Writing What You Know

One of the many wonderful things about writing fiction is doing enough research to make the story seem real. Most readers instantly recognize whether the details of time and place used for setting a story are described accurately.  However, readers may not know, but a writer does that these same details are vital when developing characters. For example, a pregnant woman can’t be concerned with the genetics of her child if she is living in the 18^th century. Her thinking would be 100 years too early. Historical accuracy is crucial for believability.

Right now I am doing background research for a character who lives during the 1870’s. He is Southern, has fought in the Civil War and is trying to filter his ideas and decisions through the theories that were presented by Charles Darwin in 1859 in Origin of Species. He is a studious man, and for me to fully understand him, I must read what he reads – The Voyage of the Beagle and Origin of Species. Then, as my story will continue until at least 1890, I will add Descent of Man and The Expression of Emotions.  Ultimately, through my character I will be able to voice my own opinion about Darwin’s work. But most importantly, I hope to have a clear understanding of what my character thinks about so that I will know instinctively how he will act and react to various life struggles.

 What a great way to learn. I expect this is what is meant by ‘writing what you know.’