Where to Find Article Writing Ideas

Are you an article writer who's run out of articles to write? Has your idea and inspiration pool dried up? Ideas for articles are all around you, in everything you do and see on a daily basis. Training yourself to be more aware of those ideas is a simple process.

Make a List
Before worrying about ideas on what to write about, make sure you have a way to capture them before they evaporate. Every writer should keep a list of potential topics, and preferably more than one. Keep a word processing file open on your computer at all times and add to it the second an idea pops into your head, no matter how crazy it seems at the time. Carry a small notebook in your purse or pocket for when you're out shopping and an idea hits you, or a conversation with a co-worker sparks some inspiration.

Learn how to use the memo option on your cell phone or put your home phone on speed dial so you can leave yourself a message with the touch of a button while driving. (Since safety is obviously more important than remembering an idea, use a hands free phone to dial and leave the message, and no texting while driving).

Now that you've got your lists handy, you can concentrate on how to populate them.

The Search is On
Do you google (or use another search engine) for general information? The next time you type a word or phrase into the search box, copy and paste it onto your list. If you're looking for information on that topic, others are too. Boom '" article idea. The goal is to get even the simplest and most broad topic ideas written down now that can be picked apart for one or more article ideas later.

The Bloggers Have It
Bloggers have eclectic tastes and blog about everything imaginable (and some unimaginable!). Go to any blog on blogger/blogspot and click on next blog at the very top of the page to see a random blog. A few minutes skimming various blogs is likely to give you an idea or two for an article.

It Pays to Play
Do you play computer games in between article writing? I'll bet you could whip out a few tips for a new game in no time, with very little research required. Accomplished hunter? Share your tracking tips. Always receiving compliments for your scrapbook pages? Write about how to make awesome layouts without spending a fortune on embellishments. Make a list of your hobbies and interests, then sub-headings for article ideas within each.

Shop at Home
Did your kids love (or hate) the new cereal you picked up at the grocery store? Perhaps you bought a new tool for the home renovation project you're in the middle of. If you decided to splurge on the latest cosmetic or anti-aging product on the market, make sure it's on the list. Go through your pantry, bathroom and garage and write down every new product you've purchased in the last 60 days. My list of reviews waiting to be written include a bath soap, microwave meal, 100 calorie snack, sandwich bread rounds, telephone, and a water filter for my faucet.

The Customer is Always Right
Don't limit yourself to product reviews. Does your dentist take extra time to make sure you're relaxed and comfortable, and that you understand the procedure he'll be performing? Maybe the manager threw in an oil change when you bought tires last week, or the stylist at the new salon you tried gave you the best haircut ever. All of those scenarios can be turned into articles, as can restaurant reviews.

Note: Don't write just on things that you rave about; give an honest review for less than good service. Just be sure that the information presented is factual and not just a rant.

The Doctor is In
Have you recently recovered from surgery or an illness, or does a family member have a debilitating disease? You probably did some research on the subject, so use it again. Share your personal experience and compare it with medical information that's available.

Wrapping Up
Finding topics for articles isn't as hard as you thought. The more you commit to updating your lists as you go about your daily routine, the sooner it will become second nature. You'll likely run out of time to write before you run out of ideas to write about.

Source:
Personal experience