From Ordinary to Extraordinary

Unveil the hidden beauty in the facts and transform your nonfiction with the power of wonder.

- BY RYAN G. VAN CLEAVE

Wonder isn't just for children or fiction; it's a powerful tool in nonfiction that pulls readers into a universe of awe and amazement. From the mysteries of the cosmos to the intricacies of human DNA, infusing your books and articles with a sense of wonder can transform dry facts into a riveting read. Whether you're detailing technological marvels or the unsung heroes of history, here are ways to pick topics that thrill, spin narratives that engage, and choose words that awe.

Let's uncover the art of making readers wonder—and keep them coming back for more.

Selecting Your Subject

Think of wonder as the secret sauce that turns routine writing into a page-turner. Subjects that drip with inherent interest—like the mysteries of space exploration, the alien world of deep-sea phenomena, and the cutting-edge of technologies—are natural magnets for wonder. Dive deep to hook your readers with the extraordinary hidden within the seemingly ordinary.

How do you spot these gems? Start with big questions that push the boundaries of human knowledge and imagination. What's out there beyond the visible stars? How do creatures survive in the crushing depths of the ocean? What futuristic technologies could redefine our future? These questions capture the reader's curiosity.

Wonder isn't only found in cosmic mysteries; it also lies in the minutiae of daily life when viewed through a fresh lens. Take a common object and reframe it: How does a zipper work, its tiny interlocking teeth a marvel of precision engineering? Or what's the journey of a raindrop from cloud to river, a tiny freshwater capsule traveling hundreds of miles, nourishing ecosystems and carving canyons over millennia? By presenting everyday subjects with a twist, you transform the commonplace into magnificence.