A reader may have the mistaken assumption that if one is writing science fiction or fantasy, there’s no need for research. However, every type of fiction writing requires research to get the details that will make the story sound real, whether it takes place on another world or here at home.
When and Why to Research When Writing a Book
The writing process is different for every writer. Although writing a book is an individual undertaking, doing the writing research very early in the process, perhaps even before the characterization stage, is best. Early research can garner facts that will enhance the story as the writing progresses.
If the writer waits till later to research, it may cause a situation where parts of the book are inaccurate and need to be rewritten. Worse than that, without proper research, a writer may find that he has written a story into a dead end, with no plausible way to resolve the issues. It could be a waste of days or perhaps even months of hard work, if the story fell through because research didn’t support it.
Science fiction writers need to research the scientific facts in their stories. If the author is world building, significant amounts of research need to be done to ensure the ecology and cultures of the fictional world are plausible.
Crime writers and mystery writers must thoroughly investigate things such as the psychology of criminal minds, methods of crime, police investigations, and courtroom procedures. Allison Brennan, a New York Times bestselling romantic suspense writer, has done extensive research, including “on the job” time with police units to guarantee the authenticity of her books.
Romance historical novels have a knowledgeable audience looking for historical accuracy in addition to a well spun romantic yarn. Many authors have bemoaned a minor detail they overlooked, only to have fans send them notes of correction.
Ways to Do Writing Research
Research can be a time consuming and arduous process. The Internet has shortened and eased the pain considerably, but it isn’t a replacement for a visit to the library or a chat with an expert on the subject in question.
Research may begin on the Internet. Having writers resources that include credible sites for information helps. This will give the writer an overview of the subject, and lead to further research questions.
Whereas just a few years ago, primary resources could only be found in libraries, museum collections, or archives, today many primary documents have been scanned and placed on the web. If no primary documents are found online, visiting the research department of a library is the next step to finding more details. A good librarian can also guide the writer to accurate databases hosted by universities or government agencies.
Interviews with experts are invaluable. The expert can give tips and pointers about things that will not be found in written resources. They may also be able to tell the writer personal anecdotes that breathe life into a story.
How to Include Research in Fiction Writing
The writer should keep a file of information found while researching. It can be in one folder on the computer, and an additional file can be kept for items found through primary research, interviews, and personal experiences. An editor, publisher, or fact checker may request the sources of information in a novel.
The novel writer uses the information in a different way than it would be used in writing a research paper. The citations are not included in the book, except occasionally as an appendix. Rather, the information is used to create backstory, setting, and plot. The details are sprinkled throughout the scenes in a way that keeps the plot moving forward and draws the reader in to the story.
Dan Brown, in his novel The DaVinci Code, includes a vast array of facts about the Catholic Church, science, symbolism, and math. Yet the reader doesn’t feel lectured to because the information is embedded in the action and conversations. He explained the Fibonacci sequence, and PHI, a math concept that very few people know about, in the scene of the two main characters puzzling it out. It advanced the plot, deepened characterization, and hooked the readers.
The fiction writer may think that because stories are made up, less research is required. However, using well-researched facts and details to enhance the plot in a novel can make the difference between a ho-hum story and one that makes it to the bestseller lists. Doing research early in the writing process helps the writer to weave the facts into each scene, and create an intriguing tale.
Suzanne Pitner - Suzanne Pitner is a teacher and published writer. A member of RWA and YARWA, she writes fiction as Suzanne Lilly.
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