Writers, Research and TED Talks

By Annette Cole Mastron, Communications Director for Southern Writers Magazine

The wintry weather keeping me housebound has provided an opportunity for me to delve into TED talks. I’ve found these very helpful and interesting, so, instead of hibernating, I used the snow days to catch a couple of authors sharing their advice. 

“TED is a nonprofit devoted to spreading ideas, usually in the form of short, powerful talks (18 minutes or less). TED began in 1984 as a conference where Technology, Entertainment and Design converged, and today covers almost all topics — from science to business to global issues — in more than 100 languages. Meanwhile, independently run TEDx events help share ideas in communities around the world.”

The collection of TED talks from  11 authors talking will inspire you. “These well-known writers weave beautiful words on the page … and on the stage.” Here is the link.

All you have to do is sign up for free, log in, and view the authors that interest you.  

TEDs are little video monologues. Have you ever needed to research a subject from an expert? You can probably find a TED talk on the subject. Plus, you can watch TED talks in your pj’s, by a cozy fire with a steaming cup of coffee from the comfort of your own home. 

One of my favorites is when author, Tracy Chevalier looks at paintings, she imagines the stories behind them: How did the painter meet his model? What would explain that look in her eye? Why is that man ... blushing? She shares three stories, inspired by portraits, including the one that led to her best-selling novel Girl With a Pearl Earring.  Here is link.

Have you viewed TED talks? 

What’s your favorite?