100 things, writing, research pt 1

[jana_denardo]

Mostly because I see this becoming a multi-part blog over the next weeks. Research, it's important. Really, I could end the post with that. I am not a big believer in 'write what you know.' How boring is that? I'd only have characters who were podiatrists, professors and bartenders. I am, however, a big believer in research.

You can make things believable if you take the time to do your research. The internet makes this easier than ever (provided you're careful about your sources). I remember a time when I was talking to a young would-be writer in an RPG we were in about her historical novel. She flat out told us all that she hated research and it would be necessary. We asked well what do you know about Victorian times? Outside of what she saw in romances, nothing.

Granted most historicals are decently accurate since their readers are usually quite picky about that sort of thing but not always. She couldn't understand why the whole group acted the way we did: i.e. pointed out research was an important thing. It might be something she'd want to try and gave ideas as to how to make it more fun.

End result: she told us we were all old and out of touch and eventually severed communication with us. Extreme example? Yes but it is an attitude I've seen more than once. It's one I don't quite get. In the 21st century, we're more keyed in on accuracy than ever before. In the mystery field, we have scores of pros in the forsensic fields turned authors. Doctors writing medical thrillers. I look back at Murder, She Wrote which even in the 80's we realized wasn't very realistic but it probably wouldn't even fly at all today.

Do your research. Learn to enjoy it. And to that end (and yes I'm bragging). I'm going to Wales this year to do research of my own as part of a fellowship I was awarded. I'm looking at the standing stones. check it out: Standing Stones

I'll be sure to use it. Look at the stories I've been successful with: Snowbound and the Darkest Midnight in December, both come from a lot of research (ongoing) into 1930's Pittsburgh and the surroundings; In the Hands of the Gods, a whole ton of research on Pompeii and Ancient Roman culture (I've been studying that all my life); Haunted, the culumination of trip to Victoria last year.

Research isn't just fun. It pays off.

Comments

[havocmangawip.livejournal.com]

Research is AWESOME! Nothing throws me out of a story faster than lack of fact checking and those LITTLE details that let me know I am THERE in the story/novel/thinger. ;)

Some things can be hand waived, but many? Absolutely not.

Sounds like that youngin' at LEAST needed to figure out how many layers went under a Victorian woman's dress... and what she'd wear in what class or function. Sigh.

[jana-denardo.livejournal.com]

research is awesome and you're right, nothing throws me out of the story (and me throw the book across the room) is very obvious errors.

There is so much we don't know. Heck I was just watching something from 10 years ago and I've already forgotten those bits of life, something from 150 years? yeah you need the research

[evil-little-dog.livejournal.com]

Research is too much fun!

[jana-denardo.livejournal.com]

I agree. the hard part is not overusing what you've learned.

[evil-little-dog.livejournal.com]

Yes, once it becomes a list, it's no fun for the reader.

[jana-denardo.livejournal.com]

and it's so easy to over do it., sigh

[evil-little-dog.livejournal.com]

Unless your reader(s) are also geeks.

[jana-denardo.livejournal.com]

that too