The Fourth Step – Perform Research


  • After the basic reading is done and the summary or ‘big idea’ is in place, start researching in earnest
  • A large part of research must be done before writing starts – it can be useful in determining the plot
  • Research comes first, last and in the middle of story writing
  • Keep yourself interested by researching and writing about things that interest you. Find some favourite subjects to weave into the story once the ‘big idea’ is in place
  • Facts – select a series of facts that can be interrelated and combined to tell a believable story
  • Browse your data base for research information on each of your favourite subjects
  • Select books from your list that you want to research

  • Select possible locations

Visit them, if not already done so – soak up their atmosphere – check local museums, trade centres and local experts or historians

  • Select items from your personal experience
  • Any other sources of research information required?

Libraries – see their internet list or go in and browse

Internet websites – make a list of your favourites

Specialist books in book shops

  • May need information on – social conditions, politics, security, moral conventions, attitudes towards women, education, working practices, housing, transport, money, food and drink, names, clothing, heating and lighting, pastimes, the physical geography of the country at the time etc.
  • If you cannot find the research material required then invent it – but make sure it is an informed and intelligent invention

One line of thinking is that you should not change history to suit the story – but rather you should change the story to suit history. I don’t agree with that, and neither do several acclaimed authors. But do it carefully.

  • When researching one item another may be discovered which has a major impact on your story
  • Research is concerned not just with the major events and their influence, but with the little things too – the period detail – how did people wash, where did they store clothes, etc.
  • Think yourself into the period thoroughly – feel part of it
  • Collate the research information into a file
  • Edit the research information – delete unnecessary stuff – this may be most of the research material
  • Organise the research information with sections for each of your chosen subjects – delete further unnecessary stuff
  • Only use it if it carries the story further
  • Use it sparingly – transform the boring information into action and dialogue
  • Once the Narrative (Story) is completed it is probable that most of the research material will NOT be used, (in the ‘historical’ format) – but it is there as necessary background information
  • But, there can be danger in research – it can be a way of deferring the start of creative writing – don’t let this happen!!

  • And...be aware of plagarism and copyright law - do not use other writers words