Why Research Matters in the Pre-writing Phase
Hey there, Timmy!. Now, to tackle a question that’s been thrown my way: “Why do we bother with research? I mean, I’ve read a bunch of books already. Isn’t that enough?” Well, Timmy, I’ll give you the short and straightforward answer.
No, it’s not enough.
Surprised? Perhaps expecting something more elaborate? Well, sometimes the truth is self-evident. I get it, Timmy, the disdain for homework is real. And I understand the confusion—aren’t writers supposed to just write, sitting comfortably, casting some magical spell on a parchment?
Oh, the sweet innocence of that notion, Timmy. Research is an essential part of the pre-writing phase, just like everything else we do to figure out what the heck we’re doing. Even the so-called ‘pantsers,’ those mighty souls who can sit down and start writing without a plan, have their own research to do. This is especially true when their story has ties to history or the real world. Take, for instance, an alternate history where the basic natural laws remain unchanged. You can’t mess with fundamental aspects like how gunpowder works; that needs to align.
But there’s more to it than that. What you might consider unnecessary homework is simply part of the job, and reading books is only the beginning.
Sure, they say you need to read to write, and that’s true. But there’s a deeper level of attention and study required when you’re selecting books for your craft. Listen up, Timmy. Having the most extensive personal library known to humanity is one thing, but there’s a distinction between reading for pleasure and reading for work. The level of concentration, the attention, and even how you consume the content—it all changes when you’re reading for the job. Reading for enjoyment is your average experience of savoring a book without much thought. Reading for the job is a different ball game. There’s a lot to extract from a book, whether it’s a character study, a plot analysis, or focusing on various aspects. You might even take notes while reading, revisiting the material several times. It’s akin to what you did in school, but now you’re doing it for yourself, not just to prepare for an exam. That’s a hefty responsibility to bear.
That’s just the tip of the iceberg; there’s also all the ancillary and auxiliary work a book may demand, depending on what you’re writing. Planning a period drama? Brace yourself for researching proper clothing, etiquette, appropriate cultural elements, and more. Creating a parallel history? Realism is key, so dive into understanding how life unfolded in the equivalent era in real life. You might even find yourself consulting with experts if the need arises.
And don’t be fooled into thinking you can breeze through writing high fantasy without much homework. First off, high fantasy has a specific meaning, but we won’t delve into that here. Secondly, research extends into genres too, as each genre comes with certain expectations from its audience. Whether it’s horror, terror, action, or a high fantasy epic in the lands of elves, dragons, and dwarves, each has its own baggage and conditions that you must fulfill. Writing isn’t about set formulas but proven patterns that work, and the audience, the readers, expect those patterns, Timmy.
However, there’s a danger of relying too heavily on research, the eternal “Once I’ve done X, it will be ready.” First of all, books are never truly done; in the mind of the author, they’re in a constant state of renovation even after publication. And secondly, viewing research as a coping mechanism for your insecurities is a trap we’re all familiar with, Timmy. There’s a practical limit to how much research is beneficial, and that limit is reached when it starts to interfere with your actual writing craft. It’s not a rigid boundary, but it certainly exists.
So, why do you do research? To get things right, to avoid mishaps, and to meet the audience’s expectations for your work.
Now, Timmy, go on.
Until next time.
