Writing Tip: Research… Even For Fiction!
In this blog post, we'll explore why research is indispensable in fiction writing, how it enriches our stories, and the balance we must strike between invention and authenticity.
The Importance of Research in Fiction Writing
I recently saw a thread in a writing group on Facebook where authors were discussing whether or not research was necessary when writing fiction. I was surprised to see so many responses which suggested (or outright stated), it was not. In fact, several people asserted that fiction is fiction, which means it can be anything we want. While I agree with that to an extent, I am not in agreement with the overall idea. Just because it’s fiction, doesn’t mean it’s fake. It doesn’t mean we can throw whatever we want at a wall. Not much pulls me out of a story faster than when I stumble over anachronistic or anatopistic details. Perhaps it’s my own biases at play here, and I can admit that, but I happen to believe research is essential to writing stories of all kinds.
Creating Authentic Worlds
Research lends authenticity to the worlds we craft. Whether it's historical fiction, science fiction, fantasy, or any other genre, grounding imaginative settings in real-world details creates a foundation that readers can believe in. Authenticity in the minutiae—cultural nuances, technological specifics, or historical accuracy—immerses readers in a world that feels more genuine and tangible. I can overlook a lot of things in the books I read, but modern slang in historical fiction is not one of them. Or an animal species only found in certain geographical locations appearing in places they simply would not exist in real life. Unless there’s an actual reason and purpose for the incongruence, all it does is make me acutely aware that I’m reading a work of fiction, rather than being immersed in the world the author is trying to create.
Developing Believable Characters
Characters are the heart of any story, and research is the key to creating characters with depth and believability. Understanding the character's background, profession, or cultural context allows us to make our creations feel like ones which could exist off page. Research helps us avoid stereotypes and fosters the development of characters whose actions and motivations feel real and relatable. This is especially important when we’re writing from outside our own personal experiences. If we haven’t done adequate research (which often involves seeking input from people with lived experience), we run the very real risk of writing characters based solely on stereotypes. Readers will notice immediately if they share some of the character’s backstory… If the major details are off, or if it simply lacks the true heart of the experience, we will lose credibility as writers.
Crafting Plausible Plot Points
While fiction is by definition imaginative and creative, a solid foundation of research ensures that even the most fantastical plot points are plausible within the established rules of the world. Whether it's the mechanics of a futuristic technology, the intricacies of a heist, or the nuances of a legal process, research grounds plot elements in a semblance of reality, making them more compelling and (I’ll say it again) authentic.
Navigating Historical Accuracy
Historical fiction demands a commitment to accuracy, but even if we’re just referencing another time in a contemporary story, it’s essential that we do our research. Otherwise, it will not ring true. Historical accuracy not only enhances the immersive experience for readers but also does the eras being depicted justice. I won’t spend any more time on this point, though, because I’d like to believe most people already understand why research is important for navigating historical accuracy.
Incorporating Cultural Sensitivity
Crafting stories that involve diverse cultures requires sensitivity and respect. Researching cultural practices, traditions, and perspectives is vital to avoid misrepresentation and cultural appropriation. We can then infuse authenticity into our narratives while promoting understanding and inclusivity. While some may say we can’t write outside of our own experience, I don’t fully subscribe to this. I do think it’s important to have a fully developed understanding of the culture we’re writing about, and that we should absolutely be employing sensitivity readers in areas where we don’t have first hand experience as a member of that community. If we’re going to write outside of our own cultures, there must be strong motivator for that choice, and a compelling reason why we’re the best person to tell that story. If we decide to move forward with writing the story, we must then commit entirely to accurate, sensitive, and nuanced storytelling, with feedback from the communities we’re involving.
Nuanced Storytelling
Research adds layers of nuance to storytelling. The depth of knowledge about settings, characters, and plot elements allows for a more nuanced exploration of themes and conflicts. The details are everything for giving our readers an experience of actually being there themselves. Readers appreciate the effort invested in creating a credible and well-researched story, even if they’re not consciously aware of it. When there are layers to our worlds and characters, it forms a stronger connection between our work and our readers.
Inspiration and Unforeseen Twists
And finally, as a bonus for those of us writing the stories, research often leads to the discovery of unexpected tidbits that can inspire fresh perspectives or plot twists. These moments are so fun during the research process! I have one manuscript I’m drafting right now where half the book is set in the 1920’s. While researching the bootlegging industry of the time, I discovered a traveling entertainer that sparked an entirely new subplot! It’s added another layer to the story, and helped me work out a wrinkle I’d been struggling with. Plus, if someone happens to know about this entertainer, it’ll be a satisfying and interesting bit of history for them to connect with when they reach those parts of the story.
I do feel the need to make one quick note: Research is important for capturing those little things a native to the time/experience/culture would understand, but we don’t want to overdo it. Excessive details can overwhelm things, disrupting the flow of the story.
I feel like I must make this note, mostly because it’s something I tend to do in early drafts. I dump all kinds of facts and information, because I’ve often done a lot of research during the outlining and preparation process. So by the time I get to drafting, I want to share everything I’ve learned. I don’t censor myself much in the first draft, so when I’m revising, I get to see just how overboard I went with the info-dumping. LOL! The revision stage is where I’ll make sure only plot-specific or character-relevant information makes the cut, and I smooth it out to make sure the reader stays immersed. I’d say about 80% of the research is for my own benefit, and about 20% makes it into the book overtly. That other 80% informs the way I approach everything, though, and creates the context in my mind for the story. So none of it is ever wasted.
Research allows us to create worlds that feel real, characters that feel like people we could know, and plots that make sense. By balancing creativity with research, we’re better able to write stories that people can relate to. So, really take the time to dive in and get to know what you’re writing about.
Happy writing!
