What’s on the iPod: Think Out Loud by Ed Sheeran
Once more, we were without AC for a little bit. The repair man was fast in getting to me — within an hour of the call — but the part had to be ordered. It was hot outside — 88 degrees F — but it was okay inside because there was no sun with the rain storms threatening. Comfortable isn’t quite the right word. Bearable. I think we got up to just 76, which is right about when one would want to open some windows.
It didn’t bother me to work like that. I concentrated on the work and when it became a little warm, I drank ice water. I spent the first 38 years of my life with no central air conditioning. Once you get used to it being a little warmer, you just live with it.
I had time after an interview to do some digging for my next article query. With two assignments currently, I’m always looking for more work. I have a few solid ideas that will go out today, and I hope to get some writing done on the first assignment as well as some research for the second assignment. Plus, I’m starting a new marketing campaign this week and I want to finalize plans for that.
Finding article ideas for writing assignments can sometimes create some challenge. Where do you look, and how do you know it’s a good idea? For this post, I won’t go into where to send the query. That’s an entirely different post, and one we’ll tackle some other day. Right now, let’s look at where to find ideas for your magazine queries.
Press releases. These are some of my favorite sources. Most press releases contain information like “Joe Schmoe has been appointed as head of our new cyber intelligence group.” Sounds kind of dull, right? It is — until you look deeper. Don’t look at “Joe” as the topic, but at “our new cyber intelligence group” as the main point. What’s that about? What does that group do? How does it differ from what’s already being done? How has cyber security changed over the last decade? There are plenty of questions, and a potential story, in that one sentence. Learn to do close readings of releases — even the ones that seem most mundane can hold your next article assignment.
News Alerts. I subscribe to four or five different e-newsletters that send out daily or weekly alerts. In those, I’m always finding ideas. One particularly useful alert comes from a legal firm, and they include a quote from one of their attorneys for each of the dozen ideas they send. I’ve sold numerous stories that were borne out of those alerts.
Forums and social media. Look at what people are discussing and debating on forums — among those threads are your next article ideas. Look at the discussions that are generating the most commentary; those are hot-button topics that any editor would love to hear about. Also, don’t rule out Facebook. Know those little quizzes or news items like “Top Ten Beaches” or “Best Party Locations” you see in your timeline? One or more of those could inspire your own Top Ten or Best article.
Studies and surveys. I’m a sucker for a good survey. Surveys are great jumping-off points for larger discussions. For instance, my latest article assignment came from a press release about a recent study — and the editor loved the idea. Find studies by typing in the subject name along with words like “statistics” or “study” or “survey.” For example, “divorce rates statistics” or “CEO bonus survey.” Or look to associations and press release websites to alert you to new studies and surveys.
Existing articles. Don’t just read an article to be entertained; read to locate those unanswered questions. For instance, an article on slavery reparations may not touch on what would be considered adequate reparations, or an article on the pollutants in body wash may not tell you how to dispose of this or other toxins without harming the environment. Every article has unanswered questions.
Writers guidelines. Yes, you can find ideas just by browsing the magazine’s wish list and focus. I remember getting the idea for “Getting Publications to Pay” just by browsing the Writer’s Digest magazine guidelines.
Conversations with friends and family. I’ve had inspiration from both. For example, the kid two years out of college lamenting about the lack of jobs can spur ideas such as the state of today’s college graduate, where the jobs are, the new economy and how underemployed graduates will impact pricing, where good interim work is, why college may not fit any longer, etc. Listen with your editorial ear — even in the complaints about the water bill, there’s a story buried.
Personal experience. The trash company fails to pick up the trash for eight days — that’s a story on failed customer service. The water bill I mentioned — there’s an article on smart conservation tips. The car repair? That’s a good chance to investigate these car repair “insurance” policies. Vacation? How about educating people on the real bottom-line costs of renting a car? Look at what you do every day, including the ordinary (how cable is sinking network television; radio killed the video stars; what to look for in your next wireless plan; insuring your antiquities…. There are no end of ideas right in front of you.
Writers, what are some of your go-to methods for generating article ideas?
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