How to Write a Book Series
Using Comparison to Enliven Your Nonfiction Book.
Often called Compare and Contrast, or Classification, this mode of nonfiction allows the writer to measure several different objects with one another to examine variations on a theme. Readers find it especially useful because it shows the differences in the objects of discussion.
If you don't like poodles but think beagles are tops, whatever opinion you may hold, and if you require your opponents to support arguments with specific details, Comparison mode is the way you make decisions. Before you get swept away on an island vacation, you might want to know how much power the American justice system has over a Dutch ruled extension such as Aruba, as compared to other Caribbean islands ruled by other countries that may or may not be simpatico with the judicial branch of the United States of America.
Comparison Mode is the strongest method to combat stupidity, because it relies upon factual evidence that describes each object in comparison with the others in the essay. And what is so intriguing about green Jell-O when compared to orange Jell-O? In order to discover why, a thinker must enter the Comparison Mode.
Why are Harley Davidson motorcycles so hot and four-door American sedans not so hot? It's easy! The Comparison mode looks into broad strokes and is perfectly capable of splitting hairs to discover and define a million shades of gray. That is why it is the choice Mode for clinical medical trials conducted by any laboratory team in the entire world.
When designing a preliminary outline to write a book, or summary outline for a future Comparison Mode piece of writing, there is a nifty formula you can use which will insure that you stay on track and keep your arguments for each object (or situation) linear.
Example: If you are comparing vacation cruises, say three different cruise liner companies, you only need to make a list and keep your information concise in an orderly and sensible style.
- Names of Cruise Companies cruising the Caribbean Islands in Post-Easter season: Wind star; Royal Caribbean Line; Lindbladt
- Ports of Call:
- Cabin quality:
- Meals:
- Onshore Excursions:
- Onship Spa and Pools:
- Price and packaging:
- Customer 4-star rating:
By noting briefly the details in each category, you will quickly see how influential and different each cruise system is designed. With just a little introspection, you will see which clientele each cruise caters to.
This list method should be used prior to writing any expository writing, article, or essay, in the Comparison Mode.
Within the Comparison Mode essay, it is perfectly acceptable to tell little stories, offer various descriptions of details that will influence the reader toward a decision or preference. But the main purpose of Comparison Mode is to compare, appreciate, and accentuate the differences in the objects or events discussed. You may also mention the similarities, but the reader will probably be more interested in the differences.
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