Author Jennifer Cain Bohrnstedt doesn’t like roller coasters. In fact, she’s terrified of them. But she gets a thrill from researching that she can only imagine rivals that of the fastest big dipper. She loves to discover ground-breaking information when conducting research for her stories.
“It feels earth-shaking when you discover something new; when you step over the grave of your main character’s grandmother by accident when you really intended to simply take a picture of a school,” Bohrnstedt explains.
Writing a book, no matter the genre, requires the author to explore the topic in extreme detail. This not only creates a more compelling story but provides the reader with authentic narrative. Accurate details can impact credibility and even the tone of the story.
Beginning the Research Process
Starting the research process is arguably the most challenging part of the exercise itself. Many people find themselves asking, “Where do I start?” But, depending upon the project, research methods will vary. Bohrnstedt recommends beginning the process by charting the subject visually. “I’ve always felt that big ideas belong on big paper,” she quips.
When Bohrnstedt starts a research project, she writes the subject in the middle of a large sheet of paper. She then draws arrows to different ideas she generates from the theme. Afterward, Bohrnstedt asks her friends to draw even more ideas with a different colored pen.
This simple exercise gives her a chance to see the differences in their perspectives from her own and helps her to determine other avenues she may not have originally considered. “At this early stage in the research process, there is every opportunity to uncover great ideas,” says Bohrnstedt.
While researching, it is important to realize the enormous responsibility of finding and keeping the truth and purging the false and ill-fated. Accepting information means trusting sources found along the way. Once fully authenticated, the information’s legitimacy is sealed and there are no more steps that can be taken to ensure accuracy.
Understanding Critical and Non-Critical Circumstances
When researching, it is important to understand the surroundings and circumstances of the people, places and things surrounding the topic. For example, let’s say a writer wants to write an action novel that takes place in Venice, Italy. In order to prepare, the writer would first need to have an understanding of the atmosphere in which the event occurs. The understanding of the circumstances can either positively or negatively shift the outcome of the story, which is why initial research is so important.
Bohrnstedt states, “You can put yourself in the closest position possible of the subject that you’re trying to represent in your writing. Maybe you don’t live in Venice, but before you’re writing intelligently about it, I recommend visiting it just once, if possible. And if you can’t, watch every video, talk to every person who’s been there or even read about Venice. Then ask yourself, ‘Can I be articulate writing about this topic?’”
Maintaining Standards
Though Bohrnstedt is a seasoned researcher, she admits that this stage of the writing process can often be a lonesome experience. “You’re conferring with yourself as your own judge and jury. If you have an established set of research standards and you’re not holding yourself accountable, you’re doing something wrong. This isn’t the stage to overlook or ignore, because it will come back to haunt you. Your characters will haunt you, even if you’re a fiction writer. By ignoring your standards, you’d be doing a disservice to the art (of writing),” she says emphatically.
Be Selective to Avoid Non-Essential Projects
Always remember, it isn’t necessary to accept every venture that comes along. In fact, research can afford a golden opportunity to determine what is truly meaningful to a writer.
Bohrnstedt advises: “It’s okay to say ‘no.’ Let some projects go by; give them some time if you aren’t able to apply your research standards. Be honest with yourself and know your limits. Not everything has to be done to the fullest extent, but when it does, give it everything you’ve got! Don’t let anything get in the way of your success.”
Having been consumed by the research process herself, Bohrnstedt chuckles, “Be prepared to have friends and family want to leave the room because they’re so sick of hearing about your project.”
Become a Better Writer by Helping Others
Bohrnstedt sincerely believes that writers should help nurture other writers. By doing so, writers on both fronts are better able to accomplish their visions and learn about different points-of-view. “Writers generally want to help each other—they relish in the creativity and the art of writing and all of it begins with research,” Bohrnstedt concludes.
