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How to Get Started Writing Articles
Workable strategies for writers branching into article writing
If you yearn for readers, get busy writing articles. Over 224 million people read more than 7000 American magazines each year. Despite the headshakers predicting their demise, U.S. newspapers command a circulation of over 28 million people. Newsletters, blogs, and online sites devour additional non-fiction work. Approaches to beginning your article writing effort vary, but here are tips to consider:
Begin where you are
Writing about what you love is fun and less stressful than struggling through uncharted territory. Knowing the lingo and backstory simplifies research. You can also tap colleagues and friends for interviews, dodging the need to cold-call strangers.
Maybe your aunt bakes scrumptious rhubarb pies. Interview Aunt Dottie as well as the farmer supplying her rhubarb. Research the cultural history of this strange pie. (I mean, what daredevil dreamed up baking sugared vegetables stalks into a dessert?) Add a couple copyright-free photos or drawings. You’re all set with a charming article for the paper’s lifestyle section. Save complex topics for later.
