“Research is to see what everybody else has seen and to think what nobody else has thought.”
— Albert Szent-Györgyi
Elevate your writing with Research for Writers, a masterclass designed to teach the art and science of research—the foundation for compelling narrative nonfiction. Research breathes life into stories, challenging assumptions, enriching perspectives, and transforming ideas into narratives that captivate and resonate. This course equips you with essential skills to uncover facts, verify sources, conduct interviews, and weave them into credible, engaging storytelling. The goal: to navigate complexity and craft with elegant simplicity.
Why Writers Need Research
- Accuracy & Credibility: Build trust and solidify your authority with factual integrity.
- Depth & Detail: Infuse your work with vivid details and captivating anecdotes.
- Authority: Write with confidence and command of your subject.
- Originality: Discover unique angles and untold stories.
- Context & Perspective: Offer readers a broader, meaningful understanding.
Whether you’re writing a novel, nonfiction book, or long-form journalism, mastering research will take your craft to new heights.
Course Details
📅 Time: 3:00–5:30 PM GMT, Saturday, January 18, 2025
📍 Format: Live Online via Zoom (Recording Available)
💷 Tuition: £60 (includes workbook: The Researcher’s Toolbox: Essential Skills for Narrative Nonfiction Writers by Kathryn Aalto)
Topics Covered
- Foundations of Research: Define questions, set objectives, and build a research framework.
- Information Retrieval: Master online and offline tools, from databases to archives.
- Critical Evaluation: Assess source credibility, distinguish between primary and secondary sources, and spot bias.
- Ethical Considerations: Learn proper citation, avoid plagiarism, and uphold intellectual property rights.
- Interview Techniques: Conduct insightful interviews and surveys to gather first-hand information.
- Integration into Writing: Seamlessly incorporate research into cohesive, engaging narratives.
Endorsements
Kathryn Aalto is a world-class teacher. I had 30 years’ experience as a journalist and copywriter, but I was a novice in narrative non fiction. Kathryn taught me how to write, guiding me on a journey of discovery, revealing the secrets of sensory writing, bringing filmic vividness to my descriptions of the world around me and uncovering the inner landscapes of the mind. I will be forever grateful for her inspirational teaching and the support of the remarkable writing communities she curates, from whom I have received invaluable encouragement and among whom I have made enduring friendships.” — Gary F., Rutland, England
“Recently I completed Kathryn Aalto’s Memoir and Life Writing Level 1 course. Kathryn is a gifted communicator. Numerous beta readers, intimately familiar for decades with my writing, have mentioned finding deeper, more exciting levels of my storytelling ability since I studied with the extraordinary Ms. Aalto. I have already enrolled in Level 2 Memoir and Life Writing. Her writing course is, bar none, the best value for money of any writing course I have ever taken, either online or in person.” — Bonnie B. L., Mobile, Alabama
“After six months of working with Kathryn–which is a bit like entering the space of a handwritten letter, what with her sharp aesthetic sense, far-ranging intelligence, wit, and curiosity–I’ve made tangible progress on an unwieldy, long-form project I was struggling to articulate. I came to her Memoir and Life Writing class for accountability, and came away having experienced the kind of support, writing insight, and real feeling of friendship that can be difficult to find in a workshop environment. Kathryn fostered a warm, charming atmosphere in class (a real feat online), allowing for life-long connections to develop among our group of writers. She cares about the arc of her student’s writing lives–a form of attention that encourages artistic growth and positive risk-taking. She not only brought her years of writing and publishing experience to class and to our bi-monthly writing assignments (her personal feedback, often handwritten, is invaluable), she also brought her unique perspective. Writer-gardener-historians are, I think, particularly adept at imagining the possibilities for a piece, no matter your subject. Kathryn pushed me to dig deeper, moving my writing in new directions. No matter where one is in their writing life, working with Kathryn will be an experience of profound joy, insight, and artistic deepening.“ — Veronica, Portland, Oregon
Join Kathryn Aalto to master the skills that transform raw information into unforgettable stories. Learn more at The Center of Fiction, LinkedIn, and Writers and Artists. Explore Kathryn’s other masterclasses, where creativity meets craft. From shaping compelling narratives to refining your voice, these courses offer writers of all levels the tools, techniques, and inspiration to elevate their storytelling. Learn more here.
Terms and Conditions
Thank you for enrolling in this narrative nonfiction course (known as Course). By registering for this Course, you agree to the following terms and conditions:
- Course Overview. The Course is designed to provide online instruction on narrative nonfiction. The Course is conducted online via Zoom and will begin on the date stated above.
- Eligibility and Registration. Participants must provide accurate and complete information during registration. The Course is open to individuals aged 18 or older.
- Payment Terms. Full payment of the Course fee is required at the time of registration. Registration is only confirmed once payment is successfully processed. If you have arranged tuition intalments, those are required to be paid notwithstanding your attendance.
- Refund Policy. Refunds are available upon written request up to 14 days before the Course start date. After this period, no refunds will be issued, regardless of the reason for withdrawal or non-participation. Refund requests must be emailed to kathryn@kathrynaalto.com and include the participant’s name and order details.
- Course Access. Participants will receive the Course syllabus upon registration. Sharing Course materials with third parties is strictly prohibited.
- Intellectual Property. All Course materials, including videos, handouts, and presentations, are the intellectual property of Kathryn Aalto. Participants may not reproduce, distribute, or share Course content without prior written consent. Filming of live or recorded Courses is prohibited.
- Conduct and Participation. Participants are expected to engage respectfully and professionally in all Course activities. Disruptive or inappropriate behaviour will result in removal from the Course without a refund.
- Technical Requirements. Participants are responsible for ensuring they have the necessary technology to access the Course, including a stable internet connection and a compatible device.
- Course Changes and Cancellation. Kathryn Aalto reserves the right to modify the Course schedule, content, or guest speakers as necessary. In the unlikely event the Course is cancelled by Kathryn Aalto, participants will receive a full refund.
- Liability. Kathryn Aalto is not responsible for any personal or professional outcomes resulting from participation in the Course. Participation in the Course is at the participant’s own risk.
- Privacy Policy. Participant information is collected for the purpose of Course administration and will not be shared with third parties without consent.
By registering for the Course, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms and Conditions. For questions or assistance, please contact us at kathryn@kathrynaalto.com.
