by Catherine L. Tully

Do you check in on what is happening in the world from time to time? Do you read the newspaper or hit CNN on a daily basis? If not, perhaps you should. Here’s why:

#1. The news is probably THE best place to find ideas for queries. Since magazines and online pubs are looking for something with a topical “news hook” most of the time, checking in to find out what is going on in the world can help jump-start ideas for articles.

#2. The news helps illuminate the latest trends and interests of the public. If you want to know what people are doing, reading and going to see, the news can help you find out. If you want to write stuff people will read, it’s your chance to find the latest angle.

#3. The news can provide you with sources. If you read an article and an expert is quoted, you may be able to locate them for your piece on a similar subject. If you read about a study that has some good statistics in it for something you are going to write about, check out the source for solid numbers and more information.

Staying on top of the latest stories can help give you an edge as a freelance writer. You don’t have to become a news freak to get more work, but keep an eye on what is getting coverage and you’ll know what to query the next time you are looking for a topic.