I love research, how about you?
Okay, I admit it. I was a cheerleader for a while. But not
because I could do the splits or do a cartwheel very well. I was just tall –
for my age. And it was a small school and there were only three girls on the
varsity cheer leading squad, and you get the idea.
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When a writer researches something she is like Indiana Jones
exploring ancient places seeking out a highly valuable bit of a civilization
long forgotten “that belongs in a museum!” Only instead of tucking away the
highly valuable bit (what she learns) in the back corner of a museum or in a
stenciled box at Area 51, she shares it through “story.” And while Indy’s whip
and right cross are pretty impressive, “story” has got to be one of the most
powerful tools given to humankind.
And what, at least in part, makes “story” so powerful?
Research! It is through proper research that readers aren’t sucked out of the
world created by the writer. Everything lines up. There aren’t little
discrepancies that make the reader halt and say, “Wait a minute. Is that right?
I thought…” Yes, it’s all achieved through research, lovely research.
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The point is that research well done is important for a
believable story. I have to pray a lot while I’m researching because it’s so
easy for me be lose myself in all of the information. It’s fascinating to me.
Probably how a moth regards the open flame of a taper candle. With God’s help,
though, I get what I need and I am safely drawn back out of the sea of facts to
write the story He has placed on my heart.
If you’re reading this, you’re probably a writer. And if
you’re a writer, I just imagine you have some inkling of what I’m talking
about. But if you’re a writer who struggles with research and doesn’t find it
as awesome as I do, be encouraged. God will equip you with everything you need
to walk in the purpose He has for your life. He promised, and He doesn’t lie.
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| from graphicstock.com |
Humbly submitted by H.T. Lord
Agreed, good research is invaluable, especially when writing about history or far-off places. There are always people who are knowledgeable about our topics, so we'd better have our facts straight, or we disappoint (possibly even anger) our readers. Of course, the fun of research often leads to fascinating rabbit trails that have nothing to do with our story. Resisting those rabbit trails can be a challenge in itself.
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