Research & Interviewing Strategies for Writers

Master Research for Writers: From Fiction to Nonfiction

Are you a writer tackling a new project – whether it's crafting a compelling novel, developing insightful nonfiction, producing reported journalism, writing powerful essays, or sharing your personal story in a memoir? Effective research is a crucial component of any successful writing endeavor. As an author of over a dozen books, including four New York Times bestsellers, I've dedicated significant time to honing my research methods, and I'm excited to share them with you.

This course provides a comprehensive guide to research techniques applicable to a wide range of writing styles. We'll explore:

• Utilizing Academic & Scientific Sources: Learn how to effectively navigate and extract valuable information from scientific journals, academic databases, and other scholarly resources.
• Finding & Engaging Experts: Discover strategies for identifying and connecting with experts in any field to gain deeper insights for your writing.
• Historical Research: Uncover the power of historical sources, including old newspapers, archives, and primary documents to enrich your narratives.
• Genealogical Research: Explore genealogical resources like census records and other public documents to add depth and authenticity to your stories.
• Conducting Effective Interviews: Learn proven techniques for conducting insightful interviews and knowing when to seek expert assistance to gather information.
• Fact-Checking & Avoiding Misinformation: Develop a critical eye to spot faulty information and ensure the accuracy of your work. We'll also focus on cultivating skepticism and verifying your facts.

But effective research isn't just about gathering information; it's about organization! Before you dive into your project – whether it's a book, a dissertation, or any other writing project – establishing a robust research organization system is essential.

This course will also demonstrate how to leverage digital tools like Evernote to manage your research notes, brainstorm book ideas, organize your plot, and track ideas for other professional projects, such as teaching workshops. Even if you prefer different software, we'll cover how to use the digital tools that best suit your workflow to stay organized.

No matter your writing genre, this course will empower you to elevate your research skills and bring your stories to life with confidence and accuracy. Improve your writing process with these essential research strategies.