Reflections on Writing - Research

You have to know what you are writing about. Sci-fi requires technical knowledge. Fantasy requires antiquity knowledge. Even a children’s book with animals requires a basic knowledge of the animals included in the story. Research gives your book the realism and depth your readers will enjoy. It helps to establish the authenticity of the subject matter.

Research allows you to write confidently with the freedom to be imaginative about the world you are creating. If you are writing a sci-fi novel, it is probably because you are an avid sci-fi reader, or sci-fi movie fan. So, keep reading sci-fi, it is good research. But also research real science and physics. Research cutting edge technology and adapt those items into your writing for more authenticity.

If you are writing a children’s book, read other children’s books. Study their illustrations and book designs. This helps you to determine your design. How can you know what design you want if you don’t know the designs that are out there. For any book, don’t be afraid to find one, or two, that you really like and make that the standard that you are striving for. When you are fleshing out your character bios, research character traits so you know how each will react under specific circumstances.

Take what you have learned and developed and write. And then write some more.