Research

jonereb · Jan 19, 2007

I'm a newby to this site and to authoring in general, at least in the classic sense. I've been involved in broadcast writing/production forever it seems.

I'm interested in your thoughts regarding research, specifically when to research. I'm currently writing a YA horror novel. I'm at about the halfway point. Along the way, I've stopped to research specific ideas that I planned to include. I did some research prior to starting the novel, but mainly I've stopped before writing a chapter in which I needed more information. Most of my research has been from google searches and reading. I've tried to make sure my sources were legitimate and accurate, mainly by using more than one site. I also plan to consult with a few people who could provide insite and first hand knowledge, such as a police detective that I know. But I mainly plan to consult these living and breathing professionals after my first draft is complete.

What are your thoughts on my approach? From reading the preface of a book by best selling author Greg Iles, he mentioned a similar approach in his latest book entitled True Evil.

Manat · Jan 19, 2007

I researched my first novel in much the way you describe. Stopping along the way as the need arose. The second one I started with NoNowrite which requires you write 50,000 words in one month. With it I simply made notes in the text along the lines of ( check this out) (look it up) etc.

Both methods worked, though I prefer method 2 because when story line was flowing I was able to ride it right on through, and fix things later. On the other hand method 1 was good when I was stuck in the story flow. Going back and doing research often got me going again. In my opinion there's no right or wrong way. Use whatever works. Good luck.

PeeDee · Jan 19, 2007

During the first draft, I almost never research. I write based on what I know in my head, and on logical guesses. Then, I go double check those logical guesses before correcting anything problematic.

The only time I do research during the first draft is 1) If it's a subject I'm naturally interested in anyway, whichcase it's just me reading or 2) If the thing I'm uncertain of is crucial enough to the story that getting it wrong would drastically affect the whole story around it.

Generally, though, if it's a detail like that which I'd have to research, then it probably means I don't know it well enough to have tried to support my storyline on it anyway, if you follow me.

Siddow · Jan 19, 2007

I do minimal research before the first draft. I write until I become unsure that something will work, and then I research. Sometimes. Usually, I plow through, trying to at least make it believable. With horror, you have some leeway. As long as it makes sense, who cares if it's possible?

I read my first Iles book early last year...loved it.

jonereb · Jan 19, 2007

Siddow, I highly recommend Dead Sleep by Iles. At least that's my favorite Iles book. His current release is a bit wordy, IMHO. Too much clinical information. I was perfectly willing to accept his positions without all of the background.

roach · Jan 19, 2007

I research as I write. Google and Wikipedia are my first stops and then the local library (interlibrary loan is the best!).

I don't think I could do a lot of research before hand. I'd be itching to write pretty soon. On the same hand I feel uncomfortable when I'm writing something that I know I need to research. I'd rather leave that scene or chapter or whatnot blank until I've looked up the information I needed than try to wing it.

Another thing, I'm always researching. I have notebooks and computer files filled with little bits of interesting information I pick up when reading. It's all fodder for the creative machine.

Summonere · Jan 19, 2007

Mostly I research after I write. Sometimes before, sometimes during. What I consider research doesn’t include the sort of reading I’d be doing anyway, writing fiction or not. My goal is to nail down the story first. If I need something else later, then I’ll add it … later. This approach seems to tell me what kinds of things I’ll need to know to tell a better or more interesting story, and I’d not know those things – the specific things – had I not written the story first.

jonereb · Jan 19, 2007

Generally, I have the story nailed down before I start writing, at least the basic plot, how it starts and how it ends. I start with a resonably detailed outline and try to stick to it, but I am also willing to make changes along the way. Inevitably, I'll think of something to include or add a new wrinkle. So I adjust the storyline, but the basic plot doesn't change. If I didn't have an outline, I'd probably lose track of what I've done and where I should go next.

Research

jonereb

Manat

PeeDee

Where's my tea, please...?

Siddow

I'm super! Thanks for asking

jonereb

roach

annoyed and annoying

Summonere

jonereb