Research Your Writing

Writing and research go hand in hand. Unless you know your subject exceedingly well you are going to have to do some research in order to be able to write effectively. At this point, there are a lot of writers, or would-be-writers out there that are groaning. Don't let research keep you from picking up the pen. It can be interesting and it doesn't have to be a major headache.

Sure a lot of your research will take place in a library, if you are doing any serious research that would require you to have reputable sources to back up your writing. Scholarly non-fiction works are often critiqued and criticized by other experts on the subject and therefore make an excellent source for your writings. Even if your work isn't intended to be on the level of scholarship you can still find great resources at the library.

Granted sometimes you just need to know what something is and not have an entire book written on the subject. In those cases the internet is a great tool. Keep in mind for every site with great information on it there are probably five more sites with poor information on them. Be careful when choosing a site to use for information. Check multiple sites against each other to help determine who has the most accurate information. You might spend a lot of time using Google or your favorite search engine, but you don't have to wait for the library to open and you can do it in the comfort of your own home.

Research isn't always about books and internet sites. Sometimes to research a topic you have to go where the topic is. For example, let's say you're writing a paper or article on the homeless. Sure you can look up statistics and check out a lot of great information about the homeless on line or at your local library but that won't give you the feel that you need to be able to write about it. Go to a homeless shelter, even if you don't intend to stay the night, and talk to some of them. Listen to their stories, see how they live. In other words, go where the story is. If your story is about bars and drinking, go check out some bars, sample a few drinks, and please make sure you have a designated driver so you can make it home to write your story.

Research isn't just for college students trying to pass a class. If you are a real writer then you will know how to do research. The more you do it, the easier it gets. Don't be afraid to pick up the phone or go on location to get the information you need. It will add realism to your story and give you credibility, even if you're working on pure fiction.

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