One of my favorite types of novels to read is historical fiction. I’m certainly not a history buff, but I do enjoy the mix of history and storytelling that transport me to a different time and place.
What impresses me most about these novels is the amount of thought and preparation that must have gone into it before publication, and the amount of research the author had to do before writing a single word.
If you read historical novels, or any kind of fiction for that matter, I encourage you to read the author’s notes and acknowledgments pages. The notes will tell you a little about the author’s thought process in the writing of the book and share the various sources they used in their research. That might include interviews with experts, places they visited, and specific books that they read. The acknowledgments page includes names of people who helped the author in the writing of the book, such as beta readers or experts in a certain field of study, like a police detective with knowledge of police procedure, for example.
Why Is Research Important?
Research is critical to get the story details right, or as close to right as they can possibly be. Research makes the story more authentic and believable and helps bring readers into the story as if they are there with the narrator.
But what kind of research is needed? How much should you do before writing your story? How much of your research should make its way into your story? You don’t want to overload the story with non-essential details that could bore readers, but you do want to include just enough to make sure they understand the context of the story.
When you’re thinking about your next story concept, take a moment to brainstorm key details you might need to know. For example, if you’re writing a novel that takes place in the Florida Keys and you’ve never actually been there, you might need to know the region’s history, the types of shops one would find when visiting the Florida Keys or how to fly fish. If there are scenes that take place on a yacht or sailboat, you might need to research the various parts of the boat. Remember you want to provide an authentic picture of the region to build context for your story.
Even if you’ve never visited the location of your story, there are other sources you can use for your research. Other sources of research are newspaper and magazine feature articles, YouTube videos, and tourism sites. Don’t overlook local libraries and history museums whose staff may know more about a locale than you ever thought possible.
The Power of Interviews
Interviewing experts can also boost your knowledge and give you ample background for your story. Begin by compiling a list of experts you might need to interview. Do a Google search for sample questions, if you can’t think of any of your own, or use AI if you’re more inclined to go that route. For example, you can give AI the following command: Give me a list of questions I should ask someone who is a professional fly fisherman.
Don’t be shy about doing in-person interviews. You’ll likely get more detailed and relevant responses that way. People are usually flattered to be asked to participate in an interview. I find that most people love talking about the work they do or their hobbies—whatever they’re most passionate about.
When you think you have enough basic research to understand the setting and background for your story, start writing. When you’ve finished the first draft, review the manuscript and note where you might need to include more historical information or other details you didn’t think of before.
More Tips about Research
- When writing your draft, avoid information dumps. Too much information can bore readers while insufficient information might confuse them.
- Use primary resources whenever possible over secondary. Primary is first-hand knowledge, like a subject matter expert. Primary knowledge will make your story more credible.
- Don’t use research as a means to avoid writing. It’s easy to get lost in your research. You can spend weeks immersed in history. Experts suggest giving yourself a time limit, say two weeks or one month, to use exclusively for researching and preparing to write your story. Once the draft is complete, then you can go back to see where you might need to do more research. Avoid the urge to pause writing to look up a topic.
- Before you start your project, make a list of all the places, topics and details you need to research. That way you won’t forget what you need to find out for your story and you won’t pause in the middle of your writing to look it up.
- Conduct interviews with experts either in person, by phone or in an online chat. You’ll get the best detailed information that way. Leave emails for follow up questions
Research may either seem like grunt work to you, or a trip down the rabbit hole. When you make a list of what you need to know, and the sources that can help you find it, you’ll be able to craft a story that is authentic and believable.
The Regal Writer 