The importance of research

It is self-evident that the more an author puts into a story, the more a reader will get out of it. Solid research will underpin the credibility of what lies between the covers of a book and help build the trust of those who are paying to be entertained and informed.

Research leads to writer-confidence in relating key information or capturing the atmosphere of a setting. More than that, it informs the reader by adding to his/her knowledge bank (no matter how subliminal). To do it properly, however, requires a balanced approach and an eye for what is important as opposed to what can be little more than window dressing.

I was once told that just because you know the detail of something doesn’t mean you have to bore the pants of everyone by telling them how clever you are. It’s all very well, for example, that you might know the precise calibrations and mathematic formulae for manufacturing a car engine but do your readers really want to spend time reading about it in a romantic novel, or, for that matter, any other kind of novel?

The stick-to-what-you-know approach to writing is as sound now as it was whenever whoever said it first said it. Most debut writers are encouraged to stay within the comfort zone of knowing their subjects and knowing their locations. It’s when you stray outside these areas that research is essential.

I was fascinated to learn that Stephen Leather spent 18 days travelling from Malaysia to Southampton on one of the world’s largest container ships as part of the research for his novel Fair Game. Much of the action centres on a pirate takeover of a similar vessel and Leather wanted to get first-hand experience of life aboard one of these giants. The result pours out of every page, with a depth of detail only possible from this kind of commitment.

But is this devotion the exception rather than the norm?

My first encounter with detailed research seeping out through every age of an action thriller was in the works of Alastair MacLean (he of Where Eagles Dare, among many brilliant bequests to our literary enjoyment). Modern day examples are rife, probably none more so that R.J. (Roger) Ellory, who is feted for a painstaking attention to detail that puts the reader into the centre of his stories.

And wasn’t it Frederick Forsyth who spotted a fatal flaw in UK records of births, marriages and deaths (what we tired old newspaper hacks used to refer to as hatches, matches and despatches)? The ease with which he secured a birth certificate and subsequent passport for his lead man in The Day of The Jackal subsequently led to a change in the law!

Let’s look at an example. If your story involves prison life it is essential you get a feel for it. The best place to start is by interviewing those who have been inside. Prepare a detailed set of questions in advance. Don’t ask a general “what’s it like” question but probe for detail such as typical prison routines – lock-up times, exercise times, work details. Find out about prison menus, and the extent to which cigarettes and drugs are traded. Find out how prison hierarchal systems work among inmates, and the relationships between the cons and the warders. Most of all, find out how men cope with the privations, the loss of freedom, and their feelings when long summer days make them imagine doing ‘normal’ things like going to the beach. These things add useful insight.

All this detailed research is naturally superfluous if the mention of prison takes up little time in your story. We’ve all seen enough films and TV dramas to be able to conjure up short references to prison and then move on to the real meat of our story.

To date I’ve been able to concentrate my scenes on places I’ve visited throughout the British Isles, and in Europe and America. At the time of these visits, I was careful to note things that might be of future interest – things like road and rail links, and what lies beyond the usual tourist routes. Weaving these experiences into a story makes me feel a sense of accomplishment.

I’m a big fan of research – don’t be daunted by it. It’s never too late to start looking around places with a different eye. You’re a writer, that’s what we do! The next time you go on holiday look out for ‘locations’ for your next book. Take notes about the buildings, the traffic, the people, the wildlife, anything to enrich a future reader experience.

There’s nothing wrong with ‘desktop research’. Using a variety of online tools (search engines, Google Earth, Wikipedia etc.) to help with accuracy and clarity is ultimately better than guesswork or assumptions. It you can match this with real-life or first-hand experiences you’ve got it made.

Many years ago I undertook desktop research on more than fifty popular handguns. I read the specifications voraciously until I felt I could field-strip any model and rebuild it with my eyes blindfolded. Yeah, right! It was only when I was invited to a gun club and was introduced, up close and personal, to the modern pistol that I truly understood its raw power and dangers.

I tried to fire a 44 Magnum and got my eyes opened – actually I would have put them out if the instructor had not made me hold my hands away from my body. The recoil took the weapon back beyond my head! After firing three rounds I had to admit I couldn’t continue. It was that that powerful.

Now, when I read a piece about a hero or villain fast-drawing a 44 and casually loosing off six rounds, I have to ask myself: do you think the author did his research? Well, do you?