Make Your Writing Research Take You Further With These 7 Tips

by Linda Gilden @LindaGilden

Has it ever occurred to you to use your article research to write different types of articles once your original article is published? For most researched articles, there is always a file of information you have to cut in order to stay within your word count. Save it and turn it into assorted types of articles.

There are several basic article types popular with magazines and that lend themselves well to repurposing the material. Here is a quick look at the types of articles you can use.

1. Personal Experience article—This is your story. Not all of it in one place (that would be a book!) but a snippet of one experience that you can share with readers that will make an impact on their lives.

2. Profile article—Similar to the personal experience but it isn’t your experience. You are writing about the experience of someone else. For this you must interview your subject and learn all you can about him or her.

3. Round Up article—This one is really just what it sounds like. You “round up” information on one subject from several sources and cohesively present it to your readers.

4. Calendar article—This article would be related to a season or calendar event.

5. How To article—Article that teaches the reader something new.

6. Issue article—Often “piggybacks” on something in the news. Article must be balanced.

7. Devotional/Inspirational—Makes a single God-centered point that directs readers to God and/or inspires the reader to become a better person.

For example, if you have done a profile article from a celebrity interview, why not ask a few extra questions during your time together that will help create another article. If you have spent most of your time talking about his or her career, ask about a special Christmas memory. Record the details to save for a seasonal article that centers on special holiday memories of celebrities. If your celebrity has a particular hobby or skill, use what you learn as a springboard for a how-to article. Or if he or she is a political figure and has been in the news discussing a specific issue, do a little more research for a balanced issue article. This one interview could be the springboard for multiple articles.

Each article type has specific guidelines but all are easy to master. If you've never done so, try to stretch your research today by writing more than one article from your information. If you have, share with us in the comments below how you stretch your research.

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Linda Gilden is an award-winning writer, speaker, editor, certified writing and speaking coach, and personality consultant. Linda is the author of 19 books and over 1000 magazine articles. She enjoys every meeting with editors and knowing we are all part of the same team. Linda’s favorite activity (other than eating folded potato chips) is floating in a pool with a good book surrounded by splashing grandchildren—a great source of writing material! www.lindagilden.com