Research

Research is a critical component of writing fiction, even in works of fantasy or science fiction. Accurate and well-researched details enhance the credibility of your story, immerse readers in the world you’ve created, and show respect for real-world cultures, histories, and professions. Here’s why research matters and how to approach it effectively.

• Readers are more likely to connect with your story if it feels authentic.
• Accurate details about settings, professions, and cultures make your narrative believable.

• A well-researched book earns readers’ trust and respect, especially if you’re depicting real-world topics like history, medicine, or law.

• Thoughtful research helps you avoid stereotypes and misrepresentations, showing sensitivity to the people and traditions you portray.

• Rich, accurate details transport readers into your world, whether it’s a 19th-century village or a modern operating room.

• Focus: Time period, significant events, daily life, clothing, technology, and social norms.
• Example: In All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr, meticulous research brings World War II-era Europe vividly to life.

• Focus: Language, traditions, beliefs, cuisine, architecture, and interpersonal dynamics.
• Example: In The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, detailed cultural research creates a rich and authentic portrayal of Afghanistan.

• Focus: Daily tasks, specialized terminology, challenges, and tools.
• Example: In The Martian by Andy Weir, thorough research into space science and engineering grounds the story’s plausibility.

• Focus: Geography, climate, architecture, and local culture.
• Example: The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown uses detailed descriptions of real landmarks to anchor its fast-paced narrative.

• Focus: While entirely imagined, these genres still require internal consistency and grounding in plausible logic.
• Example: J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings incorporates elements of linguistics and mythology to create a believable world.

• Begin with general sources to build foundational knowledge.
• Use books, documentaries, and reputable websites for an overview of your topic.

• Look for primary sources, interviews, and firsthand accounts for accuracy.
• If your story features a lawyer, for instance, study legal jargon and real-life court cases.

• Visit the locations you’re writing about if possible. Observe the sights, sounds, and atmosphere firsthand.
• For professions, interview experts or shadow someone in the field.

• Use tools like Evernote, Scrivener, or a simple notebook to store notes, links, and ideas.
• Create folders for different topics, such as setting, characters, and historical context.

• Avoid “research paralysis.” You don’t need to know everything—just enough to tell your story convincingly.
• Strike a balance between preparation and creativity.

• Weave details into the narrative without info-dumping.
• Example:
  • Info-dump: “The year was 1920, and women had just gained the right to vote after a long struggle.”
  • Better: “She clutched her ballot, marveling at the weight of the paper—and the history it carried.”

• Don’t let research overwhelm the narrative. Focus on how details enhance the plot or deepen characters.

• Research the sights, sounds, smells, and textures of a setting to make it come alive.
• Example: Instead of saying, “The factory was noisy,” describe “the rhythmic clang of machinery and the sharp hiss of steam.”

• Avoid stereotypes or oversimplifications. Seek feedback from people within the culture or field you’re portraying.

• Problem: Including too many details slows the story.
• Solution: Use only what serves the plot, characters, or themes.

• Problem: Misrepresenting real cultures or events.
• Solution: Consult experts, use sensitivity readers, and approach topics with humility and care.

• Research into life during Nazi-occupied France creates a gripping and authentic narrative.

• Incorporates cutting-edge science to make the premise of cloning dinosaurs feel plausible.

• Extensive research into Japanese culture adds depth and believability to the story.

Research is a writer’s superpower. It transforms your work from ordinary to extraordinary by grounding it in authenticity and enriching the reader’s experience. By balancing thorough preparation with creative storytelling, you can craft a narrative that resonates deeply and leaves a lasting impression.