How to Get Article Ideas from Reading the Newspaper

As a writer, I find that I need to have various methods for generating article ideas. Getting ideas and writing articles is absolutely essential to whether or not I get paid. I'm able to make a living as a freelance writer because I have enough ideas to write enough articles to make the salary I need to make.

I discovered today that the newspaper is a misunderstood tool. We've all heard the news. Newspapers are a dying art. They're losing money. Not only are we losing a valuable market to submit our work, but as writers we've virtually forgotten what a valuable tool it can be. At least I did until recently.

Article Idea Generating Tactic #1 - The Art of Reading the Paper

The very first thing I did when I started using the newspaper to help me generate ideas is to read it the old fashioned way - with a cup of coffee, leisurely. I went to my local coffee shop, bought a latte and The New York Times and just sat and read it. As I was reading, I just let myself relax and enjoy it. Oh yes, and I did keep a pad of paper by my side, just in case. Sure enough, I did need it!

Article Idea Generating Tactic #2 - Look for Trends

After you've read more than one issue of the same newspaper, you may start to see trends. Observing the trends then writing about them is a very good way to create original content. For example, have you noticed that crime seems to be going up in a certain neighborhood? This could jog an idea for an article, maybe on self defense or home security. You could even interview the people in the neighborhood.

Article Idea Generating Tactic #3 - Take Local Concerns Nationally

Did you read an interesting article about the decline of the local bee population? Or maybe the local farmers are experience an increase in business. The subject of some of the local articles can be taken to the national stage. For example, the bee problem may be nationwide, not just local. Or, other communities in the country may also be experiencing an increase in their farming businesses. Once you find a winning idea, pitch national magazines and newspapers with the idea.

As you can see each issue of the newspaper possesses an article generating landmine of opportunities. All you need to do is read the paper, observe what you see, and wait for inspiration to hit. And this doesn't only work for articles - you can use a similar tactic to generate story or novel ideas and even subjects for your poetry.