Insecure Writer's Support Group is a network of bloggers supporting one another through encouraging posts. The group posts the first Wednesday of every month, and is a place where writers can express doubts and concerns without fear. A safe haven for writers.
Research
I like to write what interests me, but I'm realizing this often ties to things I WANT to know about, not necessarily what I do. Meaning, I have to research. A lot.
For example, the first completed polished novel I wrote was set in the early 1960s with the NASA space program as a backdrop. Also the civil rights movement. I read tons of stuff that interested me, tons more stuff that would never make it into the book but were necessary to get a feel and expertise for the timeframe, and then even more research about things I could care less about but needed to fact check (such as did automatic doors in grocery stores exist in 1963 (yes, but barely)).
In planning a new project, I'm making some intentional choices to write more of what I know, but I'm also finding, again, what interests me is going to require some major research, both in reading related books, to more technical, fact-driven stuff.
Oh my.
Do you ever hold off on a fiction project because the research seems overwhelming? Or you're afraid you might not get the facts right? Have you ever changed your story's direction to avoid misrepresenting facts or a genre known for specific expertise?
I'd love to hear from you!
Posts
I've had a few cases now where I dove into a story and later discovered I was in over my head in terms of research. I'm slowly getting better about handling that sort of problem when it happens.
ReplyDeleteYes, this happens to me a lot. There's always some element of research that's a bit overwhelming. Right now, it's setting one book in a setting I've never visited and for the other, it's a time period that's hard to research.
ReplyDeleteBut then I also find that if I don't stretch myself in some way, I don't write as well.
Good luck!
I think I crave it too. It's not interesting to me to write about things if I'm not learning something in the process.
DeleteI love doing research, even if not everything I read will need to be in the story. Looking at old issues of Seventeen helped me to avoid publishing a book with an inaccuracy. I'd had the protagonist saying in 1972 that she was glad the magazine no longer had ads for engagement rings, wedding dresses, and china patterns like it did in her oldest sister's day, but the magazine was still running those ads as recently as 1982.
ReplyDeleteI still have a lot of research to do on the Battles of Tarawa and Saipan, D-Day. and some other WWII battles for the current and upcoming chapters of my WIP. It's a bit overwhelming.
I also love the research! Old teen magazines are so interesting to look through.
DeleteStephso, thanks for stopping by my blog today and leaving such a supportive comment. I love research and was first solely a nonfiction writer because of that passionate interest. I wrote a novel that will be published next year, very close to what I know and where I've lived. The new work-in-progress is just the opposite. I sort of prefer stepping into unknown territory of my second novel.
ReplyDeleteI love researching for a novel - you get to learn so much that you didn't already know. Sometimes it does get a little overwhelming though - I suppose it depends what it is you're researching.
ReplyDeleteIf I need research I do it. I don't want anyone calling me on an incorrect fact, so I make sure I have them straight.
ReplyDeleteMy post was a little similar today! I'm working on researching for a deaf character in my novella and there's a lot of research, but I really enjoy doing it. It's hard and a lot of work, but it really does help the story feel more real and accurate! Have fun!
ReplyDeleteWow. So true. I love research, I do. But, you're right, sometimes it seems overwhelming. I've found sometimes its more fun to find people to talk to instead of just Google.
ReplyDeleteKeep moving forward.
Heather
I always end up taking on a writing project that requires a lot of research. I love exploring new territory. I LOVE bookish research, but what I know I'm weak at is interviewing real people. I have a blind character and I NEED TO FIND A BLIND person to interview. Perhaps more than one. Reading about it is probably not enough.... but I'm shy and nervous about asking people. So yeah, big insecurity there! Hey, you know any blind people? :)
ReplyDeleteCall me lazy or ... lazy, but I usually steer away from writing certain genres if I know it will require a LOT of research. That is why I always admire and put writers who actually get their research done (and done correctly) on the highest mountain.
ReplyDeleteI mean, there is always some research going on in whatever we may write, but if it's set on a specific time period or deals with a culture. Dear lord. Y'all have my respect.
I absolutely adore research! I have to be careful, though, and not run down every rabbit trail I find (and believe me I find a LOT of them!) There is so much to learn out there I simply couldn't just write what I know. I'm a life-learner and I know that every book I write will contain things that will require research. That makes me very happy indeed!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by my blog yesterday and commenting! I appreciate it!
Jen
Why do you think I write science fiction that's all based in another galaxy? I need to get the science stuff right (well, close) but no history to mess up.
ReplyDeleteI have a story I dabbled in that was set in Victorian times, so I had to do a little research. Then I got stuck and another idea distracted me from it, so I never finished it.
ReplyDelete