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Writing serves as a bridge between academia and the wider public, yet many researchers lack the skills necessary to effectively communicate their work. Steven Beschloss offers guidance on how academics can enhance their narrative writing abilities and connect meaningfully with diverse audiences.
One year ago, we launched Transformations, an online magazine featuring personal narrative essays - part of the Los Angeles Review of Books' indepent publishing platform. Over this period, I collaborated closely with about a dozen scholars to craft compelling stories that delve into issues such as justice, equity, diversity and inclusion. These narratives not only showcase geographical depth but also leverage the authors' expertise and personal experiences.
Narrative writing allows academics to enrich their intellectual and creative lives by engaging directly with readers, something that traditional technical writing often fls to achieve. It presents a unique opportunity for scholars to reflect on their journeys, share challenges, and provide insights into their fields.
To help others master this art form, Beschloss highlights several key strategies:
Share your process: Beyond reporting outcomes, narrative writing invites you to describe the journey of discovery, innovation or learning that led to those results.
Provide specific detls: Engage readers by immersing them in the context with vivid descriptions. For example, instead of saying I saw a pnting, share its title, color palette and emotional impact.
Bring characters into your story: This helps ize your narrative and offers readers entry points for connection. Think about the people involved who can provide insight and depth to your experience.
Set the scene with location: Use places as powerful descriptors of context and characters that help establish setting and atmosphere.
Incorporate time as a tool: Time adds layers of complexity and meaning, allowing readers to understand not just what happened, but why it matters.
Explore unique perspectives: Successful narratives avoid surface-level observations; they dig deeper into personal experiences that offer fresh insights or unconventional angles.
Be honest: Authenticity is key. Readers can tell when you're holding back critical detls. Sharing vulnerabilities opens the door for readers to learn from your journey and experiences.
This year, I expanded Transformations into Transformations Books, a partnership with Temple University Press. The collaboration demonstrate that there's an abundance of compelling stories grounded in academia which could appeal to both scholarly and general audiences alike.
In , narrative writing offers academics a unique opportunity to contribute beyond their traditional fields of expertise. It allows them to engage deeply with readers, share critical insights, and foster connections that can inspire change and understanding on a broader scale.
Steven Beschloss is a writer, editor, journalist, and filmmaker who serves as the Director of the Narrative Storytelling Initiative at Arizona State University. His work spans multiple disciplines including the College of Global Futures, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.
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