Write Local to improve the value of your articles and reviews. Then find markets for your writing.

'I can't think of anything to write about!' I hear new internet writers wail.

They seem to think that because they have no college qualification in a particular channel, they have nothing to offer. The truth is that everybody has talents, experiences and know-how to offer. First-hand advice 'from the horse's mouth' has great value - there are vast sums spent on market research by big companies.

When writers' block strikes, think local. Think about it. If you were taking a vacation in a new part of the world, to whom would you go for for advice and tips? Would you trust the glossy brochures to tell the whole truth? Or would you seek the tried-and-tested sound sense you know you can rely on from an old buddy who has been there?

Your local area may not be the biggest draw in the brochure but there are travellers out there who need to visit whether on business or family trips. Many people state positive reviews as their Number One reason for buying a product whether it be a holiday or a laptop! Local can also mean 'local' in terms of hobbies, crafts and pastimes that are familiar to you. There are many leisure beginners who are waiting to learn from your past successes - and mistakes!

Your local hometown, attractions or beauty spots can also be a great place to start. No-one knows your experiences of them better than you! So get writing!

1. Include your tips - best travel options,likely weather,how to get the most value from an attraction, an angle for every age in the family, bag-packing tips,seasonal offers.

2. Include Do's and Dont's.

3. Cite negative experiences if relevant. These are valuable too.

4. Comment upon customer-friendliness, service, cleanliness, local hazards, best-value local amenities.

WRITING MARKETS

Review sites can be perfect places to begin your writing career, hone your skills and evaluate your article-writing progress. When you are receiving plaudits, you might be ready to look for writing markets to match your topics.

Amazon is a good unpaid writing site to learn on, and Helium rewards its writers with a small percentage of its advertising income. Do not be dismayed at the small remuneration! You going there to learn. If you work hard at improving, your articles may be chosen by their Marketplace and earn you more money.

More writing markets will be added to this site every week so make sure to bookmark and come back - to hear the latest from my trials! next up - my experiences at Ciao.uk The lovely Lakeside Geese image above is courtesy of Deborah Crawford, successful walking hobby writer and editor at BellaOnline. Read her Walking Product Reviews for a great example of using hobbies to promote writing.