So, You Want to Write!

 

SO, YOU WANT TO WRITE!

First, I want to thank each and every single one of you for remaining loyal subscribers, even as I have reduced the number of posts while finishing my degree. I’m at the end of the tunnel, and soon, my focus can return to this blog full-time!

Since starting Blessings from Cancer, I’ve received countless encouraging messages, and one of the most common questions is: “How do you select your topics, and how do you tie them to scripture and cancer?”  Today, I want to share some insight into my writing process, focusing on research and how I incorporate sources. Whether you’re writing a blog, a journal, or just personal reflection, I hope these tips inspire you to start writing, too!  

RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH!

When starting any project, especially one that involves faith-based topics, it’s crucial to have a clear plan. I always begin by praying for inspiration. Once I have a direction, I narrow down my focus. For example, when I began writing my series, “Seeing God in Secular Movies,” I knew I wanted to focus on movies from my childhood. From there, I narrowed down my research to specific films, which allowed me to plan how many blogs I wanted to write and what messages I wanted to draw from each movie.

Tip: Start broad, then refine. For any topic, ask yourself:

·       What is my central message?

·       What details do I need to support that message?

·       How many parts or posts will this project require?

Research is essential not only for non-fiction, where accuracy and credibility are paramount, but also for creative fiction (fiction, poetry, prose). In non-fiction, it helps ensure that the information is factual and supports the writer’s message. For example, in my blog, I rely on research to connect scripture with everyday experiences. In creative writing, research adds depth and realism to the story or characters. Whether you’re writing historical fiction or world-building fantasies, researching locations, historical events, or even cultural norms helps make your writing more authentic and immersive.

FINDING SOURCES

Finding credible sources is key to crafting any well-researched piece. For example, when I write about a movie, I start by looking up basic information like summaries and reviews. Then, I search for articles or blogs that explore similar themes to ensure I have a variety of perspectives. Websites like JSTOR and databases from my college library provide scholarly articles, while Google and platforms like IMDB give quick references for movies.

For Bible passages, I rely on resources like Enduring Word and Logos to ensure I am interpreting scripture in context. It’s important to find sources that are trustworthy and accurate, especially when dealing with scripture.

Recommended Places to Search:

·       Scholarly articles from JSTOR

·       Bible resources like Logos and Enduring Word

·       General information from Google (look for .edu or .org for credibility)

CREDIBLE AND APPROPRIATE

Not every source is equal. To determine credibility, look at the author’s qualifications, the website’s domain, and the publication date. For instance, I trust .edu and .org websites (Educational and Not-for-Profit Organizations) more than commercial ones (like .com), unless I know the author is reputable. For my blog, I only use sources that have clear author credentials or that cite reputable experts.

When writing about scripture, context is crucial. Make sure the Bible passage you’re referencing fits the topic and isn’t being twisted to fit a narrative. I use Enduring Word to get deeper insights into context and application because they quote from Christian sources that are generally accepted by all denominations of the Christian faith, like Charles Spurgeon.

INCORPORATING THE RESEARCH AND SOURCES

Incorporating research into writing is a balancing act. You want to enhance your message without overwhelming the reader with too many facts. In my “Seeing God in Secular Movies” series, I weave scripture and research naturally into my analysis of movie scenes. For example, I might reference Yoda’s quote from The Empire Strikes Back alongside Galatians 6:9 to draw parallels between perseverance in faith and the perseverance taught in the movie.

The key is to smoothly integrate quotes and facts without overloading the reader. Use sources to support your thoughts, but don’t let them take over your voice. You can also paraphrase sources, and make sure to properly give credit where it’s due.

MORE, PLEASE!

Here are some resources I recommend if you’re looking to dig deeper into research, writing, or finding reliable sources:

·       Writer’s Digest: Offers great tips and tricks for writing in any genre, including non-fiction.

·       Purdue OWL: Excellent for basics on how to structure writing and cite sources properly.

·       Enduring Word: A fantastic Bible commentary resource to ensure you’re interpreting scripture correctly.

·       JSTOR: Perfect for accessing scholarly articles on various topics.

 

For this post, I consulted:

Holy Bible, ESV, 2007 (esv.org)

Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back: Quotes (IMDB.com)

Logos (logos.com)

Enduring Word (enduringword.com)

JSTOR (jstor.org)