38. Research redux

As you edit YOUR Novel, you may want to schedule a rewrite with your research in mind.

This is pretty much a given for authors of historicals or techno-thrillers. Not so much for those who write contemporary fiction.

An intensive research rewrite was always a part of my “redux” for my Alaska novels, but a few years ago, when I began writing books set in modern times, I was surprised to realize that I needed to vet my research in those novels as well. I was worried that my assumed facts were incorrect. (Stuff like knowing that a scar on a tree will grow upward as the tree grows – Wrong!) And I stressed over simple things like – Did the 1969 Mustang come in cherry red, or would that require custom painting?

I also found that doing a research rewrite enabled me to breeze ahead over small research questions during my rough draft and concentrate on getting words and story down on paper. On my current manuscript I have combined two rewrites, voice and research. Today I spent time on voice questions and also on deciding which chord one of my secondary characters would use to introduce her newly written piano piece. (E flat, suspended fourth.) That took a little research in a chord book and on my keyboard.

Your Assignment for this week: As you continue your rewriting process, decide whether or not to incorporate a “redux” for your research.