There is a limit to the amount of research an author can do for a novel. There will always be specialists who know more about the era and the place than you do.
So ask them. Find an expert who is willing to help by answering all your outstanding questions and hopefully providing information that you hadn’t even thought of asking about.
Apr 6, 2015 at 4:54 pm
Finding people to talk to is important – you’re always going to have that really random question that Google can’t answer.
Just yesterday I asked my sister if she’d be able to see the river if she knelt up on her train seat on her old commute route – luckily she’s used to me 🙂
Annalisa, writing A-Z vignettes, at Wake Up, Eat, Write, Sleep
Apr 6, 2015 at 6:05 pm
I love historical fiction and always think it must be some of the hardest to write. Experts are certainly a huge help.
Good luck with the 2015 A to Z Challenge!
A to Z Co-Host S. L. Hennessy
http://pensuasion.blogspot.com
Apr 6, 2015 at 6:08 pm
Great advice!
http://debmcksapril.blogspot.com
Apr 6, 2015 at 10:29 pm
It’s always best to ask an expert, or at least consult a good resource book, than to assume anything.
Apr 6, 2015 at 11:55 pm
Agreed! And most experts love the topic they’re an expert about and are willing to talk to whoever in order to make sure it’s portrayed appropriately.
Apr 7, 2015 at 3:26 am
Very good advice, which works for any kind of writing that requires research.
Take 25 to Hollister
Apr 7, 2015 at 10:05 am
Many thanks for all the coments. Keep them coming!
Apr 9, 2015 at 1:33 pm
This is very important. You can either do it by consulting the documentary sources or by contacting an expert directly. So far, I have only done the former, since I have a pathological fear of people feeling pestered by me. However, for my second novel, I am going to have to speak directly to someone I have identified as the expert, otherwise there will be too great a risk of making a mistake.