When we think of writers, we tend to think of people who have a college degree in Journalism or who have taken many writing classes. Or maybe they are experts in something like nuclear fission, and can write articles explaining it better than anyone else. Actually, all you need is your own creativity!

This third kind of writer needs to have specific qualities. They need to have a strong streak of creativity, good writing skills, and the desire to be a good writer. Also, a thick skin is needed. Every writer a piece writing rejected at some point. If you can’t take rejection, you won’t last long. With the desire to write, and the willingness to work on writing skills, you can be successful.

The world is filled with topics. A heated PTA meeting, an obnoxious coworker, issues with aging parents, relationships, children, communities, hobbies all the things that make up your everyday life are great subjects for articles. The ability to see the uniqueness and the commonality of your experiences will help you come up with articles other people will want to read.

Article writing has many benefits. No one tells you what you have to write, you get to choose. It is also very flexible. If you need to write between three and five am, no one will know or care. You can write your articles at the local coffee shop or at the kitchen table. It is all about what works best for you.

Now, there are some good guidelines to follow if you are going to get serious about this sort of thing. It is good to set a specific time every day to sit down and brainstorm and write your articles. By doing this you are treating it like a business, which if you are earning money by doing so, it is. It also helps you plan anything else going on in your day and gives you a sense of accomplishment and organization. Also, get all of the tools you will need ready so you won't have to keep getting up and looking for them. Pencil, computer and most importantly a dictionary and thesaurus.

Article writers are lucky because writers who focus on books have to go months, or even years, before they get feedback (or pay!) from editors and publishers. As an article writer, however, you can receive feedback (and pay!) in a matter of weeks.

So, how do you get started on your first article? A great beginning move is to start carrying an ideаs journal. Whenever you experience something interesting, jot it down! See a picture that makes you think, paste it in! Is there something you read that you can’t get out of your mind? Put that in, too. Then go through it, looking for something you feel would make a great article.

After you’ve written the article, you’ll want to get it published. The Writers Market is full of ideas about places to submit your article. It is available for purchase online and in bookstores. Best of luck with this exciting new career!