Using Research to find Writing Topics
Copyright 2006 Black Butterfly Press
Through research you can find topics, subjects and 'seeds' for
stories. Pick five different topics that interest you, and
research them on the Internet, or through your local library.
These topics can be virtually anything, as long as they interest
you, and information is available. Write brief "summaries" of
specific pieces of information that you come across--seeds that
could become the basis for future stories. After the summary,
list things you've learned or thoughts that could form the basis
of future stories.
Example:
Through my research, I discovered old-fashioned practices for
abortions and birth control and other home remedies during and
after slavery. The deeper level of meaning was that life was
almost so unbearable for Black women at that point in history
that women would rather abort using primitive methods and risk
her life than bring another child into the world. I used them in
The Ebony Tree. In my novel, No Pockets in a Shroud, the
blacksmith who was not branded because of his ability to work
with horses, later exemplified a black man whose soul could not
be branded, chained, or enslaved.
Topics I am currently researching: The North Carolina Sea
Islands where the culture is similar to after slavery. The slave
castles on the West Coast of Africa, and children who are reared
in foster care, and its after effects. Sometimes you can combine
different story ideas for an interesting story.
Where Can You Begin?
Know your idea. Start with a "What if" premise. For instance,
"What if there was a secret conspiracy to put African Americans
in concentration camps?" (Author, John A. Williams, The Man Who
Cried I am.)
You might bring a moment in history alive through weaving fact,
poetic license and fancy.
Use old newspapers to find out people viewed the world in a
different era. You can find these on microfiche at the library.
Look for subjects of your interest such as animals such as
ferrets, computer dating, the criminal justice system, serial
killers, (ie. If you're a mystery writer.)
Go on field trips in your local area to add local color to your
book.
Go to travel agencies to get information for different locales
your book if you can't visit a location.
Or you can use mind mapping to use a non-linear approach to
outlining your book's significant details.
For mind mapping for subject ideas, you can find software at
www.mindjet.com.