What should I write about? (Nonfiction)

Hi everyone! I'm back again with that article on nonfiction inspiration finding - just like I promised :)

Coming up with ideas for nonfiction works is a bit less stressful. If you're writing an essay for college, you probably already have a topic to write about, so this is more geared toward people who want to write and publish a nonfiction work. Now there's something you should know about nonfiction. There are two basic writing styles in nonfiction. Possibility A: you're writing a paper in which you have to do research about a topic in order to formulate some sort of research paper, maybe for school or work. Possibility B: you already know a lot about a topic and want to write an ebook (or something of that nature) to teach people what you know. Maybe, even, you want to do blog.

Let's talk about scenario A first. In this case, there is good chance you already know what it is you want to research, but if not, just choose something that interests you. I happen to be really passionate about English and have hopes of one day being an English teacher, so I started this blog to do that. Think about those things that interest you and write about them! You can turn almost any topic into a nonfiction essay topic. Want to spend your time writing an essay on video games instead of on the physiological effects of longterm isolation in 3rd world countries? No problem! You can write an essay on how video games affect the brain and the affect they have on a person's life. Don't hear the term “research paper” and instantly get bummed out. I see this happen way too often. A student is given an assignment to write a paper on a topic of their choosing, and they instantly make the project miserable for themselves. Don't be that person. Write about what you love, and you won't go wrong. In fact, it will probably come out better than an essay on a topic you've never even heard of until now.

Let's now talk about scenario B. Writing ebooks, starting blogs, YouTube channels, and other ways of expressing one's self are become very popular these days. So let's assume there is something you already know lots about – like video games, for example. There is a bit of a problem posed in this case that was not apparent in the first scenario, and that is: will people really want to read your ebook on video games? Of course not. Why read a book about games when I can just go play one? This is why, in this situation, you have to make your audience want to read you work. You can do this a number of way. The most popular way is to combine your passion with something people want to read. Think of it this way. I don't want to read a report on the growth of watermelon, but I would love to read a report on recipes using watermelon for a party I'm throwing. That is where you, as the writer, come in. Anyone can write about something they know, but it takes time to turn what you know into something people would love to see.

I really hoped this helped you guys. I know this article may seem a bit more boring than the previous, but that's just how nonfiction goes. It can be a bit more “blah” than fiction. I'll be uploading an article next week on how to conduct research for a nonfiction work. It will be way more interesting. Trust me :)