Research, is it Necessary?

There are many of us writers that live for the research of our works. And there are many of us who absolutely dread it. So the question as to whether it is necessary is not an uncommon one. I will say that in my personal opinion, it is absolutely necessary. In saying that, I will also admit that I am neither a fan nor a hater of research. Sometimes it is fascinating and other times it is a chore.

Why is it necessary? Well, in the spirit of our 2014 elections and a recent job I applied for, let’s see where we’d possibly get without research. In my own personal situation, I would have ended up with a poorly prepared cover letter and resume as well as poor preparation for my recent interview. In the larger world of our elections, we’d end up with the wrong people in the wrong positions. We still might end up with this second situation, but I’m sure each of us would rather not have anything to do with creating this sort of situation–at least to the degree we can help it.

In the realm of books, the lack of research can lead to inaccurate or unrealistic plots, settings and even characters. And for us writers, that only stands out in glaringly as we critique each others’ work. I’m sure there are many readers who walk away from these types of “errors” as well.

The moral of this week’s blog? Do your research as it makes a world of difference and can very much be the dividing line between an impactful writer or a complete flop!

Happy writing to you all and with it being November, may you all be very speedy and productive!

 

Filed under: Toni Kelly, Writer's Life