Do you research the Aspects of the Novel?

Do you research the Aspects of the Novel, or rely on your education, life experiences, and what you have read?

There seem to be an increasing number of self-help books on the market, and some older ones by respected professors and literary critics.

I found, Aspects of the Novel by E M Forster, Materials and Methods of Fiction by Clayton Meeker Hamilton, useful. George Orwell's essay, Politics and the English Language was also interesting.

Are there any books that you would recommend?