Research the market for which you want to write. Whether you dream of writing for parenting, spiritual or business magazines, for example, it's imperative that you study the market. Locate the latest issues of the magazines you want to write for at the newsstand or order copies from the publisher. Find magazine publishers listed in Writer's Market.
Some publishers still send complimentary copies to prospective writers.
Study the magazines from cover to cover. Request a copy of their Writer's Guidelines and follow them when designing and submitting your article. List your article ideas. Most new writers start with a familiar topic something they know well or something about which they want a voice. Everyone has a pet project or a pet peeve.