Research for Fiction Writers

We don’t often talk about research as fiction writers, do we?

Just because you’re writing fiction doesn’t mean you can make everything up. As ARHuelsenbeck points out in this article, readers don’t appreciate inaccurate information, even in a genre like sci-fi! Even fantasy calls for research sometimes—I’ve done plenty!

But research can also be tricky when you’re not sure exactly how much to do. It can easily become a distraction that detracts from your writing, which is why I love the tips in this article about how to research. Let’s be honest: who here has ever gone to do some “quick” research and either ended up down the rabbit hole or starting plotting an idea for a whole new book? Mmhm. I’ve been there.

I already have this page bookmarked for the next time I start my research. Go check out these tips so you can keep your writing process flowing smoothly, even as you voraciously Google search!

Happy writing!
—E.J.