Coming to Life

Research is an overwhelming word. I’m not an expert on it. I’ve written a horribly unresearched historical fiction and have mainly dreamt about my second hisfic. Even if you’re not writing a historical fiction, that doesn’t mean you’re free to write whatever you want. I mean, you could, but people who do know what you’re trying to talk about will know better, and you’ll wished you’d done the work. Even for my fantasy novel, I did a good amount of research on burns and other types of wounds. You may need to do research on castle layouts. I need to do research on swordplay and martial arts.

Unfortunately, I can’t yet offer tips on making the research process easier. That’s not what this post is for. This post is to encourage you, however, to do the research needed, for a few reasons.

1.      People who know better, will know better. I heard a speaker talk on how an author published a book, describing the brain matter in a crime victim as bright red. A crime specialist read the book. Intrigued by the red brain matter, they wondered if the victim had been poisoned. Nothing came of it. One day, the specialist ran into the author and asked, “You know brain matter is gray, right?” The author replied with a groan, “I know.”

      But because the author didn’t take the time to do a little research before publication, she assumed that, being surrounded by blood vessels, etc., the brain would be red. But someone who knew better read the book, and the mistake was obvious. In a published book.

2.      It helps you avoid clichés. When I rough drafted my Vietnam War novel, the only thing I knew about Basic Combat Training (BCT) was from movies. So, I had a typical bunker fight and a screaming Drill Sergeant. I skimmed through most of the training parts, sticking to runs, push-ups, and sit-ups. Until I did some reading. And I found out about wonderful things called obstacle courses and confidence courses. Crawling under barbed wire, over narrow bridges, battle simulations, first aid training, etc. That opened a new world for my BCT chapter and allowed me to focus on details we don’t always see in the movies.

3.      It allows you to focus in on interesting, unexpected details. Again, when writing my Vietnam War novel, I came across a line from a commander’s notes saying, “the dust [in Vietnam] is unbelievably fine.” Definitely something I didn’t expect. I also found out that M16 rifles from the year I was writing about weren’t equipped with straps, and if a soldier wanted to carry his gun on his shoulder, he would’ve had to rig himself his own strap.

4.      It brings your story to life. By doing research and coming across unexpected details, it sets your story apart from others with less research. I love reading stories from people who’ve ridden horses. After riding for 6 years, I can tell when someone includes small, but significant details from their own experience, versus someone who merely imagines what it’s like to ride a horse. The descriptions of those who merely imagine fall flat.

5.      It can be fun. Coming across unknown details can be enjoyable. It can inspire you to write a scene or chapter you never planned on, or even take your plot in a whole new direction. A surprising direction. And isn’t that what you want? An interesting and unexpected story? I hope so.

Have fun researching and look forward to finding something that will surprise you!

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How has research improved your writing in the past? Where can it help you get better now?

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