Hey, princess max, didn’t mean to embarrass you there, last chapter. Oops . . . . Apologies!

Today, my lovelies, we are going to discuss that subject that I have been so adamant on: research.

I would never have thought to include this chapter but for a review, which I here quote: “Research might be a bit much for a fic.” Nay, say I! Very deep research, the kind which involves meeting people and actually talking to the kind of person that might be a subject of your story––as mentioned in the first chapter, I believe, when I unknowingly started this tirade––may well be out of the question. Unless you’re planning a full-blown novel that you intend to have published, there is really no reason to delve that deeply into whatever subject you may be writing about. However, there is no excuse that will get you out of writing a misinformed, trite piece about something as serious as any of the subjects discussed earlier in Writing For Dummies. Excluding the smut chapter, I mean.

I meant it when I said that un-researched, pointless angst fics, on any subject, can be very hurtful. When there is such a wealth of information at one’s fingertips with this newfangled internet thing, why not take an extra three minutes and scan an article or two? Obviously, if you are posting on this site, you have access to the Web, so what is there stopping you from learning a little bit? It can be quite interesting, really!

Is internet supposed to be capitalized?

On the other side of the screen, those who are searching for quality stories deserve to find them. By quality, I don’t mean the kind that will win you the Pulitzer Prize; that is not only terrifically improbably, but too much to ask. And quite silly, really. since there are very few people who are such good writers as to win prestigious awards. One of the meanings of the word quality is “a distinctive attribute or characteristic possessed by someone or something.” It is not necessarily a standard of excellence, merely something that marks a thing as individual. There is no downside to  having your work stand out; a diamond in the rough, if you will, though that’s stretching the meaning of the adage a bit.

Truly, though, the best answer I can give to “Why research?” is “Why not?” It could do no harm to your ability and, certainly, to your reputation––plus, if word gets around that you are not another one of those irritating authors who never what they’re talking about, your chance for interested readers, even reviews, grows a heck of a lot bigger!

Now I feel like I should be back in the smut chapter. God.

Ignoring my little deviations of thought, consider.  I do not proclaim to be a fabulous author, editor, or reviewer, yet anyone who has ever taken my advice on this subject has never regretted it; not to my face, anyway. For every chapter in this piece, excluding the one or two that I  felt I knew enough about to get away with it, I have researched. It took maybe fifteen minutes tops, and that only because I became intrigued and chased more information. There is a wealth of sources out there, just waiting for you to call.

Don’t disappoint them, and don’t disappoint your fellow fictionpress lurkers.

Also, you wouldn’t want to have to listen me have another tantrum, would you?

Irritably yours, Adriana