Many stories require some form of research to strengthen realism (yes, even in Fantasy!) but there are different research methods. In today’s episode, Rachel and I ask and answer:
“How Important Is Hands-On Novel Research?”
Episode 260
What We Cover:
- What hands-on research is
- Taking classes
- Interviewing people
- Train/study the profession yourself
- And more!
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The importance of the little things when researching is so true. If you can’t experience somethign first hand then find people who have and can tell you though if it can be done it’s a good idea to try things. This is a bit niche but I read a book with a type 1 diabetic character who ran out of insulin and was still functioning more than a day later without many symptoms other than thirst (symptoms typically mentioned in a text book) andthey even decided to eat to keep their strength up. The reality of type 1 is that after a day of no insulin you’d be feeling nauseous, tired your muscles wouldn’t want to work, and eating wouldn’t give you strength but make you feel more sick. The author didn’t even take the time to just ask type 1 diabetics about their experiences. On the other hand one historical fiction book I read had scenes that felt so real it was like a movie was playing out in my head when I read it. Turned out the authors had gone to each location in the book and thoroughly researched every nook and cranny, hence it made for a much better book.
You can really get a better book if you do decent research, plus you might pick up a new hobby you like too. 🙂
Great podcast, I’ve been wanting to say it for a while but you can really feel how good your podcasts are. Your talking flows so well compared to when you started, not that it wasn’t good, but the conversation flows so well these days. Really enjoy listening 🙂