Writing a novel isn’t just about the writing part. A lot of research goes into writing a good book, and many writers who are just starting out don’t realize just how much research it takes. Just because it’s fiction doesn’t mean it doesn’t contain any facts. Every good fiction piece starts with real-life research.
Here’s how to approach researching for fiction in the right way. Soon, you will learn how to write a novel.
Why Fiction Needs to Be Researched
It’s a common misconception that fiction doesn’t require any research. But here’s the thing: just because your plot and characters might be fiction doesn’t mean everything else around your story is too. Settings, locations, what songs topped the charts in 1987. These are the little details that can make or break your story. Get them wrong and readers will notice. Trust me, they always do.
Researching Times
Always ask yourself when your story takes place. The future? The sixties? Five years from now? Research that time period thoroughly, including the small stuff like trends, fashion, and music that readers might never even see mentioned in your manuscript.
If you reference anything from that era, make sure it fits. When you’re not sure about timeline details, reach out to a local university or expert. I can’t tell you how many times this has saved me from embarrassing mistakes.
You can also find people who actually lived through the time period you’re writing about. This is especially helpful if you’re writing about decades you never experienced yourself. Real people have stories that no Google search can give you.
Researching Places
Always research the town and place where you set your story. Your goal? Write it so well that someone who’s lived there for twenty years reads your story and thinks you’re a local. Use local resources and tourist websites, but don’t underestimate Google Maps and Street View. I’ve “walked” through countless neighborhoods this way.
Researching Specific Locations
If you’re mentioning a specific building or place that exists in real life, base your description on actual resources. Many places offer online tours now. When that’s not possible, you can usually find photographs of most locations. If you have the budget and time, go there yourself.
Again, you need to describe any real-life places well enough that someone who knows them will believe you’ve been there. It’s harder than it sounds, but worth the effort.
Researching Details
Little details always make a big difference. When you use real-life details (like “Tony’s Diner was just down the road from the courthouse”), double-check them. Make sure you’re not getting anything wrong.
What separates a good story from a mediocre one? Often it’s the quality of research. Sometimes the research for a story takes months. Sometimes it takes years. But it’s always time well spent when these elements create a fuller, better, more accurate story with real attention to detail.
Fact-Checking
Always check your facts. Don’t just state something without being sure, and when you know you guessed at something, go back and verify it later. Readers can spot sloppy research from a mile away, and poor fact-checking can sink an otherwise great story.