Experience and education matter. You cannot replicate years of study and on the job experience in a few weeks. It just isn’t going to happen. In many cases though, you don’t need to have all of that in order to be able to write about a topic intelligently. What you do need are interest, research and at least a little aptitude.
How can I learn about a subject quickly?
Educating yourself about a particular topic is easier now than it ever was before. The Internet is a vast library filled with information. Sometimes that information isn’t great, but for the most part it can get you up to speed. Wikipedia is generally a good place to start research, as are college library sites, which often contain scholarly reviews and articles about advanced topics.
What can I do to research the topic?
There are generally subject and industry specific magazines that you can subscribe to (and consider writing for). You should review these magazines carefully. Read the articles. Look at the advertisements as well. In most cases, the advertisers can get you up to speed on the necessary (and optional) equipment as well as the types of services being offered. Note the websites of the advertisers and visit them to learn more.
Once you decide to write for a particular specialty, however, you need to do some catching up. It is doubtful you will know more about the field than most of the people you interview or write for, but a good general knowledge, and an up-to-date knowledge of where the industry is going, will get you a long way. After that, you will have to gain knowledge the way they did, through experience.
Should I buy specialty books?
As you move forward, you will want to invest in some books on the subject. There are generally introductory guidebooks that can get you up to speed on the basics. You can also look at classes in your area or online. For software topics, for example, lynda.com offers tutorials on dozens of application packages as well as many programming languages.
Where can I meet experts?
Once you have good basic knowledge, you should consider going to industry conferences and meeting the people in the area, Not only will you get the opportunity to learn, but many of those contacts can become sources for future articles. Beyond conferences, you can use tools such as linkedin.com and facebook.com to find professionals in the field and contact them via email. It is a good idea to find a mentor who can answer questions for you as you move forward.
Sooner or later, of course, you are going to have to start writing about the topic. Publishing freelance articles in trade magazines or blogs will help establish your reputation as a writer who is knowledgeable in the field. Keep writing, and keep studying. Son you will develop a reputation and be on your way to a new writing specialty.
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