Hello my fellow writers, My question to you all is where is the best place to source research material for your story. Bearing in mind that the internet and especially Wikipedia are not a reliable source. So where should we cast our net in order to get credible information to back up our story. I ask this because I like to read historical novels. But the amount of time I have read a story that has used the same point and characters from history but are in conflict with each other. when this happens which side do you believe. This is why I think research is a vital point when telling a historical story. what do you say ?
David I think you correct in your view. But my point that I was trying to say in a roundabout way, is certain words are used as part of life in a historical context. And not hearing these words before or not understanding the usage of the word. you have to look it up to find out what it means and refers too.
This is probably where I get myself mixed up with research and general knowledge. Those people who have a good historical knowledge are lucky, that they can get a grip and understand the finer points of the story.
But I have to learn by my mistakes, this is why I need to research. I think if you look a fool because you haven't checked something out then you shouldn't be surprised about the negative feedback.
I have to add something that I hate to write in a few "generic advice" words - but -
A very important thing with historical detail is to "show not tell". That is - to just assume that whatever the thing is, it is absolutely a natural part of the environment and not something that needs to be explained.
Pottage would be an excellent example for this. At the period no-one would remotely consider asking what it was or needing it explained.
On the other hand one can cheat and use the technique of having someone prepare or even go out to buy the makings of a dish - and this can be dressed in all sorts of guises.
In a future context I have covered various ideas by having people complain that a kitchen has been set up for micro-wave cooking - which is useless when there is no electricity. I hope that I have achieved my intentions by assuming that readers will be familiar with micro-wave ovens... so that in the context they will think "ah... okay - how will people cook?"
Historically there would be a question about how people did cook...
:-)
I do my research from the comfort of an armchair. Like Victoria, I use the internet.
I write what I know and use my imagination, so I rarely have to do research.