Good Writing Pt. 3: Turning Article subjects into Ideas.

It is required of new generation article writers to turn article subjects into ideas, but is there really a notable difference between a subject and an idea? The answer is yes. Article writers should know the difference between a subject and an idea. This concept is what will ensure the success of a writer in future and ensure that articles will remain in huge demand.

When you decide upon a subject to write about and present this subject to an editor, as example ‘Violence’, the editor may ask you what you intend to write about the subject of violence. This is where the idea originates. What do you intend to write about violence? Will your article make a difference to violence, attract reader interest or will you write just another article that has been read by many?

It is clear from the above statement that an idea originates from a subject. This is where many writers fail to identify between the two terms. Many writers are under the impression that ‘Violence’ is the idea. This idea is what has and in future will derail the authority of many written articles. In order to distinguish between the subject and idea, the writer should always take into consideration that many articles were written on the subject he/she chooses, but the correct idea is what will distinguish his/her are article on the topic from the many other articles written in the past.

Let us take a look at a practical example of applying an idea to article writing.

A writer might want to write about Racism in a government department and want to have the article published in a newspaper. Racism is a general subject and might often lead to an editor asking the question: ‘What about racism do you want to write?’. Many writers might have the idea to write about an event that occurred that initiated the subject again. The writer might describe the event in the article, placing emphasis on the problems associated with racism.

Applying the idea theory may lead the writer to investigate or look more into the consequences and effects of racism in the government department. How long has racism been a problem, examples of more than one event, how many employees are associated with racism and the problems faced in future with racism in the government department.

Often, these types of articles and reports may open the doors to follow-up articles and reports. These articles often end up as feature-articles, prompting other writers to report on these types of articles. In general these articles give great publication to the writer placing future articles in demand.

Identifying a good idea

Many writers may waste time and energy in writing articles that are rejected when submitted for publication. Here are some recommendations or questions that may be applied in determining if an idea has potential for publication:

Is the idea new or has it been reported on too many times?
Is the idea too narrow when reported on? Is it too broad?
Is new evidence readily available? Who or what are the sources? Are they reliable?
Will your article be an addition of information to other reported articles or just a confirmation?

*Is there a need for the information contained in your report or article?

*Is your idea important, relevant and timely?

*Are there considerations that need be taken in regards to legal complications?

*Will other writers benefit from the information contained in your article in future?

*Will other regions, ethnics, races or religions benefit from reading your article?

These are just a few of the questions you should ask yourself when writing. Check back for part 3 of the Good Writing series.


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