How to Write a Trends Article
Tips for Writers on Spotting Trends and Writing Articles That Sell
Aug 26, 2008
Want to write articles about the latest developments in a specific subject area? Follow these easy guidelines for writing articles editors want.
One of the most avidly read types of nonfiction articles, a trends story offers readers a glimpse of the near or far future in a specific subject area. It requires that you approach an assignment with research skills, imagination, and often a sense of humor.
When writing about trends, bear in mind these helpful tips for writers:
- Do your research. Check out the latest books on your topic in bookstores and libraries; magazines and professional journals that cover the subject area; and websites. The purpose of this research is twofold: to ground yourself in what is happening now that could form a springboard for future developments; and to find out what cutting-edge developments may soon be reaching the general public.
- Find one or more experts. You need an authority on your subject area for several reasons: to offer you guidance, insights, and predictions; to react to your own prognostications; and to provide vivid quotes to bring an added dimension to your story. Through your research, you will most like find one or more names to approach. Good sources are trade or industry council spokespersons; published authors; college professors or museum curators; and executives or R&D people at major companies or organizations involved in the field.
- Identify a time frame. Predictions are all the stronger for a definite time period within which you say they might occur. Depending upon your subject, the publication for which you are writing, the audience, and the kind of trends you’re identifying, that time span may be as shore as a few months are as long as a decade, a century, or longer.
- Develop a point of view. Having made yourself an instant expert through your research, decide on a point of view for your story: a bold, grabbing lead statement that sums up your trend predictions and draws the reader into your story.
- Extrapolate creatively. Based upon what you’ve found out, flex your imagination, casting your thoughts towards the future. Don’t be afraid to have some fun with your subject.
- Succinctly identify trends. Aim for several clearly defined predictions and try to sum each up as succinctly and precisely as possible.
Follow these simple tips for writers, and study trends pieces in newspapers and magazines and online, and you’ll soon be a successful writer publishing your own trends stories.
For more great tips for writers, check out “How to Interview,” “How to Write Reviews,” and “How to Write a Research Article.”
The copyright of the article How to Write a Trends Article in Writing for Non-Fiction Genres is owned by Norman Kolpas. Permission to republish How to Write a Trends Article in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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