Where Are All the Good Ideas Hiding?

by Jodi M. Webb

www.inkthinkerblog.com — People have been asking me for years where I get ideas for my articles. I’d like to say they come to me in a flash of brilliance but it’s much less impressive. They come to me from my daughters’ book bags, an advertisement on the back of my cereal box, or a comment made by my hair stylist. Every day, the ideas are there, waiting for writers to notice them and turn them into articles. Unfortunately, they hide in the most unlikely spots and don’t wear signs that read “I would make a great magazine article!”

Local Publications
The smaller a writer’s hometown the more valuable your local newspaper. Local folks that do memorable things could be interesting to people across the country—but how many of those people read your newspaper? After reading articles in my paper, I’ve written stories about local artists, charities, and events for statewide, national, and even international publications. Never read your paper without scissors in your hand and the question “Who would find this interesting?” in your mind.

Fliers
They’re everywhere, so many that most go unnoticed. But fliers left on the deli counter, pasted to telephone poles, and shoved on your windshield can lead you to an article. Where else would you learn about fundraisers, new businesses, protests? A flier I read in a hospital elevator led to a parenting article about helping your children master cursive handwriting. Another led me to an article about a talented wood turner for an art magazine.

Junk Mail
How many catalogs, newsletters, and magazines have you tossed unread this week? Instead try saving one week’s junk mail and spending 30 minutes leafing through it. A politician’s newsletter on higher education listed online scholarship sites—and led to an article on bizarre scholarships. An invitation from my library to attend a workshop on altered art convinced me to create an altered book–and an article on altered art. I even ask for more junk mail! Recently, I received a catalog from the US Government Printing Office. After a few minutes, I had ideas for three articles and was ordering free information to help with my research.

Alumni
We all receive newsletters from our high school or college. Do you skip over the class notes that allow all those super-successful folks to brag? No more! Comb those lists with a fine tooth comb. Anyone found a company, climb a mountain, or win an award? Does the world want to hear about it? Instead of tossing that alumni newsletter in the trash, save it. You never know when you’ll need to interview a bank president, college professor, police detective. And who’s more likely to agree to an interview, a stranger or someone who survived PE with you?

Children
If you lined up every calendar, letters and notice the average 7 year old brought home from school, sports, activities they could circle the globe. Before discarding them, ask yourself if an idea is hiding somewhere between the cafeteria menu and the request for parent chaperones. Interesting fundraisers, field trips, visitors, even school events can be the start of an article. A notice from my daughter’s school requesting yarn for charity became an article in a national magazine on Cover Me With Love, an group that knits blankets for those in need.

Chatty Chums
Start listening: to your mother, your friends, even that talkative guy in line at the bank. Everyone loves to complain, brag and entertain—somewhere in there could be the start of an article. Invite everyone to bring you their interesting tidbits. When you hand out your business card or are asked “So what do you do?” end the conversation with “So, if you ever do or hear about something interesting, let me know. Maybe I can write an article about it.” Be patient. Eventually, everyone wants publicity.

When Old is New
Notice when your world changes. Is your favorite coffee shop now specializing in tea? Are all your friends signing their furry friends for doggie yoga? Does every book you’ve bought lately promise to donate a portion of their profits to a cause? Something new is happening—new is always a good article.

Travel
New surroundings, from the wilds of Africa to a neighboring town, can bring new ideas. In addition to researching hotel rates, research story ideas awaiting you. Don’t focus strictly on travel-related ideas, especially if it’s a well-known destination that receives plenty of media coverage. Before you arrive, find unique people and events using websites for local organizations like artists’ groups, historical societies, and colleges. And don’t overlook the local newspaper!

Pet Peeves
Stop complaining! Chances are if something drives you up a wall you have thousands of kindred spirits out there waiting for solutions. Just attended another lame bridal shower complete with bridal hat made of gift bows? Write an article about alternatives to traditional showers. Tired of the mess your closet descends into daily? Interview a professional organizer for closet taming tips. You don’t only have to focus on the things that make you crazy. When I discovered organic chocolate I told the world. OK, maybe not the world but at least a good portion of upper New York state. Identify your passions and turn them into copy.

Jodi M. Webb has been a freelance writer for over a decade with articles in magazines ranging from American Profile to Christian Science Monitor to Birds and Blooms. She is also the Markets Columnist for www.writer2writer.com. She is currently working on her first novel.

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