Research for Writers
The Art of Creative Research by
All writers conduct research. For some this means poring over records and combing, archives but for many creative writers research happens in the everyday world--when they scribble an observation on the subway, when they travel to get the feel for a city, or when they strike up a conversation with an interesting stranger. The Art of Creative Research helps writers take this natural inclination to explore and observe and turn it into a workable--and enjoyable--research plan. It shows that research shouldn't be seen as a dry, plodding aspect of writing. Instead, it's an art that all writers can master, one that unearths surprises and fuels imagination. This lends authenticity to fiction and poetry as well as nonfiction. Philip Gerard distills the process into fundamental questions: How do you conduct research? And what can you do with the information you gather? He covers both in-person research and work in archives and illustrates how the different types of research can be incorporated into stories, poems, and essays using examples from a wide range of writers in addition to those from his own projects. Throughout, Gerard brings knowledge from his seasoned background into play, drawing on his experiences as a reporter and a writer of both fiction and nonfiction. His enthusiasm for adventure is infectious and will inspire writers to step away from the keyboard and into the world. "Research can take you to that golden intersection where the personal meets the public, the private crosses the universal, where the best literature lives," Gerard writes. With his masterly guidance, anyone can become an expert in artful investigation.
Call Number: PN146 .G47 2017
Facts in a Flash: A Research Guide for Writers by
Written by a senior instructor at the University of Colorado in Denver, this invaluable reference work takes the frustration out of research work by presenting an enormous range of resources in one compact volume.
Call Number: PN146 .M47 1999
Why research?
Research can both inspire and inform your creative nonfiction, fiction, and poetry.
Whether you're browsing for information to spark your creativity or to check your facts, this guide provides links to resources that can help.
Photo by Janko Ferlič on Unsplash
Getting Started with Reference Books
Reference books are designed to help users find factual information or gain a broad overview of a topic. Typically, they also provide citations of sources for further investigation. The list below offers some suggested research topics for writers, but it is only a starting point. Any information that helps you see the world in new ways may contribute to your writing. NOTE: Although reference books are listed in DELCAT Discovery as non-circulating, they are eligible for Library Pickup Service during the fall 2020 semester.
- Flora and fauna
- Events and movements in history
- Biography and genealogy
- Scientific thought and discoveries
- Technological advances and inventions
- Daily life and customs in particular places or historical periods
- Geographical exploration and maps
- Religious beliefs and practices
- Food culture
- Historical or regional slang
- Metaphor and symbolism
Selected Digital Reference Sources
- Credo Reference This link opens in a new window
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Articles from encyclopedias, dictionaries, and other reference books. Covers all major academic areas. An excellent place to start when learning the basics of any topic. Will help focus your topic, find keywords and people, and discover more in-depth books and articles. Images, audio and video files are included.
- Biography in Context This link opens in a new window
Biographical information on historically significant figures and present-day newsmakers from around the world and across all disciplines and subject areas.
- Oxford English Dictionary This link opens in a new window
NOTE: Oxford University Press upgraded the OED in July 2023, causing unplanned access issues. Off-campus users may experience login problems until Oxford resolves the problem.
- Statista This link opens in a new window
Data on media, business, finance, politics, and a wide variety of other areas of interest and markets.
