The new authors have to invariably face a dauntless task about the topic they should take up for writing. This presentation is an effort to help them surmount this problem.

1. LEGAL & ACADEMIC WRITING

2. HOW TO SELECT A TOPIC?

3. Presentation
by
Maj Gen Nilendra Kumar
Executive President,
Indian Society of International Law

4. PRESENTATION AT THE
WORKSHOP
ON
LEGAL, ACADEMIC OR CREATIVE WRITING

5. CREATIVE WRITING
It is a means of using written language to recount an
interesting text that will interest , attract, engage, inspire,
illuminate, excite or surprise the readers. It may evoke
emotions and provoke thoughts.

6. TOPIC HAS TO BE SELECTED BASED ON
1. Personal competence of the author
2. Need of the society
3. Acceptance by the publishers

7. The topic chosen should be one of
which you have personal & detailed
knowledge.

8. This may be one which you have
1. Taught
2. Studied
3. Researched

9. Do not start writing only based on
sketchy, half baked or superficial
knowledge.

10. However, there is an exception, if one is
called upon by an editor or publisher.
Even then acquire detailed knowledge
about the topic.

11. TAKE CARE
1. The topic should evince some interest.
2. It should be catchy.
3. It should find some readers.
4. It should have visible and direct connection with the text.

12. Topic may be based on general questions or
queries in the class taught, a meeting or
conference attended. Or when
commissioned to write.

13. The topic may be a further follow up
study of an earlier effort like project or
research thesis.

14. TOPIC, HOW TO FIND
LOOK FOR A MATTER RELATIVE TO
1. Recent Legislative efforts.
2. Based on a latest judgment or a re-visit of an old decision.
3. Parliamentary debate.
4. International or regional academic discussion.
5. A crime, epidemic, catastrophe (terror attack), rise in
prices of onion, an item or environmental activity.

15. LEGISLATIVE EFFORT
1. Interpretation.
2. Ingenuity Prakash V Phulwati.
3. Initiative arrest of Sahara Head.

16. AVOID
A boring or confusing topic. Don’t pick up one which
sounds very technical.

17. CONCLUSION
Detailed careful thought would help in arriving at an
interesting and inviting topic.