Good stories usually have a connection to things that happen in the real world. To make your story feel real, you need to do some research before writing your novel. Discover the best way to find information for your new book or short story.
When you write a story, it’s helpful to base it on things that really happen or exist. This makes your story more believable and interesting. To do this, you need to gather information through research. Research means finding out more about a topic so you can include accurate details in your story.
For example, if your story is about a detective solving a crime, you might need to learn about how real detectives work. You can read books, watch videos, or talk to people who know about police investigations. This will help you understand the details and make your story more authentic.
The Importance of Research for Writers
Authors should research their stories for essential reasons. Whether you’re writing about familiar subjects or exploring new interests, research plays a crucial role in shaping your novel’s world. The information you gather during research helps you create a vivid and engaging setting that captivates your readers. It also provides valuable guidance in crafting your characters and developing an intriguing plot.
When writers do research their novels, they acquire a deeper understanding of their chosen topics. This knowledge not only adds authenticity to their storytelling but also enhances the overall reading experience. Research allows authors to bring their narratives to life, making them more relatable and immersive for the audience. In essence, thorough research serves as a powerful tool for writers, enabling them to construct well-informed and compelling stories that resonate with readers.
Where Your Own Experiences Come in During Novel Research
One often-heard advice in writing is to “write what you know,” and it holds true for a good reason. Your personal experiences can serve as a rich source of information and inspiration in providing a solid foundation for a compelling story. Take, for instance, the ability to vividly recount the distinct scent of the air in your hometown during a specific season. These nuanced details enable a writer to immerse the reader in the story, creating a more engaging experience by showing rather than merely telling a sequence of events.
Consider asking yourself some reflective questions: Did you experience a magical summer in your youth that led to a deep connection with a new friend? Is there a past trauma that, despite its challenges, contributed to your personal growth? Can you recall a moment of profound embarrassment or regret? Reflect on the saddest and happiest moments in your life. Is there a secret you’ve never dared to share?
Numerous stories, spanning from creative writing essays to bestsellers featured in the New York Times, draw inspiration from personal experiences. Importantly, this doesn’t mean adhering strictly to facts; authors often embellish their experiences to infuse excitement, enhance the narrative, or add depth to the characters.
Also Read: How to Write a Novel
How to Research a Novel Without Personal Experience
When writing unfamiliar stories, authors often face the challenge of tackling subjects they haven’t personally experienced. Not every acclaimed writer possesses firsthand knowledge of the diverse themes they incorporate into their work. Neil Gaiman, for instance, doesn’t possess supernatural powers, yet he weaves enchanting tales involving them in works like Stardust, American Gods, and Coraline. Similarly, Dan Brown is not a member of Opus Dei, yet the organization plays a central role in The Da Vinci Code. Joyce Carol Oates, despite never having committed murder, skillfully integrates it into her 1969 novel them, earning her the National Book Award.
So, how does a writer undertake research on a topic devoid of personal experience? The journey begins by posing a fundamental question: “What do I want to know?” This inquiry sparks a thirst for knowledge about the unknown, steering the writer toward a more informed and engaging narrative. Here’s a step-by-step guide for writers venturing into unfamiliar territories:
1. Read Extensively
The initial phase of novel research involves immersive reading on a wide array of topics related to the subject at hand. This exploratory stage sparks curiosity and lays the groundwork for more focused inquiries.
As you delve deeper, questions about specific locations, historical contexts, or scenarios connected to your subject matter will naturally emerge. Allow your interests to guide you in choosing relevant materials, simultaneously aiding in the structuring of your narrative. Take diligent notes, use bookmarks, record page numbers, and cite your sources.
Utilize resources such as newspapers, magazines, Wikipedia, online search engines, and your local library. Google Maps’ Street View feature can also serve as a valuable tool for geographic research.
2. Explore Documentaries and Podcasts
Expand your research beyond traditional reading by delving into documentaries and podcasts. These mediums often offer a wealth of information, comparable to conventional books or print journalism. Engaging with visual and auditory content can provide unique insights and perspectives that may not be found in written materials.
3. Connect with People
While reading is a crucial research tool, it alone may not suffice. To gain a deeper understanding, reach out to individuals with expertise or personal experiences related to your subject. Conversations with people passionate about their fields can offer invaluable insights and perspectives that enrich your writing.
The authenticity conveyed through personal interactions can significantly enhance the depth of your narrative. Additionally, meeting people in person may spark ideas for characters and story elements.
4. Immerse Yourself in New Environments
Take the initiative to visit unfamiliar locations, whether they align with your chosen setting or simply pique your interest. Upon arrival, resist the urge to document or record immediately. Instead, spend time absorbing the environment through your senses. Pay attention to the nuances that strike you the most. Later, when you’ve returned home, write a detailed description of the place, ensuring to capture the sensory details – what it felt, smelled, and sounded like.
5. Pursue Your Interests
Allow your interests to guide your choices throughout the research process. Immerse yourself in books, television, movies, and any other media that inspires you. Trust your instincts and preferences, as these will serve as the foundation for your novel. By silently accumulating information and insights from various sources, you’ll be laying the essential building blocks for a narrative that resonates with authenticity and passion.
Also Read: 20 Best Graphic Novels for Teenagers
How to Find Inspiration for Writing New or Unfamiliar Topics
Writing is a craft fueled by inspiration, and as a writer, you possess a unique ability to observe and absorb the world around you. Pay attention to people’s moods, behaviours, and the intricate details that set someone or someplace apart. Inspiration can emerge unexpectedly, so stay open to the possibilities presented by new and intriguing people, places, and ideas.
Your observations serve as a wellspring of inspiration. Look for the extraordinary in everyday life—the quirks, the nuances, and the aspects that make a situation or a person remarkable. Keep your eyes and ears attuned to the world, and you’ll find a wealth of potential topics for your writing.
Consider drawing inspiration from diverse sources, such as exciting non-fiction events from history, which can lead to captivating historical fiction. Explore the prospects of technology for the foundation of compelling science fiction narratives. Delve into real-life unsolved mysteries for the creation of thrilling true crime novels. Uncover family secrets or be inspired by chance encounters with fascinating strangers. Engage with issue-specific podcasts that spark your curiosity.
Moreover, existing stories offer a treasure trove of inspiration. Literature, both classical and contemporary, is often composed of building blocks from earlier tales. As a writer, part of your responsibility is to familiarize yourself with these building blocks, which vary across cultures. In Western anglophone culture, drawing from Greek and Roman mythology, indigenous stories, Brothers Grimm fairy tales, and the Bible can provide a solid foundation for crafting your own narratives.
Deepen your understanding of these classic stories and their archetypes. Ask yourself: How can I draw from these sources to ignite my own creative spark and craft a story that resonates uniquely with my voice?
How to Research A Novel While Writing It
Authors often emphasize that their research doesn’t start with the first written word; instead, it extends throughout the entire writing journey, encompassing the outline, initial draft, and final revisions. Eventually, there comes a point where authors feel they have gathered sufficient information during the initial research phase, allowing them to transition into the actual writing process.
Writing tools such as Scrivener play a crucial role in helping authors manage the demands of creating a new book. The ability to organize research notes, outlines, and various drafts facilitates a more focused and streamlined approach to creative writing.
The process of writing a novel demands significant time and personal investment in research. Rather than viewing research as a time-consuming task, it’s more productive to see it as an investment in the creative work that follows. While thorough research, relying on credible sources, may initially seem time-intensive, it ultimately pays off when the drafting phase begins. Comprehensive research notes serve as a valuable resource, empowering fiction writers to delve into their creative strengths and produce compelling narratives.
