Today we continue the series in which award-winning nonfiction authors discuss the joys and challenges of the research process with an essay by Heather Lang. Thank you, Heather.
Kids
and adults are often surprised to hear me say that research isn’t only about
gathering facts. Sure, that’s critical to writing successful nonfiction. But
for me, it’s so much more . . .
Research
is also about exploring my feelings and my connections to the person I’m
writing about and the topic. This leads to exciting revelations that inform
almost all aspects of my narrative. For example, it helps me find my way into
the story and unearth themes I want to focus on. It unleashes my narrative
voice.
For
my picture book biography, The Leaf Detective: How Margaret Lowman Uncovered
Secrets in the Rainforest, I began with my own strong connection to nature
and deep concern for our rainforests, which are being destroyed at an alarming
rate. I knew I wanted to write a biography about Meg Lowman with science and
conservation facts and maybe even quotes—layered like the rainforest. A good place to
start.
I dove
into her memoirs. I was struck by the fact that Meg
was very shy as a child and young woman—something
I related to. I paid attention to that connection and wondered, how does a shy
young woman, grappling with society’s limited view of a woman’s role in science,
manage to move forward?
Next, I watched and read interviews with Meg and pored over her
scientific publications. Meg became a pioneer in tree canopy research, one of the first scientists to discover the astounding biodiversity in
the treetops. She discovered new organisms and developed new ways to access and
explore the treetops. She became a mom, a mentor, an educator, and a
conservationist who has saved millions of trees. This left me with so many possibilities. I had
no idea how to shape her story . . . until I interviewed her in person.
When I asked Meg (right) about her shyness,
she shared stories of throwing up before speaking in public. She revealed how
her passion for plants drove her to keep moving forward and to practice,
practice, practice so she could conquer her fear of public speaking. I
envisioned her opening up like a leaf, gradually growing stronger and more
confident. I took note of it.
I already
knew the
depth of Meg’s dedication to trees, but as I sat across the table listening to
her talk about her work, I could literally feel it—a profound love and
respect for trees and all the magical things they do for animals, for humans,
for our planet. This energy from Meg floated across the table and filled me up.
It was contagious
I
left that two-hour interview with lots of questions answered and something
equally important—feelings. When I got home, I sat down to write about them, and they came tumbling out
as a poem. It began like this . . .
To
us
it
is a tree,
good
for shade,
picnics
and rope swings,
maple
syrup,
and
leaf piles.
To
Meg
it
was a fort
for
a quiet girl
who
gathered twigs,
and
waited and watched
for
their buds to blossom.
It
was a home
in
the woods
for
a solitary girl
who
collected wildflowers
to
study and identify,
to
press and label—
live-forever,
lady’s thumb,
jack-in-the-pulpit.
I’d
written a love poem to trees! I knew instantly this narrative voice would be a
perfect way to reflect Meg’s feelings about trees and her adventures as a leaf
detective. Of course, most of those words didn’t make it into my final draft,
but my tribute to trees and all the different things they are became the
foundation for a lyrical biography of a shy girl, whose true love for plants
shaped her. Like a leaf she unfurled, becoming a pioneer in tree canopy science
and ultimately a powerful voice for trees—a tree protector.
Fortunately,
my interview didn’t end on that day. Meg invited me on her citizen scientist
trip in the Amazon. There, I witnessed Meg in action as a
scientist and a talented educator, who captivated and inspired us with her
knowledge. I used any “free” time to fine-tune my text, including short rainforest
facts that would be sprinkled throughout the book on leaves.
Through this shared experience, I absorbed
the rainforest’s magic Meg had so passionately described. I had a new feeling
of true interconnectedness—from tiny ants to trees to humans. I made sure my
text conveyed that and began developing a spread for the back matter to show
and explain the different layers of the rainforest and how they work together
to support life on earth. On my way home, I wrote my author’s note. Looking
back now, I realize how much richness this experience added to the book.
I always tell students that gathering sound facts is
essential to writing successful nonfiction, but don’t stop there! Explore your feelings about these
facts and your topic, perhaps through free writing or poetry or art. Teachers
can facilitate this with prompts. Whenever possible, interview people, and find
simple ways to observe or experience what you’re writing about. Paying
attention to feelings during your research journey will make your writing come
alive and blossom.
Heather Lang loves to write about
real women who overcame extraordinary obstacles and never gave up on their
dreams. Her research adventures have taken her to the skies, the treetops of
the Amazon, and the depths of the ocean. Heather’s award-winning picture books
biographies include The Leaf Detective: How Margaret Lowman Uncovered
Secrets in the Rainforest, Swimming with Sharks: The Daring Discoveries of
Eugenie Clark, and Fearless Flyer: Ruth Law and Her Flying Machine.
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One Response
Heather-both yours and Meg's passion comes through this book. It's a mentor text for me and close to my desk to study it!