Research – a perk of the job.
I’ve blogged over on the Samhain blog today on the subject of research for historical novels and why it’s really not as horrible as it sounds:
http://samhainpublishing.com/blog/2010/09/30/research-a-perk-of-the-job
I think I should perhaps do a follow-on blog about “fascinating people I’d never heard of (but really should have.)” 🙂 The main drawback of research, as far as I can see, is that you so rarely have anyone else to enthuse to about it.
Actually, I share your enthusiasm Alex. Readers/history buffs like myself surely reap the benefits of your research. Sometimes people are astounded by the things I know and I’ll say, well, I read a lot of well researched books! And of course well researched settings become a form of “travel” for the reader who may never actually get to visit an area.
Yes, I think that’s a big reason why it’s important to do the research – because people will pick things up from your books, and they’re entitled to expect that those things are true. In a way you’re responsible for spreading false history if you don’t make the effort to get it right, and that’s a heavy responsibility!
I totally agree with you on the travel thing. The chance to visit strange new worlds and new civilizations is one of the best parts about reading 🙂 (And all without a spaceship too!)
I do enjoy the fantasy worlds created by authors as well as those set in our “real” world……..or combinations thereof *g*