by Julie Eshbaugh Unless you’re writing a book about your own
life, chances are you’ll have to do some sort of research before
you can say your novel is finished. (Even if your book IS about
your own life, you’ll probably have to refer to your family
albums, at the very least!) Historical settings, legal
proceedings, and medical conditions are just a few examples of
story components that would require research. The object of this
post is to suggest a strategy for research that will provide the
authentic details you need without bogging you down in the
process. Step 1 – Make notes about the factual issues that you
will need to research. What will you need to learn to ensure
that your story is authentic and appropriate for its genre? (I
mention genre here because some genres have higher standards for
accuracy than others. A “police procedural” mystery will require
far more exacting details than would a contemporary fiction that
includes an arrest in the plot.) Once you’ve made a list of
topics and facts you wil