Research your topic (P.S. Someone shot at me the other day)

Research is something of a pain for fiction writers. "I'm making it up! No one will notice because I'll make things up."

I used to think that way. Then I read The Runelords (not particularly recommended). It was obvious the author had done his research! I put the book down feeling like I would be prepared to live in the medieval ages if I got warped back in time. He imparted that much info.

I was living the fiction dream every time I picked up that book.

Anything can be researched. If you're writing a scene modeled after a day at the Roman Coliseum, a little research will help. Even if you think you know everything about a subject, go a little further.

I knew I couldn't write from a girl's perspective a little while ago. But after some research (I read a book alright...chill) I think I have a general idea of how the mindset works. But I know there are other areas I could delve into. A reader notices every researched detail.



I love paintball. It was nice on Sunday to get out onto a dirt lot and blast through four hours of adrenaline. The highlights of my day was peering through a short tube that ran through a hill, and THEN seeing a bad guy on the other side. That kinda hurt.

My favorite part was slipping through a wooded area in complete silence. That was new, considering my tactic is usually to charge like a guy on crack. Anyway, my prey came waltzing down the path and didn't see me till it was too late. Oh so, so, late...