The Research: Why It’s Wise To Gather Extra Facts and Statistics

Award-winning writer Kathy Widenhouse has helped hundreds of nonprofits and writers produce successful content and has gained 600K+ views for her writing tutorials. She is the author of 9 books. See more of Kathy’s content here.

An online devotional for writers

A Word From The Word

The other five were wise enough to take along extra oil. (Matthew 25:4, NLT)

A Word For Writers

My hubby is a self-taught do-it-yourselfer. Our home is graced with his handiwork, including a solid cherry china hutch, a new screen porch, two stone faced fireplaces …

Plenty of trial and error have taught him a simple rule to follow when planning a project: order extra supplies. If he estimates that he needs eight 2 x 4s for a project, he gets ten. If measurements show he’ll need at least fifty ceramic tiles for the bathroom floor, he orders sixty.

His “Get Some Extra” rule saves him effort, time, and money. The padding prevents frustration from the inevitable mismeasurement or wrong cut. With extras on hand, he can continue his work without interruption. After the project is complete, he can return unused supplies to the local home improvement store or keep them for the next project.

The “Get Some Extra” rule works for writers, too.

Let’s say you’re preparing a new piece for a newsletter. You dutifully research the topic and interview experts. But don’t get “just enough” research to write your article. Get some extra … as in extra statistics, quotes, interesting facts, examples, and testimonials. With extras in hand, you can pick and choose what to use and write with less interruption. Once you’ve used what you need, then do as my dear hubby does: keep the extras for another project.

Jesus explained the “Get Some Extra” Rule in the Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids. All ten young ladies were preparing for the wedding feast. Yet when the time came, five ran low on oil – the presence of God. Meanwhile, five were wise enough to “take along extra.” They were in a continual state of readiness and eagerness.

Be a wise writer. When you research, gather extra.

A Wise Word

When you research, gather extra.

A Word To Pray

Loving Father,

Thank you that I live in a time when information is readily available. Give me the wisdom and patience to research deeply and gather more facts than I need. Show me what to use and what to save.

In Jesus’s name, Amen.

---

More Devotionals for Writers

The Case Study: Research in Story Form ...

The Data: It’s More Than Just Numbers ...

The Reading Remedy: Beat Writer’s Block by Picking Up a Book ...

The Citation: Giving Credit Builds Your Credibility ...

The 6 Questions: Use Simple Research Skills Recommended by Solomon...

The Brainstorm: It’s Time to Gather a Pool of Content Writing Ideas ...

The First Draft: Don’t Let Your Idea Get Trapped By Your Fear ...

The Facts: They’re Especially Persuasive When Combined with a Story ...

The Fact Check: Truth Is a Powerful Writing Tool ...

The Search Engine: The Bereans Show the Impact of Research ...

The Sequence: How Peter Used Facts to Make a Persuasive Argument ...

Wise Words: Devotionals for Writers ...

More Devotionals for Writers on our Pinterest board ...

Join other Christian Writers in the Writing for Ministries Community ...

Free Mini-Course: Getting Started Writing Devotionals ...

Get more devotionals for writers delivered to your inbox each week:

Return from The Research to Nonprofit Copywriter home

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Powered by SBI! Learn more here.