Updated Narrative Writing and Profiles

Why Does Storytelling Matter?

Storytelling does more than just make us happy or feel comforted. In her article "Your Brain on Fiction," Annie Murphy Paul explains that neuroscientific research has revealed that "stories...stimulate the brain and even change how we act in life."

Telling Stories

Narrative structures activate many parts of our brain beyond the "classical" language regions, such as the olfactory cortex, motor cortex, and the sensory cortex. According to the Annual Review of Psychology, there is also "substantial overlap in the brain networks used to understand stories and the networks used to navigate interactions with other individuals" (qtd. in Paul).

Key Features of Profiles

An interesting subject

One way to create an engaging profile is to write about an unusual subject, or to write about a usual subject but in an unexpected way.

Necessary background information

Because a profile is not a research paper or report, it usually includes just enough information to provide the larger context for the subject of the profile.

An interesting angle

A good profile should capture its subject from a unique angle. Sometimes this angle will be readily apparent, inherent in your subject; other times, you might have to dig a little deeper to find that interesting "twist."

Key Features of Profiles cont'd

A firsthand account

Spend time observing and interacting with your subject! Conducting firsthand research, such as interviews and observations, is a very important part of writing an engaging profile.

Engaging details

Use rich details and imagery that bring your subject to life. Some ways to do this include: vivid, specific descriptions; sensory imagery; figurative language; dialogue; and anecdotes.

Generating Ideas for Profiles

Explore what you already know about your subject.

Ask yourself why you find a subject interesting, what you already know about it (and would like to learn about it), as well as your emotional reactions to it. Freewriting is a great tool for this kind of exploration!

If you plan on interviewing someone, prepare questions.

For your firsthand research, especially if you are writing about a person, interview them! Make sure to prepare yourself beforehand: ask their permission, write out your questions, think about how you will record the interview, etc.

Visit your subject.

Writing about a place? Go there! Talk to people, observe from a distance, take photos or videos--anything that will help you learn more about your subject.

Conduct additional research.

If your profile is not complete without secondary research, find additional information by doing research to fill in those "gaps" in the story.

More Ways to Generate Ideas for Profiles

Analyze your findings.

Look for ways that your findings relate to one another through patterns, recurring images or ideas or phrases, significant details, contrasts or discrepancies. How do your findings differ from your initial thoughts on your subject?

Come up with an angle.

Decide what is most memorable about your subject, what interests you the most, and what will interest your audience. Freewriting and other brainstorming strategies can help you find your unique angle.

Note details that support your unique angle.

Once you find your angle, you can figure out how to best bring to life your subject. Will photographs or illustrations enhance your profile? Dialogue? A certain medium?

Organizational Strategies

Chronological order:

If you structure your profile chronologically, you will begin with the past and end with the present. As Writing What Matters explains, if your profile is about an event, you might begin when the event does and end when it's over. If your profile is about a person, you could start with their past experiences, narrate the events that led to where they are now, and even end with their plans for the future. If you are writing about a place, you could begin with your initial impressions of the place and end with your departure.

An advantage of using chronological order to structure your profile is that it is easy to follow; a disadvantage, however, is that this kind of narrative can be dry and tedious. Think of ways to mix it up, such as using flashback or engaging dialogue.

Organizational Strategies cont'd

Spatial structure:

If you structure your profile spatially, you present information "as it occurs in space or by location" (Write What Matters). This is an especially effective organizational method for profiles about places. Your narrative moves your reader from place to place as if you were their tour guide. Spatial structure can even work for profiles about people if you create a narrative that follows them from place to place.

Spatial structure, however, generally does not work alone; it also draws upon chronology and topical organization. Keep this in mind as you write your profile. Ultimately, your structure should be unique to your subject and mirror the dominant impression you would like to create.