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 ?
I don't write historical but I thought I'd have my say anyway.
My first book required a great deal of geographical information and as I haven't travelled the world I have absolutely no shame in saying I Google Earthed the whole thing. I then went to one of the destinations and checked the facts of that area. I was very pleased to find everything accurate and hope that is the case throughout.
For the book I will write next the inspiration has come from a tube station. I decided to go there but sadly our tube stations have very little historical information. I also went to the British Transport Museum. They hold a good stock of books, some from amateur enthusiasts, and that really helped me. I was even able to contact someone who could help with further knowledge of the line in question.
What I'm saying is, I wouldn't write the internet off just because Wikipedia is apparently not recommended. (I have to admit I start every search there and then verify the information elsewhere.) But there is a lot to be said for leaving your office chair and visiting museums. And given that, after libraries, their funding is probably next to take a hit, they will be glad of the visitor numbers. You might even find someone willing to help you with questions. The best bit is, if you ever get someone question your information, you can cite current historical evidence on display to all.
Just don't have a character in the Zulu Wars carry a sabre in a stainless steel scabbard, which I once read from a well known historian writing fiction :(
I think you both have given the answer I was hoping to get, I sometime worry about creating the correct feel for a time period. For example I like the Tudor period, and some authors tend to go into depth to give the feel of the time period. And other seem to skimp out on the items and objects that create that time capsul.One author who I tend to enjoy is C J Sansom and the Shardlake character. Who even though he is a lawyer and has had some clients of wealth, he still sits down to a bowl of pottage. It's these little pieces of fabric woven into a story that gets, for me personally my juices flowing. This is where research come in for me I had to look up to see what pottage was, it was only then that you realise that the author has had to check his information is correct. And we can't rely on people getting it right all the time. I think the errors could be a bit of both like David has mentioned.
I have started to check some of the historical facts with the research section of the British Library. But you have to reserve a time spot if you are doing it online. Although the selection of reference information is without doubt enormous. But thank you both for your input.