I often struggle with research. Whatever I'm writing about, I usually choose topics that require as little private study as possible. Research is dull, boring, stale, dry, and dusty...
Or is it?
The story that I am currently working on is set in a very lively period of history, and the research required for adding believable detail to this world is actually...dare I say it? FUN!
As a result of my research, I've learned about 17th century sword smithing, the social and political structure of the Ottoman Empire, the extravagant daily life of a Sultan, the mystical tradition of Muslim Sufis, and countless other points of interest that I would, without this self-motivated study, be completely ignorant of.
As important as research is, though, it should always remain a compliment to a story. When the historical details and factoids become the focal point of a narrative rather than the supplement they are intended to be, things can get very mechanical and uninteresting. It is a delicate balance, and the writer must be the master of the research, not the other way around.
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