Freelance Writing Tips: How to Keep the Article Ideas Flowing

Sometimes, the hardest part of being a freelance writer, and turning out one, two, or more articles a day, is finding things to write about.

Despite the fact that there are an infinite number of subjects and topics out there, there are days when it seems like you just can't think of a single idea for your next article. Or maybe there are things you'd like to write about, you just don't feel like you know those topics well enough to do them justice. At least, not unless you spend several hours researching them.

Luckily, there are things you can do to make sure you never run out of things to write about.

Make a List of What You Know.

Do you collect dolls? If so, you could probably write an article about some facet of doll collecting right now with little or minimal research.

You probably know more than you think you do about a lot of things. So, make a list of all of the subjects you're pretty well versed on. Really wrack your brain, and include everything you can think of. Your topics could be broad (like "cooking") or more specific (like "cooking pasta").

Every item on your list could be the jumping-off point for dozens of articles. After you've written your list, take three or four topics, and write titles for possible articles you could write on those topics. For example, if you know a lot about comic collecting, your list might look like this:

* How to Protect Your Comic Books

* How to Sell Comic Books

* How Are Comic Books Rated?

* How to Buy Used Comic Books

Keep this list nearby, and add to it whenever you think of something else you know a lot about.

Make a List of What You Want To Know.

Make a list of subjects you are interested in, but don't know a lot about. Include topics you are somewhat familiar with, just not enough to write about without some research. Also include things you used to be really into, but need a refresher on.

Maybe you're interested in stamp collecting, but haven't really looked into it yet. Or you've designed a few web pages, and even enjoyed it, but you'd hardly call yourself an expert. The topics on your list can be broad (like "home remedies") or more specific (like "home remedies for arthritis").