To some writers, research is just a sideline.
To a historical fiction writer, it is the main event!
As far as hours go, I spend more time with my nose in a book written by someone else, perusing a document on the internet, or spending time in an archive than I do writing my story.
You see, the backbone of what I create is always based on the facts surrounding the lives of my characters. Unlike some historical fiction writers, I form my story around actual historical events. I take great pains to ensure my facts are correct.
I don’t need to change history to write a story. I can, however, control the pace and flow of what I write and mold my characters to the truth of what occurred. To me, historical fiction should be informing and teaching, not changing history to fit the characters I have created.
Of course, there is always controversy when studying history. Some historians disagree as to the motivations of the people involved and even the order of events. This can pose a serious conundrum for a fiction writer. It is at that point that as a writer I must take a step back and verify my sources. How long ago was the particular document written? How much further research has been done since the author put pen to paper? Are there others who come to the same conclusions?
And then, I make my choice as to which account I find most compelling and believable. Gut instinct and common sense guide my decision as to which version I will believe and use in my own story.
Time consuming and taxing as it sometimes can be, research is what I do. And to be honest, it is thrilling and fulfilling for me personally to crack open a new historical account and find new information about what I’m most interested in at that particular time.
It is the very center of all I do.