Whether you are writing for your local newspaper, a regional magazine or a novel, you will probably need to write about something you don’t already know. Where do you find the information that will make you look like an expert?
Know exactly what topic you will be writing about. This is easy if you are writing by assignment. If you must first choose your own topic, study the publication you want to write for to see what the usual content is. Until you have some experience doing this, try to focus on topics that seem interesting to you. Narrow the topic down by listing a few key points to concentrate on - make a list of keywords towards your research.
Why worry about research if you are writing fiction? After all, it’s all make believe anyway, isn’t it? Unless everything you write is going to come directly from your personal life, you will soon find that you need to learn about a different occupation, a different school, other faiths, locations, political beliefs and more. If you are writing historical fiction, even though your main story-line is made-up, it still is set in a real time and needs to sound convincing to your readers. It needs to sound more than just two-dimensional to be believable enough for your readers to care.
Use the internet for research, while you may find that not everything is completely accurate, it will give you a start. For article writing you might want to query a few experts in the field – look for companies that sell products related to your article, contact historians that specialize in a time period, or tourism bureaus for information about locations. There are also a few online services which will help connect you with subjects to interview. If you use a direct quote, be sure to attribute it appropriately. College catalogs and help wanted ads will give you a good idea of the education and skill set of different careers.
Remember that unless you are writing an article which is specifically designed to teach, don’t write as if you are giving a lecture. Write for your audience keeping in mind language and detail (study the publication to learn a comfortable style). Scatter independent facts into fiction to give it a healthy dose of reality. Readers who want to relax with a novel will quickly ditch a textbook. Most articles need to come in between 500 to 1500 words, but check submission guidelines or your editors directions to be sure. A FEW words under or higher in an article is usually okay, but don’t expect your editor to be alright with a word count a hundred words out or so.
Read the article (or story) when you’ve finished. Did you answer the main question? Do your words, when read through, make sense? Do you have permission to use quotes? If you’ve included trademarked names, are they spelled and capitalized correctly? Are you sure of your facts and any studies you’ve referred to? Delete inconsistent or redundant statements. Read your article out loud and make sure it flows smoothly. Rewrite as necessary. And then submit.
Writing Exercise: Choose three careers that interest you. Check college catalogues and help wanted ads to learn about the education, responsibilities and income level of each career. List characteristics that you think a person in that field might have. – You might try this with three cultures, three time periods, three locations, etc.
Writing prompt: Make a list of ten generic interview questions which might give you insight about a person’s lifestyle, family, background, and dreams or goals.
Challenge Assignment: Write a resume or a CV for a fictional character. Make sure that you include responsibilities handled at previous jobs as well as appropriate education.
