Research

J A Myers
Jun 7, 2017
4 min read

While being at university I have become to understand how important research actually is. Not just on how to write, but understanding the different genres. To write in a genre you first have to understand how and what makes that genre.

For example, I have collected over the last few years books about supernatural beings, but that is what I work with most. To understand the genre and to write them well, you have to first understand where they came from, how they world and the cliches that surround them. This way you can make the cliches work for you and to help your writing instead of hindering them. Sometimes the cliches help focus your work into a great idea.

When you tell a reader they are about to start reading a romance but don't put any in, then there is nothing that keeps the reader interested. They will feel cheated and won't read the book you put out for them. This also applies to the front cover, but I will go into more detail about that another time. But everything about your book should scream out to what genre, or genres, it belongs to. This is because the reader will assume it is something to do with what genre before they even read it, you don't what to get them excited about something, then let them down. It's like opening a packet of crisps and there only being half a bag. You aren't happy with it, you don't bee satisfied by it. It is the same with books, the blurb, synopsis, they all have to scream for your chosen genre.

All of this comes down to research. This helps you understand your character's background, where they came from what they are doing there. How they got there and what the place looks like. The writer has to understand their world backwards and forwards for the reader to believe in it too when they feel like the writer cares, they will care as well.

Research gives the writing depth and understanding. The writer knows the colours of the flowers, what they are called and they family they belong to. This isn't always information to show within the book, but the background knowledge will help you understand their life. This is exactly the reason why researching your characters is important. It creates a rounded person in the world you have created. You understand how they work, how they manage under pressure and how far to push them. It helps the reader see the flaws of the character as well as the good points they pose. This creates a chance to add in development.

The same applies to research the areas and eras you are talking about. This creates a more authentic view of the world. It helps the reader step into the world you have creates. Especially if you are going into world building. Everything about the map has to be spot on or else you will end p writing yourself into a hole without realising it and then you'll struggle. You have to understand the terrain ass well as river formations. These are things you have to understand before you stat getting your idea down on paper.

Research around the genre as well, make sure you understand the genre, to know what is already out there, is there something you can bring back to life. unfortunately, we are living in a world where everything has been done before, it is our chance to revitalise old ideas and put our own spin on the ideas. Reading fiction is the best way of researching because it gives you an idea of what the writer has done for their books and what it might give you an idea of what readers expect from the research.

It is also about knowing your enemy as well. It's like when a war starts you have to understand the previous wars to draw up adequate battle plans. They allow you to see any patterns to their movement, and it helps you work in those movements or away from them if you wish to take on a challenge.

Don;t just stick to internet resources either. Field work or book work is also just as good. Go to the places you are describing, it makes the emotion raw nd fresh in your memory, as you know exactly how your character is feeling. Obviously, there is only so far a writer can go to experience all the things your character does. You can't exactly stand in the middle of a battle, but there are things you can do to replicate this. I find busy shopping centres just as terrifying as reading a battle scene. It can be so much more fun when you're out there doing the things you're writing about.

Experience the world to broaden your writing skills and personal experiences.

If you have any questions about this, please drop me a message on my facebook page. There is a link to it on my homepage.