Writing Articles in France

Posted by John Blatchford Aug 30, 2008

Inspiration for insect articles came from local specimens, but researching material and images about marine biology while living far away from the sea and reference libraries needs internet research.

Fish and Insect Themes

When I was the Feature Writer for ‘Fish and Insects’ at Suite101 I found that most of my articles were born out of interesting observations. Wandering through the countryside, or sitting reading in my garden would suddenly expose a fascinating insect. Sometimes I was able to get a good photo, and then my curiosity would lead me to researching the species. (Praying Mantis and Mole Crickets are good examples).

Marine Biology Themes

My ‘first loves’ and all my academic qualifications are in Marine Biology – and my research work was related to adaptations to rocky shores. I think this means that my articles in ‘Marine Biology and Oceanography’ are possibly more authoritative, but when I find myself sitting at a computer inland (either here in France or at home in Yorkshire) it is difficult to stroll by the seaside or go out in boats.

Occasionally a holiday will provide this sort of opportunity (as with my visit to Vancouver Island this spring), and these occasions generate enthusiasms in much the same way as with the insects. 'Vancouver Island Marine Biology’ and ‘Botanical Beach Vancouver Island’ are good examples of ‘interesting place or observation leads to an article’.

When I am not close to the sea and boats I seem to write what is, in effect, a series of articles about any one topic. This is because, in my mind, ‘one thing leads to another' – and also because it is very difficult to cover any topic adequately in one short article. My series about whales is a good example of this.