Today’s question comes from Anonymous, who’s completely overwhelmed by how much information is out there for their historical novel and has been stuck researching for months, too daunted to start writing.
This is a common trap for historical fiction writers. The truth is, you’ll never know everything you could, and that’s exactly why ‘enough’ is what we’re aiming for. But what exactly does enough mean?
In this episode I cover:
Why research and writing aren’t separate stages
The difference between big-picture and detail-level research, and when to shift from one to the other
How to tell when research has become procrastination
The one thing you actually need before you start writing
Plot-critical facts vs. texture details, and which ones are allowed to wait
And if you’re navigating this as you write your historical novel, my course Getting Started in Historical Fiction, developed in partnership with The History Quill, walks you through building a research process that works alongside your writing rather than in place of it — at an absolute bargain price.
And don’t forget, if you’re an Inkwell member, you can submit your question here. I’m waiting to hear from you!
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