Susan Orlean Shows How to Find Subjects for Creative Non-Fiction

Summary

This script explores the fundamental challenge of finding a compelling non-fiction story idea. It emphasizes the importance of genuine curiosity and authenticity in selecting a subject that is neither too narrow nor too broad, ensuring it resonates with readers beyond its specific details. The speaker advocates for passion in storytelling and suggests that a good story should captivate an audience at a dinner party, regardless of the subject's initial appeal. The script also encourages writers to be observant, open to ideas, and persistent in pursuing story leads, even if many don't pan out, highlighting the process of discovery as key to unearthing engaging narratives.

Takeaways

• 🤔 The importance of curiosity when finding a story idea and ensuring it's something you genuinely want to know more about.
• 🔍 Assessing if a story idea is too narrow or broad, and ensuring it has relevance beyond its specific subject to engage readers.
• 👤 The value of profiling an ordinary person who can represent a larger issue, making the story relatable and impactful.
• 📝 Considering practical aspects such as the required length and word count to effectively tell the story.
• 🧐 Imagining the target audience and how they might be drawn to the subject matter independently of the writer's passion.
• 🔥 The significance of a writer's passion for the subject as a driving force that can attract readers and convey enthusiasm.
• 🍽 Using the dinner party analogy to illustrate how passion and storytelling can draw interest in unexpected topics.
• 🌐 The necessity of being open to ideas from all aspects of life, including newspapers, magazines, and overheard conversations.
• 🚫 Acknowledging that not all pursued ideas will work as a story and that's an acceptable part of the creative process.
• 🛍️ An example of finding a story idea in a mundane setting like a supermarket, questioning the processes behind everyday experiences.
• 🦉 The serendipity of discovering story ideas in unexpected places, like flipping through a taxidermy supply catalog.

Q & A

What is the fundamental question discussed at the beginning of the script?

The fundamental question discussed is how to find a good story idea for non-fiction writing.

What is the importance of curiosity in finding a good story idea?

Curiosity is essential because it drives the writer to explore and understand a subject deeply, ensuring authenticity and personal interest in the story.

Why is it necessary to assess if a subject is too narrow or too broad for a story?

Assessing the scope of a subject helps ensure that it is engaging for readers and can provide broader lessons or insights beyond the specific subject matter.

What is the significance of a story being able to 'funnel out' from a narrow subject?

A story that can 'funnel out' from a narrow subject allows it to touch on broader themes or issues, making it more relatable and interesting to a wider audience.

Why is it important for a writer to be passionate about their subject?

Passion helps the writer to convey their enthusiasm to readers, potentially drawing them in and making the subject more compelling.

How does the speaker suggest one should approach an editor with a very narrow subject?

The speaker suggests that one must be prepared to defend a very narrow subject on its own terms and show how it can serve as an iconic example of something bigger.

What practical considerations should a writer take into account when choosing a story?

Practical considerations include the estimated length of the story in terms of pages and word count, and the potential audience or readership interested in the subject.

How does the speaker compare finding story ideas to a dinner party conversation?

The speaker uses the dinner party analogy to illustrate how passion and energy can make an otherwise uninteresting subject captivating to an audience.

What are some of the places or activities where the speaker finds story ideas?

The speaker finds story ideas everywhere, including reading newspapers and magazines, walking around, seeing billboards, and overhearing conversations.

Why is it beneficial for a writer to follow many ideas even if most do not turn into stories?

Following many ideas helps a writer to practice the skill of discernment, learning to identify which ideas have potential as compelling stories and which do not.

Can you provide an example of how the speaker found a story idea in an everyday situation?

One example is when the speaker was in a supermarket and started wondering about the logistics of how food is stocked and decided what to keep in the store, sparking curiosity about a seemingly obvious subject.