I taught 5 workshops on article-writing this year at the San Diego State University Writers\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Conference. And I received the same questions I get from freelance writers everywhere I go: \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Where do article ideas come from?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d \u00e2\u20ac\u0153How do you come up with all of those article ideas?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
My book, A Writer\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s Guide to Magazine Articles explains this in depth, http:\/\/www.matilijapress.com<\/a> but today, I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122d like to suggest one way to locate good article ideas for magazines, newsletters or even your local newspaper.<\/p>\n Start by getting up off of the sofa and out into the world. Well, you can sit on the sofa long enough to look through the calendar section of the newspaper. Use your computer to locate activities and events near you. And then plan an outing for yourself and your dog or take your hubby and kids to explore some of the happenings happening around you. <\/p>\n Note: This is also a good way to get perspective, visions, etc. for your novel. One writer friend used to sit on the local pier watching people, animals, birds, inanimate objects (which sometimes become animated in the ocean breeze) and then she\u00e2\u20ac\u2122d go home and incorporate what she saw and experienced into her latest short story. I remember her reading about a \u00e2\u20ac\u0153cart-wheeling newspaper\u00e2\u20ac\u009d at our writing group once\u00e2\u20ac\u201dmany, many years ago. She got that idea while sitting on the pier.<\/p>\n So where can you go, what will you see, how could this compute into article ideas? Oh my gosh, the possibilities are endless. There are quilt shows (each quilt has a story and each quilter is eager to tell it), cat shows (if you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve never been to one, you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re in for a walk through a wonderland of fur) and motorcycle rallies (chat with some of the women riders, you might be surprised at their rather mundane or even high-power day jobs). See plays at your community theater, watch dance recitals for preschoolers, attend tee ball tournaments and talk to some of the world\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s future athletic stars. Go to a popular recreation area, amusement park or zoo and just observe with pen and paper handy. If you have a writer\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s heart, you will be jotting down ideas. Here are a few:<\/p>\n \u00e2\u20ac\u00a2\tTips for families: play together and stay together. When you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re looking for a story, don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t miss the county fair, your city\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s annual flea market, a book festival or a carnival, where there are hundreds of interesting things going on at once. <\/p>\n Go for the experience. Have you ever been to a marine animal park or oceanarium with a group of therapy animals (cats and dogs used in pet therapy)? What about an air show? Get an assignment beforehand and maybe you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll land an interview with a pilot or, better yet, a ride in a stunt plane or jet. <\/p>\n What\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s going on in your region or those areas you plan to visit this year? There are hot air balloon rides, bungie jumping, parachuting, fly fishing, white water rafting, pet parades, wine festivals, estate sales (just walking through some of these homes will awaken a flood of ideas), animal shelters, book signings and just so many other idea-rich activities and events.<\/p>\n This week, shove the cat off of your lap, get out of that computer chair and go where the ideas are. Don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t miss an opportunity to have fun and to get the ideas you need for your story or articles.<\/p>\n If you want more prompts or would like to discuss the world of article\/story-writing with me, I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m right here at PLFry620@yahoo.com. I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m also available to edit your article or your book manuscript. For more about me go to http:\/\/www.matilijapress.com\/consulting.html<\/a> <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" I taught 5 workshops on article-writing this year at the San Diego State University Writers\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Conference. And I received the same questions I get from freelance writers everywhere I go: \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Where do article ideas come from?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d \u00e2\u20ac\u0153How do you come up with all of those article ideas?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d My book, A Writer\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s Guide to Magazine Articles […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[4],"tags":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t
\n\u00e2\u20ac\u00a2\tExercise tips for promoting family togetherness.
\n\u00e2\u20ac\u00a2\tSafety tips on and around the lake or ocean.
\n\u00e2\u20ac\u00a2\tQuick and healthy meals to take along on a family outing.
\n\u00e2\u20ac\u00a2\tHow to prevent heat ailments in your pet this summer.
\n\u00e2\u20ac\u00a2\tHow to choose the best family dog.
\n\u00e2\u20ac\u00a2\tTraveling with cats.
\n\u00e2\u20ac\u00a2\tGrooming tips for people who like to adventure with their pets.<\/p>\n