- decide generally what your topic will be; don't hesitate to jot down other possibilities.
- define unfamiliar terms so you understand them.
- decide what kind of sources you'll use: primary (primary sources include interviews, surveys, and actual experiences) or secondary (which include printed or electronic material, such as you might find in a book or an e-zine).
- decide how much material you will need.
- decide what level of authority you'll need to consult. scientific? scholarly? popular?
- budget your time.
- decide on the types of references you'll need to locate at the library or on the internet. bibliographies? encyclopedias? abstracts? diaries? newspaper articles?
- ask for assistance from others who may have information. if you still hit a brick wall, ask: "where might i find more information?" or "do you know someone who could help me?" most likely if you're persistent and polite, you'll be helped.
- become a bloodhound at sniffing for facts. there are facts out there; you just have to find the clues to put the whole story together.
- if you simply can't find enough information, you still have choices: a) go back to the beginning and start with another topic, or b) search deeper because you've discovered an area that hasn't been exploited by another travel writer. the later makes it tougher, but also makes the work more marketable.
- as you collect information, document the research in a bibliography form. you may not need a bibliography, but the information will help should you have to gather more material or retrace your steps.
- as you research, make notes, and try various ways to state your questions as you use a search engine. don't underestimate the help of a reference librarian at your library, too.
feb 20 2018 ∞
feb 20 2018 +