Does it make a difference if a writer researches for a novel?

I pride myself on my research. If a writer wants a story to ring true and be believable, it’s vital to check facts and sources. For my novel Whale Song, I researched killer whales and myths for close to 2 months. There is so much material out there that I could have read about both subjects for years!

I found the information on killer whales to be very enlightening, especially about echolocation and adoption. Since writing Whale Song, I have found some awesome sites, such as: http://www.orcagirl.com/. There is just something about killer whales that intrigues and mesmerizes me.

And even though the main Indian or native myth was one I knew, I still believe in researching everything. As I began to delve into native folklore, I discovered so many stories that I had grown up with, and so many more that I had never heard. They all entranced me.

Strangely enough, when I needed a story to fulfill a particular ‘duty’ or parallel a certain aspect of Sarah’s life, I always found one that was perfect. The Bridge of the Gods, for instance, was a legend I found fascinating. Of course, I won’t tell you…you’ll have to read Whale Song.

So, what about you? Do you like novels that have obviously been well researched? How much research is too much?

Do you prefer novels that are purely fiction? What irks you about research or lack thereof in some books?

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~Cheryl Kaye Tardif
bestselling author
http://www.cherylktardif.com/