How to strike the right balance with research (and not get bogged down)
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Every writer knows the seductive call of the research rabbit hole. One minute, you're casually looking up Victorian-era dining etiquette, and the next, you're knee-deep in an obscure blog about 19th-century spoons. Falling into the abyss of research is easier than you'd think, and climbing out can feel akin to scaling Mount Everest in flip-flops. So, how do you strike the right balance and keep research from overwhelming you? Well, dear novelists, let's find out.
Set your boundaries: They're your lifelines
It's easy to feel like a kid in a candy store when it comes to research. The colourful array of information is tempting, and you want to grab it all. But remember, your story, not your research, is your main dish. Set boundaries for your research. Decide what you need to know and stick to it. The 19th-century spoons can wait.
Time it right: It's a waltz, not a marathon
Managing your time is crucial when navigating the vast ocean of research. Allocate specific time slots for research and respect them. It's a waltz – a well-choreographed dance between writing and researching. If you let research turn into a marathon, you'll be out of breath before you reach the finish line.
Dive deep, but come up for air
Researching in depth is essential for authentic storytelling, but remember to come up for air. You don't need a PhD in astrophysics to write about an astronomer. Find the balance between intricate detail and what serves your story. Your readers appreciate authenticity, but they won't fancy a dissertation on wormholes.
Use tech tools: They're your best mates
We live in a digital age. When it comes to research, technology can be your best mate. Apps and tools can help you organise your findings. Bookmarking tools can save useful resources. Set a Google Alert for your topics to keep abreast of new information.
Break it up: Small bites, not big gulps
The thought of researching a whole novel can be daunting. Break it down into manageable tasks. Research by chapters, by characters, or by plot elements. Think of it as nibbling on canapés at a party, not devouring a whole roast in one go.
The art of balanced research
Research shouldn't weigh down your writing process; instead, it should empower it. Striking the right balance between meticulous research and fluid storytelling is an art in itself, but with clear boundaries, smart time management, sensible depth, tech tools, and bite-sized tasks, you'll be well on your way to mastering it.
