* Personal Experience: They draw from their own lives, memories, and experiences, finding compelling stories within their personal history. This allows for authenticity and depth of connection with the reader.
* Social and Cultural Issues: They explore themes that resonate with broader societal concerns, often using their personal experiences to illuminate larger issues of race, gender, class, identity, or social justice. This gives their work relevance and potential for impact.
* Intriguing Subjects: They may be drawn to specific topics that fascinate them, whether it's a particular hobby, a historical event, or a fascinating individual. The writer's passion for the subject often shines through in the writing.
* Reader Engagement: They consider what might resonate with their target audience, choosing themes that are relatable, thought-provoking, or offer a unique perspective on a familiar issue.
It's important to note that these approaches often intertwine. For example, a writer might use their personal experience of overcoming a challenge to explore a broader social issue related to mental health.
Ultimately, the best way to describe how creative nonfiction writers choose their themes is that they seek out stories that are both personally meaningful and relevant to a larger audience, aiming for a blend of intimacy and universality.