Using your Research Skills for Fiction

As a freelance writer, you probably have pretty good research skills. I know I do. I remember the first time a client asked me to write about a topic that I didn’t really fully understand. Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t a hard topic to research. I never recommend taking a job that requires you to have experience that you don’t have; Google isn’t a replacement for real life skills. That said, there are topics that are pretty easy to research online, and even if you do have experience writing about a topic, you probably have to do a little research every time you write about it. There’s always something new to learn!

Don't forget - Google isn't your only research option. You can head to the library too! Image: sxc.hu

I’m digressing, though. The point is this: you probably have pretty good research skills due to your background in freelance non-fiction writing. Web content, ebooks, blog posts, and so forth have made you a master of the search engine…so why not use those skills to help your fiction writing as well?

Even if you write the most bizarre science fiction in the world, you can use real life to enhance your story. Here are some of the ways Google has helped me:

• Short on story ideas? No fiction you write can be as strange as real life! Check out your favorite search engine’s news section, specifically looking for “odd” news or human interest stories. These news stories have sparked tons of fiction story ideas for me.
• Want to make your story more realistic? It’s all in the details. For example, I once wrote a short story in which my one character was on medication. I realized, however, that I didn’t know what these particular pills looked like. Someone with the condition reading my story would, though. Details like knowing that my character was taking small, round, white pills enhanced the value of my story.
• Need company? Use your research skills to find other writers in your area. You may also be able to find retreats, events, and other ways to help you boost your writing skills. Don’t be afraid to look for niche groups. You’d be surprised to learn how many specialized writing groups there are, even in rural areas.
• Know what’s on the market? Some of the best stories and novels have found the recycle bin because something very similar was published recently. Do your research as you’re writing. Remember, writing is a business and publishers for both short and long pieces want stuff that will sell. Writing in popular genres and make sure you don’t duplicate topics too closely.

Whenever I talk about doing research for fiction, I automatically think of The Da Vinci Code. When it comes to that book, my personal opinion is that the writing style stinks and too many people took the book to heart. However, author Dan Brown had a great story idea and did a TON of research to make that book possible. Not everything was fact, but he based much of the book in real life and in historical information, which is part of what made the novel so successful.

How have you used your research skills to help you with your fiction writing?