Overview Nonfiction: Topic Research

Workshop: An Introduction to Writing for Children and Young Adults

“Creative research is made up of four parts: intuitive guesses, detective work, chutzpah, and just plain luck.” Jane Yolen

Out of your research can come more ideas for biographies, history, travel, special events, occasions, and unexpected questions, both related to your primary focus and as additional subjects to set aside for later consideration.

Perhaps your initial intention is to write a magazine article, but the more you research the more interested you become and begin to explore the idea for a book. As you sweep-read for initial research, write down those odd gleanings as they pop up. Keep a separate list folder for the curiosities that don’t seem to fit anywhere but do catch your interest.

For your immediate topic/article, choose a record keeping method that works in tune with your personal process of thinking. Some writers need visual aids: perhaps a map with small sticky images or photos. Others prefer detailed outlines or tables and graphs. Don’t make the research stage difficult and confusing but easy access. Headings, color codes, tabs, and icons, can help separate categories.

A combination of at-hand and online folders will keep duplicate copies in case anything goes missing, but be sure to use the same categories to avoid confusion. Consider trying out both a virtual binder system and an online technology one to see which you find most effective.

Action Steps:

Set-up your immediate topic files, then keep all the extra material under another heading for future reference or for a potential second book.

1. Write down the broad strokes of a wide overview of your topic.

2. Keep a diary of where major incidents or details happen.

3. Also record the references when you use library material, especially when borrowed.

4. Note when your sources are primary or secondary.

5. Set goals and time management for your research as well as your writing, so the writing gets your priority.

Share: Did you discover a surprise in your research? How?

Read deep, marcy

Overview Nonfiction: Topic

Workshop: An Introduction to Writing for Children and Young Adults

Practice makes perfect, as one saying goes, so, as we continue to discuss nonfiction attributes, the next blog sections are designed for writing your own article alongside our general conversation.

Topic= why plus what.

Based on your own why concepts of curiosity and connection, choose one topic from the brainstorming this past week in your subject list. Will it be from a passion you still have or an interest in why you originally discarded a topic and now wonder about it?

First brainstorm some preliminary “what to share” possibilities to mull over. Next week we’ll look at some research suggestions. Right now daydream.

Prepare your initial purpose, or what you think are the primary questions you want to consider. Brainstorm possible themes within your topic. What type of attitudes might readers find interesting or be resistant to?  Which point of view do you feel most comfortable with and which would be a challenge?

The purpose here is toward communicating new knowledge. Children have enormous curiosity. Concepts are as important as facts, especially for the very young. Wonder is the motivation for all ages.

Focus on the heart of your topic, your potential audience age, the questions you need to research for clarity, confirmation of truth, vocabulary, and the impression you desire to share.

           

Action Steps:

Begin to ask the questions now.

1. Who is your intended target audience?

2. What will be the reader expectations that you need to include?

3. What overall effect do you want your readers to leave with?

a. Hope? What kind: emotional, physical, spiritual?

b. Solutions? What kind: cost, time, and/or relational?

c. Entertainment: Why? Long term—short term?

Share: What information communication did you choose as a primary focus and for what age? Why?

Read deep, marcy