As a fiction writer, you may have heard the adage “write what you know.” While this can be valuable advice, it often isn’t enough to create compelling stories that transport readers into new worlds. Doing thorough research is an essential part of crafting believable and engaging fiction. It not only helps you create realistic settings and characters but also adds depth to the storyline. And it helps us build credibility with our audience, adds depth and authenticity to our storytelling, and even sparks new ideas for future projects. Whether you’re crafting fantasy worlds or historical narratives, the depth and authenticity in your writing can be significantly enhanced through thorough research.

“Research should always come before creativity in historical novels because without understanding history you can’t truly bring the past alive on paper.” – Hilary Mantel, author known for her meticulous research in works such as Wolf Hall and Bring Up The Bodies

Why research matters

Research is crucial because it allows you to:

1. Authenticity: By conducting research, you can add authentic details to your story that make it more immersive for readers. Whether you’re describing a historical event or creating an alien civilisation, research helps ensure that your world-building is grounded in reality and resonates with your audience.
2. Character Development: Researching the backgrounds of your characters can help you create well-rounded individuals who feel real to your readers. Understanding their culture, upbringing, and experiences will enable you to write more compelling dialogue and actions that flow naturally from their personalities. By studying real-life people, cultures, and behaviours, you can create more nuanced and relatable characters that readers will connect with.
3. Plot Enhancement: A strong plot is crucial for any story, and research can help you find the perfect twist or reveal. By delving into various aspects of your chosen subject matter, you may uncover unexpected connections or details that inspire new directions for your narrative.
4. Suspension of Disbelief: Readers are more likely to suspend their disbelief when reading fiction if they feel confident in the author’s knowledge and understanding of a particular topic. Research helps establish credibility with readers, allowing them to become fully immersed in your story.
5. Add layers of meaning: Researching topics related to your story’s themes or plot points helps you add complexity and depth to your narrative.
6. Creating authentic settings: Whether you’re writing about a historical era or a fictional world, researching the setting helps you get the details right. This adds depth and authenticity to your story.
7. Inspiration and Creativity: The process of researching can open up new avenues for creativity as you discover fascinating facts or ideas that spark your imagination. Embracing the unexpected twists and turns that arise during research can lead to fresh perspectives on your work-in-progress.

“The more you know about the past, the better your writing will be.” – Margaret Mead

Now we know what research is and why it matters, how do we do it?

1. Start with what interests you

Choose a topic or theme that genuinely intrigues you. Before diving into research, make a list of all the subjects you need to explore in order to create a believable world for your story. This may include historical events or periods, geographical locations, scientific concepts, cultural practices, and more. This passion for the subject matter will shine through in your writing and make it more engaging to readers. For example, if you are interested in ancient civilisations, you could write a historical fiction novel set during that time period. Your enthusiasm for the subject will be evident in your storytelling.

2. Conduct comprehensive research

Once you have chosen your topic or theme, start gathering information about it. This can include reading books, watching documentaries, visiting museums and libraries, attending workshops, or even travelling to locations that are relevant to your story. The more knowledgeable you become on the subject matter, the better equipped you will be to create a believable and immersive world for your readers.

3. Gather Information from Various Sources

Utilise both online resources (such as academic articles, blogs, and reputable websites) and offline sources (like books, documentaries, interviews, and museums). Be sure to verify the credibility of your sources and cross-reference information whenever possible.

4. Focus on character development

Research is not only about understanding the setting but also about creating well-rounded characters. This involves studying human behaviour, emotions, motivations, and relationships. Observing people in real life or engaging with them through interviews can provide valuable insights into how individuals think, feel, and act. Additionally, consider exploring different cultural backgrounds to enrich your character development further.

5. Pay attention to details

When writing fiction, it is crucial to get the small details right as they add authenticity to your story. For example, if you are writing a novel set in a specific time period or location, researching local customs, dialects, and clothing can make your narrative more immersive for readers. The same applies to scientific or technical aspects of your plot; ensure that the information is accurate and well-researched.

6. Use primary sources

Primary sources are firsthand accounts or original documents related to a particular subject. These could include diaries, letters, photographs, interviews, or even artefacts. Using primary sources in your research can provide you with unique insights that may not be available through secondary sources such as books and articles. This will give your writing an added layer of authenticity and depth.

7. Take notes

As you conduct your research, take detailed notes to help you remember the information later on. Organise these notes systematically so that they are easy to access when needed during the writing process. You can use digital tools like Evernote or physical methods such as index cards for this purpose.

8. Combine imagination with facts

While research is essential, it should not overshadow your creativity and imaginative flair. Remember that fiction is a blend of fact and fantasy. Use the information you have gathered to create an engaging storyline while allowing room for creative interpretation and artistic license. This balance will make your writing more compelling and enjoyable for readers.

9. Synthesise Your Findings

Once you have gathered all the necessary information, begin integrating it into your work. Use your research to enrich character development, world-building, and plot elements while remaining mindful of the story you want to tell.

10. Continuously Update and Refine

As you write and revise your fiction, you may discover new areas where additional research is needed or find that certain details no longer serve your narrative. Be prepared to update and refine your research as necessary throughout the writing process.

“The more you know, the less you need to think about what you’re doing. The more you know, the more natural it all seems and the simpler it becomes.” – Ray Bradbury

The Situation-Protagonist-Action-Antagonist (SPA) Formula

Fill out the following fields to help you craft your log-line and guide your research:

1. Situation: The inciting incident that sets the story in motion.
2. Protagonist: A description of the main character, not their name.
3. Action: What the protagonist must do to attain a goal or overcome an obstacle.
4. Antagonist: A description of the opposing force or character.

This formula can help you:

• Clarify your story’s premise and plot.
• Identify areas where research is needed (e.g., historical context, scientific concepts).
• Develop your characters’ motivations and goals.

Remember to apply this formula to each step in your writing process, from developing your idea to crafting a log-line. This will help you stay focused on the essential elements of your story while conducting thorough research.

Example:

• Situation: A devastating hurricane hits a small coastal town.
• Protagonist: A young woman struggling to rebuild her life after losing everything in the storm.
• Action: She must navigate the complex process of rebuilding and recovering, facing challenges from insurance companies, government agencies, and personal demons.
• Antagonist: The powerful corporation that seeks to exploit the disaster for their own gain.

By using this formula as a guide, you can ensure your research is focused on the most important aspects of your story.

Some guidelines for doing your research

1. Determine the scope of your research: Identify what aspects of your story require research, such as historical events or locations, cultural practices, scientific concepts, or any other specific details that will enrich your narrative. What specific information or details about time, place, people, and events will be necessary in your story before starting any extensive research. This helps focus on relevant topics rather than getting overwhelmed by too much data.
2. Start with a general overview: Begin by gathering broad information about your topic to establish context and identify key areas for further investigation. This can be done through books, articles, websites, documentaries, or conversations with experts in the field.
3. Focus on details that matter: Remember, research should serve your story, not dictate it. Identify the specific details that will bring your fictional world to life without overwhelming the narrative. Be selective and prioritise what is most important for your plot and characters.
4. Consult multiple sources: To ensure accuracy and avoid misinformation, consult various resources from different perspectives. This can help you identify common themes or discrepancies in information that may impact your story.
5. Interview experts: If possible, reach out to professionals who have expertise in the area you are researching. They can provide valuable insights, anecdotes, and advice on how best to incorporate their field into your fiction writing.
6. Use online resources wisely: While the internet offers a wealth of information, be cautious when relying on online sources, verify credibility by checking author credentials, publication dates, and peer-reviewed status. Be aware that online content is often subject to change or updates; ensure your research remains relevant.
7. Verify accuracy: Double-check facts and details to ensure they align with your story’s world. This is especially crucial for historical fiction or science fiction where inaccuracies can detract from the narrative.
8. Limit and prioritise details in fiction writing: Avoid overwhelming readers with excessive facts; instead, focus on key elements that contribute significantly to setting up a realistic or engaging world for your characters. Remember the purpose of research is not just about impressing but enhancing storytelling authenticity.
9. Take notes: As you conduct your research, take detailed notes on important facts, quotes, or any other information that may be useful for your story. This will help you keep track of what you’ve learned and avoid repeating the same information in your narrative.
10. Integrate research into your writing process: Instead of completing all your research before beginning to write, incorporate it as you go along. This can help maintain momentum in your writing while ensuring that your story remains grounded in authentic details.
11. Balance accuracy with creativity: While research is essential for creating a believable and immersive world, don’t be afraid to bend or even break some rules if it serves the needs of your story. Your fictional world should feel real but ultimately serve the narrative you want to tell.
12. Develop strong character backgrounds: For historical fiction and other genres with believable settings, create detailed backstories for each main character to help them act naturally within their respective time periods or worlds without relying too heavily on research about the characters themselves (e.g., in fantasy writing).
13. Revisit and update as needed: As you write and revise your work, you may find that additional research is required or that earlier research no longer aligns with your evolving vision for the story. Be prepared to revisit your research throughout the writing process.
14. Respect cultural sensitivity: If your research involves cultures other than your own, be mindful of representing them accurately and respectfully. Consult with members of those communities or seek guidance from experts in cultural representation to ensure that you are portraying their experiences authentically and without perpetuating stereotypes or misinformation.
15. Create detailed outlines or world-building plans (for fantasy/sci-fi): Develop comprehensive backgrounds of the fictional setting’s geography, culture, technology, social structure, etc., to maintain consistency throughout your narrative and ensure a well-crafted immersive experience for readers.
16. Embrace curiosity: Ask questions about realistic settings or fantasy world elements that intrigue you as an author; this will help drive focused research efforts while keeping the writing process enjoyable. Remember, writers are often shy but asking others can lead to valuable information and connections.

Common mistakes to avoid

Here are eleven common mistakes to avoid when doing research for your fiction writing:

1. Relying solely on secondary sources: While books, articles, and online resources can provide valuable information, they may not always be accurate or up-to-date. Try to verify facts with primary sources like original documents, interviews, or firsthand experiences whenever possible.
2. Overloading your story with research details: While research is essential for authenticity, too much detail can bog down a narrative and make it feel didactic rather than engaging. Use the information you gather judiciously to enhance your story without overwhelming readers.
3. Ignoring context or cultural sensitivity: Be mindful of historical and social context when conducting research, especially if writing about marginalised groups or cultures that are not your own. Consult with experts in these areas to ensure accurate representation and avoid perpetuating stereotypes or misinformation.
4. Not checking for inconsistencies: Inconsistent details can break a reader’s suspension of disbelief and pull them out of the story. Double-check facts, timelines, and other elements to make sure they are consistent within your narrative.
5. Failing to maintain perspective as a writer: Remember that research is a tool for enhancing your fiction, not dictating it. Don’t let factual information overshadow character development or plot progression. Stay focused on the story you want to tell and use research to support that vision.
6. Not verifying the accuracy of historical details: Ensure that all facts, dates, and events are checked against reliable sources to maintain authenticity in your writing.
7. Overloading with information: While research is crucial for creating a believable setting, it’s important not to overwhelmingly include every detail you find; focus on what enhances the story rather than detracting from its flow and pacing.
8. Ignoring cultural nuances: Be aware of social customs, language use, clothing styles, and other culturally specific details relevant to your historical setting or characters’ backgrounds. This helps in creating a more immersive experience for the reader.
9. Failing to consider different perspectives: Historical events can be interpreted differently based on various viewpoints; research diverse sources to present multiple sides of an event, which adds depth and complexity to your narrative.
10. Mixing up facts with fiction elements: When blending historical accuracy with fictional characters or plotlines, clearly distinguish between the two through author’s notes, appendices, or other means so as not to mislead readers about what is factual versus imagined content in your work.
11. Failing to fact-check yourself: It’s easy to get carried away with the excitement of discovery or the pressure to meet deadlines. However, it’s crucial to double-check your own research against multiple sources before incorporating it into your writing. A single mistake can undermine the credibility of your entire work.

10 Key takeaways

Here are 10 key takeaways on doing your research for fiction writing:

1. Use research to add authenticity, not just impress: Remember that the goal of research is to enhance your story and characters, not to show off how much you know about a particular topic.
2. Focus on what’s relevant to your story: Don’t feel like you need to learn everything there is to know about a subject. Focus on the specific details that are important for your story and leave the rest behind.
3. Don’t overdo it: Research can be overwhelming, especially when writing historical fiction or fantasy. Limit yourself to what’s necessary for your story and don’t get bogged down in too much detail. Research only what is necessary to make your story believable and engaging. Don’t get bogged down in minutiae that won’t add value to your narrative.
4. Focus on authenticity over facts: While conducting research, remember that the goal is to create an authentic experience for readers rather than merely impressing them with factual knowledge.
5. Respect the genre conventions: If you’re writing within a specific genre (historical, sci-fi, fantasy), research the conventions of that genre so you can adhere to them while still making your work unique.
6. Use multiple sources to verify information: When researching a topic, use multiple credible sources to verify the accuracy of the information you’re gathering. This will help ensure that your research is thorough and reliable, and provide a more authentic and immersive experience for both you and your readers.
7. Let your imagination take over (eventually): While research is important for building a rich and believable world, don’t forget to let your imagination take over eventually. Fiction writing requires creativity and originality, so make sure you strike the right balance between fact-finding and storytelling.
8. Mindmap your novel and research different ideas: Develop a mind map of your novel’s key events and characters, then use this as a guide when researching various aspects related to those elements.
9. Balance research with creativity: Remember that fiction is meant to be creative and imaginative. Don’t let excessive research stifle your creativity, but use it as fuel to ignite your imagination and craft a compelling story.
10. Seeking Feedback Early On: Engaging with trusted beta readers early on can provide valuable insights into how your manuscript resonates and whether the research integrated feels natural to potential audiences, guiding further refinement of both content and detail accuracy. Share your manuscript or story outline with other writers, beta readers within your target audience, or even professional editors for valuable insights on how to improve your work based on the research you’ve conducted.

Conclusion

In conclusion, research plays a vital role in creating compelling, believable fiction. By immersing yourself in the topics you write about, you can craft authentic worlds, characters, and plots that captivate readers and keep them turning pages. Embrace the research process as an opportunity to deepen your understanding of your subject matter and unlock new avenues for creativity in your writing.