, living with a speech impediment, making wooden toys, gardening, raising feral kittens or using make up to enhance the confidence level of cancer patients.
Writing about what you know is a good idea for most beginning writers. Some topics can be expanded, dissected, minced, sliced, enhanced and redesigned over and over again and earn you thousands of dollars over time. But, if you want to establish a career as a freelance writer or an author, at some point, you’ll probably want to expand your horizons and write about things outside of your realm of knowledge. In this case you will need to:
• Determine what other topics are of interest to readers and editors.
• Look at subjects that are timely and pertinent today.
• Conduct new research.
• Locate new experts.
• Find new appropriate publications.
There are two types of freelance writers. One focuses just on what he or she knows and never
steps outside those boundaries. The other one, reaches out, stretches and embraces new themes and ideas in order to sustain his freelance writing business.
Which freelance writer are you? Will you stay focused on your one topic forever—or until your well of ideas and opportunities runs dry? Or will you expand your horizons and get involved in other subjects in order to keep the income flowing your way?
For more on how to start and operate a freelance article-writing business, sign up for my online Article-Writing Course.
http://www.matilijapress.com/course_magarticles.htm
Sign up this month and receive a copy of my book, A Writer’s Guide to Magazine Articles. (For US residents only.)
Remember, article-writing is also an excellent way to promote your published books.