How to Choose Topics to Write About

There are several ways to overcome this problem and they are all centered around personal interests and experience. As a writer matures, he will find it becomes easier to write on different subjects, but to begin with, it’s best to stick with topics that are closer to home.

Defining Interests

Make a list of hobbies and interests. Now make another list of five article titles to go with each of these. For example, if dogs are on the list, possible articles could include:

• Breeding Spaniels
• How to Choose the Best Collar for my Dog
• What should a Vet Check Include
• Common Illnesses in Dogs
• Agility Training for Large Dogs

Then make a list of resources that could be used to write an informative article about each article. Think of every angle and write down every idea that springs to mind. For the above topics, the following could be useful: libraries, kennel clubs, dog breeding associations, veterinarian offices, SPCA, dog agility classes, council operated dog parks, pet shops and pet food manufacturers.

Qualifications

A writer has a wealth of information at his fingertips based on what college courses, degrees, diplomas and training he has completed. Even if it’s something that hasn’t been actively used, there will still be a solid foundation of knowledge in those areas. That knowledge can be the starting point for a whole array of features and articles. For example, a writer who has completed a year-long catering course could write dozens of articles, similar to these:

• Food Preparation and Safety
• Catering for Christmas
• What Vegetables Work Together
• Sweet and Savoury Sauces
• Baking the Perfect Cupcake

Experience

People sometimes fall into a career and learn as they go, without the benefits of formal training. In these cases, job experience may be just as important as a paper qualification. The same applies with writing. If a writer has personal experience in a career or area, she will be able to draw on that in her writing. If her previous job was supervising sales staff in a department store, she will have a wealth of information to draw on. Think along the lines of:

• Customer Service with a Smile
• How to Recognize a Potential Shoplifter
• Working in the World of Retail
• Is the Customer Always Right
• Professional Stock Displays

Possible Subjects

There are hundreds of publications and websites that accept freelance work. Some are highly specialized and others cover a wide range of subject matter. Here is a list of possible topics to kick start some ideas:

• Animals
• Advertising and Marketing
• Architecture and Building
• Armed Services
• Art, Music and Entertainment
• Boating
• Business
• Cars
• Christianity
• Computers
• Education
• Environment
• Family Life
• Farming
• Health
• History and Genealogy
• Home and Garden
• Lifestyle
• Nutrition
• Property
• Science
• Senior Citizens
• Sport
• Teenagers
• Travel and Tourism
• Weddings
• Women’s Interests

This is just a brief overview and each of these can be subdivided into dozens of other categories. The main thing is to be aware that there’s a huge market out there and plenty of writers are needed to produce the words.