What is research? It is the collection of information to enhance knowledge—and for writers, good research is the backbone of our own writing. It unfolds a new angle into an old story or pops and sparks with our own sensibilities to create an altogether new story to tell. Research fuels scene creation by providing historical context, key words, event details, and much more. It establishes a sense of trust and authority with the reader through external accountability.

Whether you are crafting a novel, non-fiction work, journalistic piece, or any other form of written expression, the ability to conduct rigorous research can elevate your writing to new heights, as written echoed at The Center of Fiction, here on LinkedIn, and at Writers and Artists.

In Research for Creative Writers, aspiring and seasoned writers of creative nonfiction will learn why, how, and what kind of research elevates storytelling and expands the boundaries of the world we are creating.

This two hour session covers:

1. Foundations of Research: Gain a solid understanding of the fundamentals of research, including defining research questions, setting objectives, and establishing a research framework in Research for Creative Writers.
2. Information Retrieval Techniques: Explore various methods for retrieving information, both online and offline. Learn to navigate libraries, archives, databases, and digital repositories effectively.
3. Critical Evaluation Skills: Develop the ability to critically evaluate sources for reliability, credibility, and relevance. Research for Creative Writers helps you understand how to distinguish between primary and secondary sources, and discern bias and misinformation.
4. Ethical Considerations: Delve into the ethical aspects of research, including proper citation, avoiding plagiarism, and respecting intellectual property rights. Understand the importance of conducting research with integrity.
5. Interview Techniques: Learn practical skills for conducting interviews and surveys, allowing you to gather first-hand information from experts, witnesses, or relevant individuals.
6. Integration into Writing Projects: Understand how to seamlessly integrate research findings into your writing projects, maintaining a cohesive and engaging narrative.

• 4:00 to 6:00 PM GMT
• Sunday, March 10

• £40 per person

Kathryn Aalto is a passionate practitioner and teacher of narrative nonfiction.  For more than twenty-five years, she has taught writing and literature courses at colleges and universities including Western Washington University, Everett Community College, and Plymouth University and has given guest lectures at Cambridge University, Vanderbilt University, Cornell University, and more. She has a global mentoring practice, guides students in a vibrant online writing school, and leads in-person retreats, courses, and workshops in the United States and United Kingdom. She is a judge for The Nature Chronicles Prize, an international bi-annual award for nature writing in the English language. She is represented by Peter McGuigan at Ultra Literary in New York City. She is a distinguished public speaker represented by Chartwell Speakers in New York City.

Kathryn’s students have won numerous awards including the £10,000 Nature Chronicles Prize and the Bradt New Travel Writer of the Year. They have been short-listed for literary awards including the Fish Memoir Prize. Her students have been published by university presses, book trusts, popular magazines, and literary journals.

“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 Bartel Latino, Alabama