Research For Writing- A Wide Range of Options Lie Out There

   

How do we as teacher/writers stretch our thinking, our awareness? How do we acquire the essential knowledge, experience and confidence to write alongside our students? The answer lies in research. And when we begin to examine the notion of research we begin to notice its wide ranging territory... 

    It is this territory, this terrain, into which we must venture - firstly as both writers and educators. When we as educators mindfully walk such learning paths, we are better able to convince less experienced writers to follow in our steps. 


Let's unpack some essential research actions:

  • Get out to the streets of your neighbourhood. Walk about and breathe in the day around you. Use your senses. Make mental notes. Jot down some of your observations. 
  • Talk to people. Practice being an active listener. Tune into conversations. Don't be afraid to eavesdrop. It often delivers treasure. 
  • Wherever you are, be interested. Practice being an observer. Becoming a curious observer is even better...
  • Listen for the quiet line.
'Anyone can tell a big story, yes, but not everyone can whisper something beautiful in your ear.'
 Colum McCann 'Letters To A Young Writer.'

  • Seek out experts on various matters. Talk to people who know things -and not just about writing.
'Everyone you meet knows something you don't- and has wisdom from experience you haven't lived. Every conversation is a chance to learn something new.'
Adam Grant, Psychologist
  • Look for clues.
  • Learn to sit still in order to see what happens.
  • Spend time in wild, untamed places occasionally.
  • Embrace words -new, old, unusual. 
  • Visit book shops.
  • Read like a wolf eats.
  • Read widely. Explore new genres. 
  • Read what you are trying to write.
  • Read the world, watch the world. Stay in tune with the events of the world beyond your own small part of the universe.
  • Write regularly. Keep writing until the best words come. Don't waste your time writing about things you don't care about. 
  • Write in different places to obtain different perspectives.
  • Share your discoveries.


©Alan j Wright




 

 

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