Research, both noun and verb, means to investigate for facts—explore, analyze, delve into. But what’s next?
I overheard an author, I think Susan Spann, say that by writing a rough draft first, she then knew what research she needed. A quarter of the way through self-editing my final draft, I tested Ms. Spann’s idea. By inserting comments where information is needed, I could have skipped over lots of proverbial rabbit holes. Indeed, if I had followed Ms. Spann’s suggestion during my rough draft, I bet I would have saved at least seven minutes per page. Oh, Susan, why didn’t I listen to you?
Here’s an example from my work-in-progress:
“The woman still here?”
Isaac connected narrow tin pipes together. “She intends to winter here. Hand me that tinker’s hammer, will you?”
Off to the side is the comment: How to make a still in 1860 remote location?! Instead of slamming on the brakes to find the answer, I can continue writing and address this question when the draft is finished.
Considering myself a semi-master of organization, I must bite a bullet while I write this blog. My research is, well, unorganized. The horror!
For my upcoming project, I will systematically organize all research by forming separate piles of information such as event dates; geographical descriptions, photos, and maps; clothing, hats, and footwear; websites, books, and contact information; plant and animal life; etc. Utilizing, reusing, and verifying all this information will be easy as pie. (I think making pie from scratch, crust and all, is simple.)
For this purpose, I have many three-ring spiral notebooks and three-hole tabs on which are written category titles. I also use color coordination to draw my eye to the area I need. Working titles of manuscripts are written on each notebook’s spine. Any last-minute information is handwritten on a blank paper then taped onto the inside front cover.
Yes, I’m talking about manual notebooks, not a computer. I can recall information a bit better if I actually write it down. If I’m copying and pasting, then of course I use a Word document or Sticky Notes software.
But Rainey, what about organizational software? I use OneNote and Excel, and I have my eye on Citation. There is also Scrivener and Evernote. I’ve heard good and bad about all the above. Use at your own risk.
How much time should you spend researching? Use your best judgement. Joanna Penn warns about research procrastination, reminding authors to keep a balance between consumption and creation. David Baldacci has written a few books and teaches classes, two of which focus on research. I’ve not taken a class from him, nor am I recommending his classes. However, should you desire to learn from one of the best thriller writers ever, he’s teaching.
Happy researching!
Good blog, Rainey. I do a combination of those research methods. I write in 15th century England, so I may make a note to look at jewelry from that time period to discover what type of pin my character may wear, or verify types of foods available at certain locations. Some details require a halt in writing, such as how distant two towns are. If a horse can’t make it in one day and my plot requires that they do, for example, I need to know that and make adjustments if time is critical at that point in the story. I may also stop and research for inspiration. Or accuracy: I wouldn’t want to select a setting for my characters to share an intimate moment if in reality a fierce battle had been fought right at that place. I like Joanna Penn’s quote–so true!
“The woman still hear?” Makes absolutely no sense.
Dear Owl,
I didn’t really write that, did I? Dang! Thanks for letting me know, and such will be addressed in an upcoming blog of mine. hear should be here. Does that make sense now?
I’m off to check my manuscript–again–for such silly mistakes.