Research - A Necessary Step In The Writing Process

Whether you write books, newspaper articles, magazine stories, fiction or nonfiction, for children, young adults, or adults, you need to do your research. The smallest inaccuracy in your work will destroy the reader's confidence in your story. Eventually, they'll walk away and more than likely, not pick you back up again in the future.

It goes without saying to write what you care about or love to read. This helps when it comes time to research your subject. Whatever subject you choose to write about, having a passion for your topic will come through to the reader. Many writers take different paths when it comes to research but usually head in the same general direction.

One avenue is to find other books written on the period of time, important events, and facts on your particular subject. Try to skim, outline, and concentrate on the information you plan on gleaning from what you've read. Try to learn what was taking place in society during the period of your subject.

Another way to learn about your topic is to visit places that include your subject. I traveled to Sullivan's Island, SC because it was the setting of the first book in my paranormal mystery series, Sullivan's Secret . I was able to walk the streets and patron the establishments that are in my story. It felt as if I had literally stepped into my book. It was a great experience. I was able to explain the ocean air better, the smells and types of foods in restaurants, identify street distances, and get a feel for the people that live on the island. There's nothing worse than to describe a particular place or setting that is incorrect and have someone who lived there know it's wrong. They will more than likely lose interest and decide not to continue reading your book.

As you gather your information, be sure to categorize everything in such a way that you can come back to it as a reference. Do it either on note cards or a computer. Sometimes your research trail can go cold, and it will help to be able to return to a particular reference to see the broader context. Also, when help is needed, good records will help librarians help you. Librarians are our best resources. Don't forget to send a thank-you note. It'll be much appreciated.

You can also talk with professionals, professors, and hobbyists. Visit museums or clubs. Try to nurture a worldwide community of experts in the field of your subject. Read professional journals, search the Internet, note credentials, and build a community of contacts.

You won't always feel you have all of the needed research for your subject, but once the story is in your mind's eye and the fire is in you to write...then write. Some writers research and write at the same time. Others research first, then write. It's up to you what works best. There is no right or wrong way.

So, the bottom line is to really love your subject, read as much as you can about it, narrow your focus, create an outline, find your style of record keeping, ask for help from the experts, and then let the creative flow begin.

But always remember to...Keep on Writing!

source: Searching - A Research Guide for Writers