My Adventures as a Writer – What I’ve Learned About Research

 

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Although students often feel intimidated by research when writing papers and major projects, research can lead to interesting discoveries. This is true whether someone gathers information for a fiction novel or an article. The method of research will be different: One topic might require observing a sword fight or riding a horse, while the other involves searching through databases and flipping through books. Either way, the process can be an adventure.   

As a writer for a Christian website, I regularly engage in research on various topics including the Bible, Christian history, apologetic issues, and practical advice for everyday Christian living. Writing about a wide range of topics involves different research techniques at times, but I use a few basic skills to get me started. In this blog post, I am going to share some of the basics about researching and writing for Christian websites.

How do I know what I need to research?

Knowing what to research often depends on the website and editor you are writing for. I have written for Got Questions and currently write for a variety of sites on Salem Web Network, including Christianity.com. The editors typically assign specific article topics in the form of questions or allow me to pick from a list of topics. For these types of articles, the research required is already focused, although I still try to craft a main thesis for the article.

However, there are times when the assigned or chosen topic is not entirely clear. At this point, I usually do one of two things. I contact the editor I am working with to ask for clarification about the topic. Or I try to narrow down the topic myself, deciding on which angle I could take when writing the article.

An example of this was when I was assigned an article topic about why Christians say that everything happens for a reason. In doing preliminary research, I realized that the website I was writing for already had an article on this topic, which prompted me to send an email to the editor. She narrowed down the topic for me by saying she wanted an article that focused on how this common phrase, “everything happens for a reason,” is misleading and unhelpful when someone is grieving the loss of a loved one. A simple email for clarification helped me to narrow down my research topic.

Another important note is that freelance writers are usually required to pitch their articles. Freelancers need to keep in mind the purpose and scope of a website before pitching an article and engaging in research. To start, I recommend familiarizing yourself with the website and reading any guidelines about what the editors want and are expecting from writers.

Where do I find sources?

When writing about biblical and theological topics, I regularly use websites, books, and journal articles that I trust.

The main source I use is the Bible. Keeping a print Bible next to me on the table when I write is helpful, especially if I have specific verses in mind. Online Bible websites are also valuable sources for quickly copying and pasting verses into the article I’m writing, such as Bible Gateway and Bible Hub. Seeing multiple versions of Scripture is important as well since it helps me better understand the language of the passage.

Other sources I use to find information include:

• Bible commentaries (both in print and online)
• Online Greek and Hebrew concordances
• Scholarly journals and databases (such as Galaxie)
• Theology books
• Church history books and encyclopedias
• Christian websites

    Using these sources regularly enables me to find information quickly and efficiently when writing articles.

How do I know if a source is credible and appropriate for my project?

If I know the focus of my topic and have done preliminary research, then assessing the credibility and appropriateness of sources is easier. When thinking about credibility, we need to ask questions such as:

• Who wrote this? Are they knowledgeable about this topic?
• How old is this source? Is it outdated or current? Even if it is an older source, is the content still relevant?
• Is this source presenting misleading information?

Evaluating the appropriateness of a source includes remembering the topic and thesis of an article as well as considering the audience and purpose for writing. If I am writing about a deep theological discussion, such as the debate about limited and unlimited atonement, then quoting popular devotional writers might not be appropriate for my article.

In contrast, if I am writing to encourage people who are grieving, then listing apologetic arguments about suffering from leading scholars is not the best option. My audience will not appreciate an academic approach to a personally difficult experience.

How do I incorporate sources into my writing?

I have found that many editors expect writers to synthesize the information they researched in their own words. If specific quotes are used, these are usually given attribution through a hyperlink.

Depending on the editor or website, though, there might be specific guidelines for citing sources. Some might prefer Chicago, AP, MLA, or an abbreviated form of a style. Christian websites and publications may require a knowledge of The Christian Writer’s Manual of Style, which is the standard style for the Christian publishing industry.  

If in doubt about citing a source, it is best to contact the editor and/or check any guidelines they provide.

Any resource recommendations?

I have found the following sources helpful when writing about biblical topics:

• Basic Theology by Charles C. Ryrie – If you plan to write regularly about the Bible and theology, then I highly recommend this source. It is a helpful guide in understanding key doctrines in Scripture.
• NET Bible – This is a wonderful source for delving into specific verses or passages. Not only can you read the Bible fully online, but you also have access to commentary, notes, and the original biblical languages. 
• Oxford Concise Dictionary of the Christian Church by E. A. Livingstone – I suggest this source since it contains short, informative entries about theology and church history. It provides an overview of a topic and is a great starting place when doing preliminary research.
• The Bible Knowledge Commentary edited by John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck – An indispensable source for researching specific verses and passages, as well as understanding context and background. The Old Testament and New Testament versions are always on a shelf near where I write.

Having a reliable set of books and websites is important for writers. The more readily available the resources are, the quicker you can begin your research on a topic. Although the search will likely lead to other sources, the journey is much easier with a list of websites or a stack of books.

And that is when the adventure begins – learning from research, crafting words, moving around parts, and editing a piece for publication.