The Importance of Research

Believe it or not, every writer needs to engage in some form of research. It doesn't matter if you are writing a historically accurate novel or a fantasy one. You don't know everything; how could you? And so, to make your story believable you must research.

For example, one of my favorite TV shows, History Channel's Vikings, is based on, well....history. So it makes sense that the writers of the show had to research Viking lore, history, and their habits. To make the show the best it can be, they had to find out  what dates the Norsemen first landed on English shores. Did Vikings really burn their dead warriors on boats? What would a Viking village look like?



Just a normal day in the life of a Viking raiding party


Even though the show is not entirely true, it is true enough.

But Chelsea, I'm writing a book on magic and vampires! Surely I don't have to research that. I made it up.

Well, sort of. You see your book/story will still have aspects that you need to research for it to be fully believable even if it is in the realm of fantasy. What time period does your story take place? If you think placing it in the modern era is going to get you out of researching you're wrong. Where does your story take place? In the United States or Australia? Two very different cultures, you know.

Well, it's in a made up world that isn't even on this planet.

Uh, huh, you still have to research. How would things work? Are you basing it off anything? How is the planet supporting life?

So you see...no matter your excuse there will always be a bit of research involved in writing. I certainly had to. My current book isn't meant to be historic fiction. But it is set in a time past and features pirates and lots of Arthurian lore. I had to research because I know next to nothing about sailing and boats. And I needed to study more of the stories of Merlin and King Arthur. And it didn't hurt to read about some of the different types of fey around the world, even if I already knew quite a few. (I like history and mythology. Fun stuff)

That being said....you are allowed creative license. Therefore, use your facts wisely but don't be afraid to mess with them a bit. Just don't totally disregard the importance of researching.