They did what? They went where? Writing about real people is challenging, but it is super rewarding, too. IF you tease out the extraordinary (but include the ordinary). The desire to read and learn about actual people and what they actually did is never going to go away. As humans, we constantly compare ourselves and our lives to others. Sometimes that might not be a good thing—comparing and feeling BAD isn’t good, obviously. But, if we use the comparisons to relate, find connections, and GROW, it is absolutely fantastic.
I’ve written about women war heroes, extreme sports athletes, and leaders in aviation and space. At first glance, a reader might say, “That’s all well and good for them, but I’m just an ordinary human.” These women had lofty goals, for sure. But we all have goals, or we should. And no, they don’t have to be as far-reaching as becoming an astronaut or competing in the Olympics. For me, personally, I want to secure another book contract in the next couple of months. I also want to finish weeding the really nasty patch of long-neglected ivy on the side of the house …
These down-to-earth goals (pun intended) are lofty for me. It’s not easy to come up with a knock-an-editor’s-socks-off proposal and it sure isn’t easy to get rid of all that resistant ivy. The point is that ALL goals are valid. Big or small, they are tailored to the person. Size is relative to the individual and kudos to those who accomplishes their own personal goals.
Back to writing about people. For my books, I interviewed and researched a wide variety of people. Some are famous (a senator, Olympians, astronauts, hero pilots, etc.). Others are just as dynamic, but they’re not household names. In either case, the stories of these women are inspiring and full of grit and sacrifice. I’m humbled by them all. Writing about people is challenging because there’s no making things up to suit the theme. Writing about people is rewarding because no matter the topic, learning about them provides a conduit to ourselves. Clearly, writing about people is a great choice for authors, not only because of its appeal and marketability, but also because it’s fun AND it provides us with an opportunity to look inward and improve. Plus, what an honor to have someone trust YOU with their story!
Ann McCallum Staats’ latest book is High Flyers: 15 Inspiring Women Aviators and Astronauts (Chicago Review Press). It is part of the “Women of Power” series.
