Article Writing Guide - How To Choose A Topic To Write About

By Author: Ralph Brooks
Total Articles: 34
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These words to an old 1933 prohibition era song written by Will B. Johnstone perfectly describe how I feel trying to choose the right topic for this article: "How dry I am. How dry I am. Nobody knows how dry I am." To be clear I am not speaking about a need for an alcoholic drink. My subject is how to choose a topic to write about especially when there is a need to overcome dryness, emptiness of thought and a lack of inspiration to make it happen. Just giving up and throwing in the towel is not an option and hand wringing doesn't help. In fact hand wringing is a hindrance to problem solving and is likely to make your task even more difficult.
The Harder You Work The More Behind You Get
The adage "the harder you work the more behind you get" is worth remembering. Trying to force yourself to solve your "dryness" problem is almost certain to have the opposite effect. You need to relax and calm yourself by reading or doing something else you enjoy. Dr. Dennis O'Grady, Psy.D in his well received communication workshops suggests:
When you tire yourself out... rest and re-fuel... Do less when doing more isn't working ...
... out so well for you...
So set aside your concern and revisit writing your article when you feel more at ease. If what you are doing isn't working out for you try doing something else. Continually travelling down the same road that doesn't get you anywhere is foolish.
Document Thoughts That Come To You
Jot down the thoughts that come to you no matter how unimportant they may seem to you at the time. The ideas you preserve when you later revisit them may suggest a perfect theme or topic for your next article.
Mine For New Ideas By Reviewing Current Events
The answer to these and other questions you may think of will help channel your thoughts toward ideas for a topic for your next article.
Are noteworthy things going on in your life? If so, what are they?
What are your hobbies and areas of expertise? Tell us about them.
Consider writing a book review.
What family activities are taking place that would interest a reader?
What is being reported in the local, state or national news that excites you? What should be done about it?
Is anything extraordinary happening in your neighborhood that would interest a reader?
Are there any urban renewal projects underway? What are they?
Are any special events taking place in your town, city, county or State?
What is happening in the school system?
What problems are your local government officials trying to solve?
What subjects interest you? Write on one of those.
Conclusion
When the frustrations set in and you are having trouble arriving at a suitable topic for your next article there are a number of helpful things to consider. But the first thing to do is relax and refresh yourself. Set the problem aside briefly and when you feel renewed revisit it and consider the ideas presented in this article. By asking yourself the proposed questions and applying the ideas suggested here you should be able to select an interesting topic to write about.

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