5 Tips for Maximizing Research
by K.M. Weiland @ Wordplay researchResearch is vital no matter what kind of fiction you write. I spent almost as much time researching modern-day Chicago for my fantasy novel Dreamers Come as I did the Third Crusade for my historical novel Behold the Dawn (scheduled for release October 1). I’ve always found it odd that some authors approach research as if it were the bane of their craft. Since most of us write fiction in an urge to learn and grow, research is a natural extension of that. On average, I spend three months researching any given novel before diving into the writing. And I love it. I love discovering the solid facts-the bricks-that will turn the imagined walls of my story into something solid. That said, I’m very much aware that research can be both overwhelming and frustrating. Following are some of the tricks I’ve adopted for my own use.
Fiction Writing: Research is Just a Road Trip
by James @ Men with Pens fictionresearchOne of the 7 Deadly Fears of Writing is the fear of research. Either you love researching or you hate it, but a realistic novel can’t avoid it. The details you add to your novel are what make the story credible and help suspend disbelief. The days of poring over old tomes and searching endless shelves of reference material at libraries are gone. Today, all the information you need is literally at your fingertips thanks to the Internet and search engines.
Research with Purpose
by Lindsay Amezotchi @ College Writing 101 research“The journey of a thousand miles begins in a single step,” said Confucius. Indeed, starting any research project may be a daunting task and may determine the success of the journey.