Mom, Writer
Research
and Interviews From Home
As a full-time mother of a toddler with another baby on the way, it can be a challenge for me to get out of the house to gather research for articles and conduct interviews. On the one hand, I know when my children are in school in a few years, I will be in a better position to generate a greater number of research-based articles. On the other hand, I have found creative ways to track down information without paying a babysitter. This allows me to continue to write fresh and informative articles despite the fact I can't typically spend an entire day on the road visiting sources for an article.
As a result of my situation, I do find myself often choosing topics with an academic bent, which require book research and some background history. Then, I go back into my article and supplement the information with direct, current quotes from experts in the field. However, I certainly don't feel confined to that type of article.
The Internet makes most of my at-home research possible. Its obvious uses are the many search engines, especially Google, which provide endless facts, sources, and leads. Any source used should, of course, be checked elsewhere for accuracy, but search engines are an excellent starting point for ideas. I find it helpful to organize a separate folder in my Favorites section for research. Then, anytime I happen upon a helpful site which I can tap into at some later date, I file it away. Some of my favorite research sites are listed below.
Local libraries are another essential resource for collecting data. I rely on inter-library loans to obtain titles at other branches and libraries. I also peruse the magazine section frequently to inspire myself and get ideas. Librarians, while overworked, are always willing to help track down a fact or answer.
As for interviews, I use the telephone and e-mail as much as possible. I would rather pay a little in long-distance than go to the trouble of arranging a babysitter for the day. However, in some cases it is better to meet the person face-to-face, and then I do manage to get away for a few hours. Email interviews are also becoming more common as a way to conduct interviews, and this is certainly the cheapest and easiest way. I also contact people in my own community as much as possible for sources and leads, then branch out geographically.
Finally, I use Amazon.com's Web site quite frequently to learn about different book titles and sources which I can then seek out at the library. Amazon.com is an inexpensive place to purchase used resource books. I make sure to list every writing expense in my log book so I have a record when tax time arrives.
Helpful Sites:
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Copyright © Alison
Lake, 2008. Alison Lake writes for magazines and newspapers. Her second book, Living Off Balance, is due out in fall 2005. |
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