Conduct background research, interviews & observational research

How to research for writing | |
![]() ![]() ![]() | Research for writers: Get good at getting the goods Conduct background research, observational research and interviews Research project: Conduct three types of research before you write. |
![]() ![]() ![]() | How to interview for an article to get stories How to find the aha! moment and other tools Better than a recording device: To get great stories in the interview, find the desk-pounding, or aha!, moment. |
![]() ![]() ![]() | Good interview questions for an article Go beyond the five W’s Get delicious details: Develop a more compelling message when you ask more compelling questions. |
![]() ![]() ![]() | How to interview a person for an article ‘Get the name of the dog’ and other ways to get creative material Devil in the details: Get Snowball’s or Tubby’s or Frisky’s name. |
![]() ![]() ![]() | How to conduct observational research Try WBHA, or writing by hanging around Just looking: Firsthand observation brings your message to life. So go to the scene and observe. |
More on how to research for writing | |
![]() ![]() ![]() | Top research resources for writers Websites, books & tools Learn how to conduct better background research, interviews and observational studies. |
![]() ![]() ![]() | Quotes on how to research for writers What writers and others say “Without great reporting, a story is like one big comb-over. You can see it from the third paragraph.” — Anne Hull, Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter, The Washington Post |