Research obviously serves the writer of non-fiction. More research leads to higher quality articles, and that’s reason enough do the research. However, research pays other dividends that are not limited to just non-fiction writers.
Research fills a writer up with information, ideas and possibilities. If you are brimming with information, it is easier to put words on the page. More information creates more options for you as a writer. If you are writing a story – fiction or non-fiction -- about an undertaker in Dallas, Texas, you may need to learn some things to make the story work.
What is the weather like in Dallas in February? How big is Dallas? How does Dallas differ from Fort Worth, Houston or El Paso? Are morticians, undertakers and funeral directors all the same? What is the nature of the funeral industry? Does your undertaker work for a mom and pop funeral parlor or one of the big industry chains? How much money does an undertaker make? What is the social status of an undertaker? Is the status of a funeral director different? What training does it take to become an undertaker?
After doing the research to answer the questions posed above, the blank page will hold less trepidation for you. Instead of worrying about having nothing to say, you will bubble over with ideas and possibilities. Your words will pour out on the page.
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I agree. Even if you're writing urban fantasy, there is so much that you should check out, everything from the location to the ancient legends associated with your characters and particular brand of fiction.
ReplyDeleteThe more solid the research the more authority the writer brings to the creative task.
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