I was recently on a panel of authors at the ThrillerFest conference in New York City. The subject was “Google, Experts, or Travel: Researching Your Novel.” We all had a lively discussion about the methods we preferred as well as the pros and cons of each.
Everyone in the room, published or not, had at one time or another veered into the same pitfall: Rabbit Holes of Research. The topic resonated so well because writers are curious by nature. As a former law enforcement officer, I’m doubly blessed—or cursed, depending on your perspective—with an overload of curiosity.
All the panelists recounted stories of research we conducted. Some of us traveled around the world extensively, while others interviewed experts in the field. Everyone used online research to fill in the gaps or form the basis for the travels or interviews we conducted. I described time spent at the firing range putting thousands of rounds of ammunition through various weapons over years on the job. To be honest though, I would have gladly traded some of that experience for a research trip to Paris, London, or Rome. Maybe someday…
Every author has stories of research binges, and I’m no different. My newest novel, THE FALCON, features an FBI agent hunting a serial killer, but it also involves ancient Egyptian culture and the sport of falconry, among many other topics.
There were times when I was tempted to spend days on end steeped in the fascinating history of Egypt. Such a rich culture called to my author’s heart and mind, but a deadline for the manuscript forced me not to give into temptation. I had to cull my research down to the most critical elements to keep the story moving. I did, however, consult Egyptologist Malayna Evans, who reviewed my story to ensure it did not stray too far from historical facts.
Falconry presented its own temptations. I’ve been a fan of raptors since I did a book report in high school discussing how William Shakespeare used falconry techniques in The Taming of the Shrew. As a former police hostage negotiator, I also received training in Stockholm Syndrome. All this information went into creating a villain many readers have said is one of the creepiest they’ve ever encountered.
The challenge is to use enough detail to pique the reader’s interest, but not so much that it seems like a scholarly text. Thriller readers expect a fast pace. Bogging the story down in minutia stops the momentum. On the other hand, my work features FBI agents, so there is an element of police procedure, which allows readers an insider’s view into a methodical, detailed criminal investigation.
The balancing act is difficult because readers are smart and inquisitive. As a fan of crime fiction, I feel the same way. A good mystery gives me a chance to match wits with the detective as well as learn about times, places, and events that are unfamiliar.
As a lifelong learner, the drive to gather information never ends. The novel I’m working on now, A KILLER’S GAME, features exotic poisons, the dark web, and the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force in Manhattan.
For this story, I’m consulting a retired FBI agent who worked out of the New York JTTF. I also traveled to lower Manhattan where I used my phone’s camera to record a chase scene that will take place in the opening chapter. Now the scene will have the ring of reality, even for those who are not familiar with the area.
As I stood in front of the Jacob K. Javits Federal Building with my phone, I knew full well my movements were being recorded on surveillance cameras. The entire area is filled with sensitive locations, and I had no doubt that I was being watched. Between this sort of personal reconnaissance and the online searches I conduct into such subjects as explosives, toxins, and weapons, I figure there will be a knock at my door from the FBI one day.
My only hope is that they’ll look me up, realize I’m a retired police captain and an FBI National Academy graduate, and—most importantly—an author. They’ll heave a collective sigh and move on to the next suspicious person.
Have you ever found yourself going down rabbit holes of research?
