Guiding Research Without an Outline: Strategies for Novels
Novel writing can be a complex process, especially when it comes to research. Authors who either don’t outline or outline extensively have developed various strategies for navigating their research.
Intuitive Research: Organic Discovery and Character-Driven Research
For authors who prefer a more intuitive approach, research is an organic process that evolves as the story takes shape. These writers often allow the story to guide their research, identifying gaps in their knowledge and seeking out relevant information. This can be incredibly effective for character-driven stories, where the characters themselves are the driving force behind the research. Authors may discover that they need to understand a specific aspect of a character’s background, which leads to further exploration of that topic.
Focused Research: Initial Research Phase and Key Topics
Another common strategy is to conduct focused research during the initial phase of writing. This involves researching the novel's themes, settings, and characters. Authors might start by reading articles, books, or watching documentaries to gather a broad foundational understanding. By identifying key topics or themes they want to explore, writers can conduct in-depth research on these areas, allowing the story to evolve around that knowledge. This ensures that the research is relevant and directly contributes to the narrative.
Incremental Research: Research as Needed and Flexible Adjustments
For authors who write incrementally, research is conducted as needed. They may not have a strict outline but instead rely on the current state of their story to guide further research. This approach allows for flexibility, as authors can shift their research focus based on new developments in the plot or character arcs. This dynamic process ensures that the research is always aligned with the evolving story. As the narrative unfolds, authors can adapt their research to stay on track with the developing plot and character motivations.
Community and Resources: Networking and Online Research
Many authors turn to their networks for insights and information on specific topics. Reaching out to experts or other writers can provide valuable perspectives and resources. Additionally, online databases, forums, and social media are invaluable tools for finding specific information quickly. These digital resources facilitate targeted research, allowing authors to tailor their research efforts to the needs of their story. By leveraging both offline and online resources, authors can gather the information they need to create a rich and believable world.
Post-Writing Research: Revising for Accuracy
Even after completing a draft, some authors may conduct additional research to ensure accuracy and depth. This post-writing research can be crucial for revising sections of the manuscript, ensuring that the narrative remains consistent and believable. By revisiting and refining their research, authors can enhance the authenticity of their story and prevent any factual errors from derailing the narrative.
Ultimately, the approach to research varies greatly among authors and often reflects their individual writing styles and preferences. Whether through intuitive exploration or structured inquiry, the goal is to create a rich, believable world that enhances the narrative. By understanding and leveraging these research strategies, authors can effectively navigate the complex process of writing a novel.
For further assistance with your writing journey, consider exploring these resources:
Online forums and writing communities for expert advice and feedback Extensive reading on your novel's themes and settings to build a strong foundation Flexible research methods that evolve with the story Professional editing services to refine and ensure accuracyHappy writing!