The Importance of Research in Mystery Writing
When I first started writing Reasonable, I had a clear vision in my mind that one of my main characters would need to be a detective. It was apparent to me in the same way that the sky is blue or the sun rises in the East or maple syrup tastes best when it comes from the Green Mountains. There was just one problem: I didn’t know anything about being a police officer.
Aside from being an unabashed true crime junkie, my knowledge about law enforcement was extremely limited. I’ve never even been inside of a police station, let alone understanding the intricacies involved with processing a crime scene. How could I possibly create a believable detective when I had exactly zero experience in the matter?
The answer to this question is both simple and challenging. In order to craft a truly gripping mystery complete with an intricate plot, enigmatic characters, and unexpected twists and turns, writers first need to conduct thorough research. Only by gaining a complete understanding of their subjects can they succeed in creating a believable and captivating experience for their readers.
Why Research is Critical for Crafting an Airtight Mystery
“Write what you know.”
That’s a common expression that many writers hear throughout their careers, and while it’s good advice to follow, I feel that it is a little misguided. After all, one of the greatest joys of writing — especially writing fiction — is the ability to create entire worlds and complex relationships that don’t actually exist but feel larger than life. It’s important for writers to step outside of their comfort zones and dare to explore things in their stories that they may never have experienced in real life. Doing so helps them hone their craft while offering a more authentic story to their readers.
However, when writing about an experience or a subject that isn’t within your realm of expertise, it’s important to do your due diligence first. Conducting thorough research is an essential part of the process for many reasons:
- Credibility: A well-researched mystery novel exudes credibility. Readers can easily spot inaccuracies, and any factual errors can disrupt the immersive experience you’re trying to create. For example, because I have never been inside of a jail cell, my first attempt at describing one failed miserably, taking my beta readers immediately out of the story. After speaking to a police officer and learning more about the environment, my second attempt was far more believable and effective.
- Authenticity: Research helps authors create authentic settings, characters, and situations. When the details align with reality, readers are more likely to connect with the story and its characters.
- Plot: Conducting careful research can assist with plot development. By discovering unique and unusual facts about your subject, you may find an unexpected plot twist waiting to be woven into your story that will keep your readers guessing.
- Engagement: A thoughtfully researched mystery novel can engage readers not only mentally but emotionally. When readers feel like they’re learning something new or uncovering hidden truths, they come more invested in the story.
How to Conduct Research for Your Mystery Novel
Now that we’ve established the importance of research, let’s explore the various methods available for gathering the information you need to complete your novel:
Online Research
The internet is a treasure trove of information waiting to be discovered. When conducting online research, consider the following:
- Broad Knowledge: Use search engines like Google to acquire a broad understanding of the subject you’re researching. Whether it’s forensics, historical details, or geographical settings, the internet can help you gain a basic understanding of many different topics.
- Online Forums: It’s important not to discount the value in online communities such as Quora and Reddit. These forums are home to many experts and enthusiasts who are passionate about a variety of different subjects that can be helpful in piecing together the puzzle of your mystery novel. Just remember to cross-reference any information you gather with reliable sources.
Artificial Intelligence
The rise of artificial intelligence has opened up many new possibilities for writers. Not only can AI tools be powerful aids in polishing grammar and plot lines, but they can also be a great resource for conducting research. Here’s how:
- Content Generation: AI tools like ChatGPT can generate text based on inserted prompts. This can be useful for brainstorming ideas or creating drafts of specific scenes. However, it’s important to remember that the true creative aspect of writing should come from you — not a machine. Avoid regurgitating what these chat bots spit out as readers will be able to easily discern the difference between what’s human and what’s not.
- Data Analysis: If your novel involves complex data, such as forensic evidence or financial records, AI tools can help you analyze these elements more effectively. Chat bots are also great for getting quick, concise answers to difficult questions. Just remember to independently fact-check each response as many chat bots have limited knowledge. For example, ChatGPT was only trained on written materials available on or before the year 2021. Therefore, it would not be able to provide accurate information on events or developments that have occurred since that time.
Interviewing Professionals
Sometimes the best way to ensure the information you’re gathering is accurate is to hear it directly from the horse’s mouth, so to speak. You never know what professional expertise could be hiding within your personal network. When I wanted to better understand life as a police officer, one Facebook post was all it took for me to discover that there were more people I knew with relevant experience than I originally anticipated. Not only was this great from a research standpoint, but it helped me reconnect with people that I hadn’t spoken to in years.
When interviewing professionals, it’s important to keep their privacy and confidentiality top of mind. Especially when speaking to officers and veterans, some topics may be sensitive, so be sure to establish clear boundaries before you begin your interview.
What Will You Research for Your Next Mystery?
Conducting thorough research is a necessary part of the writing process that will help ensure the authenticity and believability of your work. By carefully researching your subject, you can craft an airtight mystery that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, eagerly turning pages in pursuit of the truth without being taken out of the story.
From household poisons and police procedures to maps of North Carolina, I’ve done a lot of research that might be considered questionable at best, criminal at worst. What’s the strangest thing you’ve had to research for your writing? Tell me about your process in the comments below!
The Importance of Research in Mystery Writing
When I first started writing Reasonable, I had a clear vision in my mind that one of my main characters would need to be a detective. It was apparent to me in the same way that the sky is blue or the sun rises in the East or maple syrup tastes best when it comes from the Green Mountains. There was just one problem: I didn’t know anything about being a police officer.
Aside from being an unabashed true crime junkie, my knowledge about law enforcement was extremely limited. I’ve never even been inside of a police station, let alone understanding the intricacies involved with processing a crime scene. How could I possibly create a believable detective when I had exactly zero experience in the matter?
The answer to this question is both simple and challenging. In order to craft a truly gripping mystery complete with an intricate plot, enigmatic characters, and unexpected twists and turns, writers first need to conduct thorough research. Only by gaining a complete understanding of their subjects can they succeed in creating a believable and captivating experience for their readers.
Why Research is Critical for Crafting an Airtight Mystery
“Write what you know.”
That’s a common expression that many writers hear throughout their careers, and while it’s good advice to follow, I feel that it is a little misguided. After all, one of the greatest joys of writing — especially writing fiction — is the ability to create entire worlds and complex relationships that don’t actually exist but feel larger than life. It’s important for writers to step outside of their comfort zones and dare to explore things in their stories that they may never have experienced in real life. Doing so helps them hone their craft while offering a more authentic story to their readers.
However, when writing about an experience or a subject that isn’t within your realm of expertise, it’s important to do your due diligence first. Conducting thorough research is an essential part of the process for many reasons:
- Credibility: A well-researched mystery novel exudes credibility. Readers can easily spot inaccuracies, and any factual errors can disrupt the immersive experience you’re trying to create. For example, because I have never been inside of a jail cell, my first attempt at describing one failed miserably, taking my beta readers immediately out of the story. After speaking to a police officer and learning more about the environment, my second attempt was far more believable and effective.
- Authenticity: Research helps authors create authentic settings, characters, and situations. When the details align with reality, readers are more likely to connect with the story and its characters.
- Plot: Conducting careful research can assist with plot development. By discovering unique and unusual facts about your subject, you may find an unexpected plot twist waiting to be woven into your story that will keep your readers guessing.
- Engagement: A thoughtfully researched mystery novel can engage readers not only mentally but emotionally. When readers feel like they’re learning something new or uncovering hidden truths, they come more invested in the story.
How to Conduct Research for Your Mystery Novel
Now that we’ve established the importance of research, let’s explore the various methods available for gathering the information you need to complete your novel:
Online Research
The internet is a treasure trove of information waiting to be discovered. When conducting online research, consider the following:
- Broad Knowledge: Use search engines like Google to acquire a broad understanding of the subject you’re researching. Whether it’s forensics, historical details, or geographical settings, the internet can help you gain a basic understanding of many different topics.
- Online Forums: It’s important not to discount the value in online communities such as Quora and Reddit. These forums are home to many experts and enthusiasts who are passionate about a variety of different subjects that can be helpful in piecing together the puzzle of your mystery novel. Just remember to cross-reference any information you gather with reliable sources.
Artificial Intelligence
The rise of artificial intelligence has opened up many new possibilities for writers. Not only can AI tools be powerful aids in polishing grammar and plot lines, but they can also be a great resource for conducting research. Here’s how:
- Content Generation: AI tools like ChatGPT can generate text based on inserted prompts. This can be useful for brainstorming ideas or creating drafts of specific scenes. However, it’s important to remember that the true creative aspect of writing should come from you — not a machine. Avoid regurgitating what these chat bots spit out as readers will be able to easily discern the difference between what’s human and what’s not.
- Data Analysis: If your novel involves complex data, such as forensic evidence or financial records, AI tools can help you analyze these elements more effectively. Chat bots are also great for getting quick, concise answers to difficult questions. Just remember to independently fact-check each response as many chat bots have limited knowledge. For example, ChatGPT was only trained on written materials available on or before the year 2021. Therefore, it would not be able to provide accurate information on events or developments that have occurred since that time.
Interviewing Professionals
Sometimes the best way to ensure the information you’re gathering is accurate is to hear it directly from the horse’s mouth, so to speak. You never know what professional expertise could be hiding within your personal network. When I wanted to better understand life as a police officer, one Facebook post was all it took for me to discover that there were more people I knew with relevant experience than I originally anticipated. Not only was this great from a research standpoint, but it helped me reconnect with people that I hadn’t spoken to in years.
When interviewing professionals, it’s important to keep their privacy and confidentiality top of mind. Especially when speaking to officers and veterans, some topics may be sensitive, so be sure to establish clear boundaries before you begin your interview.
What Will You Research for Your Next Mystery?
Conducting thorough research is a necessary part of the writing process that will help ensure the authenticity and believability of your work. By carefully researching your subject, you can craft an airtight mystery that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, eagerly turning pages in pursuit of the truth without being taken out of the story.
From household poisons and police procedures to maps of North Carolina, I’ve done a lot of research that might be considered questionable at best, criminal at worst. What’s the strangest thing you’ve had to research for your writing? Tell me about your process in the comments below!
The Importance of Research in Mystery Writing
When I first started writing Reasonable, I had a clear vision in my mind that one of my main characters would need to be a detective. It was apparent to me in the same way that the sky is blue or the sun rises in the East or maple syrup tastes best when it comes from the Green Mountains. There was just one problem: I didn’t know anything about being a police officer.
Aside from being an unabashed true crime junkie, my knowledge about law enforcement was extremely limited. I’ve never even been inside of a police station, let alone understanding the intricacies involved with processing a crime scene. How could I possibly create a believable detective when I had exactly zero experience in the matter?
The answer to this question is both simple and challenging. In order to craft a truly gripping mystery complete with an intricate plot, enigmatic characters, and unexpected twists and turns, writers first need to conduct thorough research. Only by gaining a complete understanding of their subjects can they succeed in creating a believable and captivating experience for their readers.
Why Research is Critical for Crafting an Airtight Mystery
“Write what you know.”
That’s a common expression that many writers hear throughout their careers, and while it’s good advice to follow, I feel that it is a little misguided. After all, one of the greatest joys of writing — especially writing fiction — is the ability to create entire worlds and complex relationships that don’t actually exist but feel larger than life. It’s important for writers to step outside of their comfort zones and dare to explore things in their stories that they may never have experienced in real life. Doing so helps them hone their craft while offering a more authentic story to their readers.
However, when writing about an experience or a subject that isn’t within your realm of expertise, it’s important to do your due diligence first. Conducting thorough research is an essential part of the process for many reasons:
- Credibility: A well-researched mystery novel exudes credibility. Readers can easily spot inaccuracies, and any factual errors can disrupt the immersive experience you’re trying to create. For example, because I have never been inside of a jail cell, my first attempt at describing one failed miserably, taking my beta readers immediately out of the story. After speaking to a police officer and learning more about the environment, my second attempt was far more believable and effective.
- Authenticity: Research helps authors create authentic settings, characters, and situations. When the details align with reality, readers are more likely to connect with the story and its characters.
- Plot: Conducting careful research can assist with plot development. By discovering unique and unusual facts about your subject, you may find an unexpected plot twist waiting to be woven into your story that will keep your readers guessing.
- Engagement: A thoughtfully researched mystery novel can engage readers not only mentally but emotionally. When readers feel like they’re learning something new or uncovering hidden truths, they come more invested in the story.
How to Conduct Research for Your Mystery Novel
Now that we’ve established the importance of research, let’s explore the various methods available for gathering the information you need to complete your novel:
Online Research
The internet is a treasure trove of information waiting to be discovered. When conducting online research, consider the following:
- Broad Knowledge: Use search engines like Google to acquire a broad understanding of the subject you’re researching. Whether it’s forensics, historical details, or geographical settings, the internet can help you gain a basic understanding of many different topics.
- Online Forums: It’s important not to discount the value in online communities such as Quora and Reddit. These forums are home to many experts and enthusiasts who are passionate about a variety of different subjects that can be helpful in piecing together the puzzle of your mystery novel. Just remember to cross-reference any information you gather with reliable sources.
Artificial Intelligence
The rise of artificial intelligence has opened up many new possibilities for writers. Not only can AI tools be powerful aids in polishing grammar and plot lines, but they can also be a great resource for conducting research. Here’s how:
- Content Generation: AI tools like ChatGPT can generate text based on inserted prompts. This can be useful for brainstorming ideas or creating drafts of specific scenes. However, it’s important to remember that the true creative aspect of writing should come from you — not a machine. Avoid regurgitating what these chat bots spit out as readers will be able to easily discern the difference between what’s human and what’s not.
- Data Analysis: If your novel involves complex data, such as forensic evidence or financial records, AI tools can help you analyze these elements more effectively. Chat bots are also great for getting quick, concise answers to difficult questions. Just remember to independently fact-check each response as many chat bots have limited knowledge. For example, ChatGPT was only trained on written materials available on or before the year 2021. Therefore, it would not be able to provide accurate information on events or developments that have occurred since that time.
Interviewing Professionals
Sometimes the best way to ensure the information you’re gathering is accurate is to hear it directly from the horse’s mouth, so to speak. You never know what professional expertise could be hiding within your personal network. When I wanted to better understand life as a police officer, one Facebook post was all it took for me to discover that there were more people I knew with relevant experience than I originally anticipated. Not only was this great from a research standpoint, but it helped me reconnect with people that I hadn’t spoken to in years.
When interviewing professionals, it’s important to keep their privacy and confidentiality top of mind. Especially when speaking to officers and veterans, some topics may be sensitive, so be sure to establish clear boundaries before you begin your interview.
What Will You Research for Your Next Mystery?
Conducting thorough research is a necessary part of the writing process that will help ensure the authenticity and believability of your work. By carefully researching your subject, you can craft an airtight mystery that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, eagerly turning pages in pursuit of the truth without being taken out of the story.
From household poisons and police procedures to maps of North Carolina, I’ve done a lot of research that might be considered questionable at best, criminal at worst. What’s the strangest thing you’ve had to research for your writing? Tell me about your process in the comments below!
