I spent several years researching facts for my historical fiction novel. As I mentioned previously, I read over one hundred books, examined articles, and often enjoyed browsing the Internet for information. As I discovered information about Catalyntje and the places she lived, I kept track of the facts I found. Sometimes, I’d find something so connected to her life that I wrote that part of the book right then. That way, the feeling from what I’d read couldn’t dissipate before I added it to my manuscript. 

Other intriguing ideas didn’t fit as tightly with the narrative, so I added them throughout the story. However, after reading through my first draft, I stumbled across many of these interesting facts, but I realized that they didn’t advance the story; they were simply exciting things I had learned. So, I had to weed out many of these on the first read-through. 

I’ve realized that all the research required to write any book adds a lot of knowledge to the writer’s mind. However, they can’t include all of it in their book once it is ready to be published.

What are some great ideas you have researched that you have never had an opportunity to share with anyone?