What I've done is divided my story ideas into several catagories, and I base the articles I'd like to write on what I do know a bit about, and maybe even more importantly, what I am interested in. My "Kids/Families" story list is pretty long, and boosted by my 8-year-nannying resume and previous stints working at preschool summer camps. I've got a bunch of wildlife, nature, and animal (and especially horse-related) articles in the works, too. And I also have quite a few travel story ideas, although so far, my expertise there is pretty much limited to the Eastern Seaboad!
I want to be a writer because that's where I think my talent lies, in addition to my interest. So I'm pretty good at twisting a querry letter to make it sound like I really know what I'm talking about, even if my knowledge comes primarily from research and a only few minutes of firsthand experience! But I am confident that as I write more and research more, I'll pick up more areas of quasi-expertise.
If all goes according to plan, soon I'll be debating which experiences I will have to leave off my next cover letter for lack of page space, instead of fretting over the few that I have so far.
Long-term, I'm not too concerned about my writing future. It will happen. It's just the here and now that is so challenging, especially as I'm still having to convince myself, much less editors who don't know my name, that I actually deserve to write a certain story.
Before too many more months, though, I hope I'll have a tidy list up upcoming publications, and the confidence that comes with them.
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