So, you’re going to write your novel now. Maybe you’ve got an outline, maybe you don’t. But you do know that you’ll need to do research for it. Let’s discuss how to research a novel and what to do with that information.
Why Should You Conduct Research For Your Books?
Before you do anything, you need to figure out whether you need to do any research for your book. This answer might not be immediately apparent to you, and that’s okay. You can research your novel whenever you need to learn something new.
However, researching is never harmful. Whether you use the information in your story or not, learning something new is always good.
I’ll also note that if you’re writing non-fiction, you’ll probably need to research, depending on the topic.
On the other hand, if you’re writing fiction, you may or may not need to research. It’ll depend on the topic of your book and also the genre. For example, day-to-day life shown in cozy mysteries won’t necessarily need researching. But unless you used to be a detective before you started writing, you’ll need to conduct police investigation research.
Once you know what to research, how exactly do you begin that process?
How To Research A Novel
So, now you know you need to research for your book. But, you also understand what information you need to know to write the book well. So, let’s go over how to research a novel.
Read Fiction And Non-Fiction Books
One of the best ways to research a novel is to read about the subject. If you need information about something or learn something new, then non-fiction books are the way to go.
By reading non-fiction books, you can learn about any subject you need to, primarily if it’s based on actual events.
On the other hand, you can read fiction books to get an idea of what other stories do within your genre. For instance, you can’t necessarily live the western lifestyle, but you can read other fictional westerns to understand better how that genre is in the industry.
Use The Media
In addition to books, there are so many other media outlets. The internet is a major one. You can Google information and questions, bringing you to various web pages.
Be sure you can tell a good source from a bad one. Ethical sources will often have citations at the bottom of articles. You can also check out the websites of experts. For instance, heading to the NASA website is great for information about space.
Social media can also be helpful. While you must be careful about where and who you’re receiving the information from, you can research directly with specific experts in their field. You can even try reaching out to your favorite author.
Finally, you can watch videos on YouTube, documentaries on streaming services and TV, radio shows and podcasts, and so much more.
Talk To People
One of the best ways to get research for your topic is to talk to people directly from the source. For example, does your book involve a war? Then speak to a veteran if they’re willing to share their story.
One of the great things about talking to others is making new friends and connections. You’ll allow someone to tell their story or share something they’re passionate about. You might be the outlet they’ve been looking for.
Learn About History
In addition, talking to people will also help you learn more about history and culture. For example, if you have Hispanic characters in your story, talk to them about the types of food they eat, how they party, what holidays they celebrate, and everything in between.
Hands-On Experience
Aside from talking to people, hands-on experience is well worth it if you can do so. For example, it’s great to read about how to ride a horse, but what if you actually rode it to feel what it’s like?
Not only will you add more emotion and detail to your story since you know what it feels like to ride a horse, but you’ll also have a lovely memory. In addition, you’ll have fun and learn something new.
Another form of hands-on experience can take shape through courses. You don’t need to return to school, but plenty of online courses will help you learn something new.
Some courses are better than others, but some great websites include EdX, MasterClass, SkillShare, Udemy, and more.
Learn The Craft Of Writing
Why do you need to learn the craft of writing when trying to research the time period of the 1950s? Well, you need to know how to write from the viewpoint of someone in the 1950s.
No matter the genre you’re writing in, learn the craft of that genre. Then, read books written in that genre or topic to understand how other authors convey the 1950s.
Not only will you learn more about the 1950s, but you’ll also gain new writing skills.
Quick Research Tips
Now that you have a fair amount of research for your story in your back pocket, what do you do with it? Where do you store all this information you’ve learned? How do you know when you have enough research?
Create An Organizational System
You know me and my lists. But, of course, I suggest you keep a binder full of research notes.
Seriously, though, it’s a good idea to write down what you’ve learned. Keep a digital file that’s well organized with headings, color-coded, or something that you can easily read and access.
You can also handwrite notes in a notebook. You can annotate textbooks or novels that you own as well.
As much as I love handwriting my notes, I prefer to keep a digital research file. It’s easier for me to create hyperlinks to good websites or articles I’ve come across. In addition, I can link to YouTube videos or save images from Google or Pinterest for aesthetic reasons.
I can print it and put all my research notes in a folder or binder.
Avoid Going Down A Rabbit Hole
Now I will be a Debby Downer and say not to go down a rabbit hole. This is difficult to do, especially if you’re a planner.
You have an idea of what you need to know for your novel and make a list of things to research. The problem is that there’s always something new to learn. So, before you know it, you’ve spent a month studying and haven’t written a word yet.
During research sessions, set a timer for an hour or so. Once the timer goes off, get some writing done. Research can happen during any stage of the writing process.
Keep A List Of Things To Look Into
As I just mentioned, research can happen at any time. For example, you can do so before writing the first draft or during editing.
You’ll often need to look up during a writing session. Add a placeholder or filler word when it happens. Then, you’ll see it and be able to research what you need.
The point of this is so you don’t go down that rabbit hole or interrupt the writing flow during a session.
How Much Research Is Enough?
You’ll know when you’re done. As soon as you have enough information to tell the rest of the story, something will click in your brain, and you’ll know. The occasional question might pop up, and you can do another Google search if needed. Remember to tell what you and your readers need to know.
Learn More:
- Podcast Episode: How Do You Do Research For Your Novels?
- Podcast Episode: How Do You Approach Writing Black Historical Fiction?
- Podcast Episode: How Do You Approach Writing Historical Fiction?
Rachel Poli is an indie author, podcaster, and content writer working on her debut cozy mystery novel.
Although she favors mystery, Rachel is a multi-genre author with too many ideas and characters in her head, often experimenting with short stories and flash fiction.
When she’s not writing, she’s reading, organizing something, or playing video games. She currently resides in New England with her zoo.
