Many writers, especially of mystery, are expanding power of pen by creating time frames which bounce from one period to next. To do this it takes concentration, a good layout, a great sense of mind and of course an astounding imagination.

Some of most common plot time frames are as follows:

• Present =>
• Present - Past - Present =>
• Future - Past - Present =>

What Can You Write?

Use a brainstorming list to begin your search for a specialty. To write for a trade publication, you will need in depth knowledge of a topic. Don’t force yourself to learn inner workings of gravel mines when you love elegant designs of classic furniture. Trade publications require professional knowledge of a topic, so make sure it’s a subject you’ll want to spend a lot of time with. Start your list by including things you enjoy and love. Whether you volunteer for a non-profit organization or have a degree in agricultural science, include all of categories in which you have experience. Some trade publications accept articles of personal experience or interviews with recognized authorities in their field. Include your connections with professionals to make your list more complete. Keep this list handy and add to it regularly.

Where Can You Find Those Trade Journals? Now that you have a list of specialty areas that you want to be immersed in, you need to find journals that pay for your information. Almost every profession has a trade journal. The first place for you to look is with a professional organization related to your area of specialty. If you love elegant furniture, than perhaps you should consider “Interior Decorators of America”, “American Furniture Manufacturers”, or “American Pine”. Join at least one of these major professional organizations. Membership rates are often cheaper for affiliate members (those not practicing professionals in field). Marketing companies buy organization’s list and send free publications and resources to members. These items may include “throw-away journals”, free journals paid for by advertising. Even if you join organization only one time, professional materials will appear in your mailbox for years. This information will keep you on cutting edge of your chosen industry.

Online resources are helpful in finding associations, but they include only a few of possibilities. The most complete resource available is Encyclopedia of Associations found in your local library. It contains most complete list of organizations, many of which produce magazines specific to their members. It may take days for you to wade through this tome, but when you find ten journals that correspond to your qualifications, it will be worth effort.

How Do I Start?

Begin by researching past issues of magazine. Editors always recommend that potential writers analyze at least six months of back issues and a copy of their writer’s guidelines. This is essential with trade journals. Articles seen in trades are far different in style than those seen in consumer magazines. Pay attention to complexity of sentences, commonly used terms, and assumed knowledge of readers. Style is often less conversational and more technical than what most people read. Many trade magazines use technical terms that are a foreign language to industry outsiders. Make sure you use their language, or you will sound amateurish.