SUBURBAN SYNTAX

Writing is an art, they say. But what they often forget to mention is that it’s also a science—one that thrives on meticulous (and sometimes tedious) research. So, grab your magnifying glass, put on your Sherlock hat, and let’s explore the importance of research in writing.

1. The Graveyard of Misinformation

Ever read something and thought, “Well, that can’t be right”? Welcome to the internet. It’s a graveyard of misinformation, where poorly researched writing goes to die a slow, painful death. Don’t be the author of a literary zombie apocalypse, (unless your novel is about a zombie apocalypse). Research is your ultimate weapon against the undead army of inaccuracies.

2. Google: The Holy Grail of Knowledge (or at Least a Pretty Good Chalice)

In the digital age, we have a magical oracle called Google. It’s like having a wise old librarian who never shushes you but guides you to the vast realm of accurate information. Embrace the power of the search engine, and let your writing flourish like a well-fed plant in an information garden. While I’m old enough to remember AltaVista and Ask Jeeves, Google is still the best default. I cannot tell you how many hours I spent researching the bubonic plague for my next book. A pleasant side-effect is I’m now an anecdotal expert in a terrible, disgusting illness.

Bonus Tip: If you’re researching something weird and unsavory, DuckDuckGo is less likely to get your name on a government list.

3. Fact-checking: Because Alternative Facts are so 2016:

By now you’ve likely heard, gotten sick of, and nearly forgotten about “alternative facts.” This is your reminder they never went away. In the writing world, accurate details are your best friends.

Fact-checking is the superhero cape you need to wear when battling the villains of misinformation. So, tie it on tight and fly into the world of verified truths! Like so many things, I apply the “Rule of 3’s” when researching. If I can find three reliable sources telling me the same thing, I’ll go with it.

4. The Rabbit Hole of Endless Knowledge

Ever started researching a simple topic and found yourself three hours deep into a black hole of fascinating information? Congratulations, you’ve experienced the writer’s rabbit hole. While it may feel like you’ve lost track of time, rest assured that you’re not lost—you’re exploring uncharted territories of enlightenment. Just make sure you eventually crawl back out, blinking at the sunlight, armed with a treasure trove of accurate details.

I highly suggest avoiding social media (like Reddit) if Google serves it up as a source. You’re more likely to waste time and require increased fact-checking that way. If you need a convenient excuse, I’ll corroborate the lie that “researching is writing”, because we’re all friends here.

5. Plagiarism: The Forbidden Fruit of Laziness

Copy-pasting is the lowest form of flattery, and the fastest way to plummet into the depths of literary disgrace. Be extremely careful when drawing from any sources that aren’t generally available, common knowledge.

This issue is far more common in non-fiction, but not totally unheard of in genre fiction. Plagiarism might seem like a shortcut, especially in our current murky landscape of Artificial Intelligence, but it’s more like a detour that leads straight to the land of shame.

In the grand tapestry of writing, research is the fine thread that weaves facts into the fabric of creativity. Some diligent sleuthing up-front will help elevate your writing, and hopefully stave off some of those 2-star reviews that begin with “Actually…”. Remember, friends, the pen is mightier when wielded by a well-informed hand. Happy researching!