The Credibility Edge: Why Research is a Writer’s Superpower

When a story falters, it’s often due to something deeper than plot or character missteps. Beneath the surface, there’s a missing foundation — the steady underpinning of research. Without it, even the most imaginative worlds can collapse under scrutiny. Readers know when the Eiffel Tower has been misplaced in Marseille, just as they sense when courtroom dramas lack procedural authenticity. Details, or their absence, shape not only the credibility of the narrative but also the reader’s willingness to believe in its world.

The Perils of Skipping Research

Imagine an artist painting a bustling street scene but neglecting to observe how shadows fall at dusk. The painting, though colorful, feels wrong. Writing without research is much the same. Readers, especially those versed in the subject matter, catch errors. A firefighter who reads about a hose “magically extinguishing flames” will disengage if the description defies their lived reality. Similarly, portraying cultural traditions based on hearsay risks alienating those who see their experiences distorted.

Even celebrated works face scrutiny for their accuracy. What distinguishes those that endure, like All the Light We Cannot See or The Martian, is their foundation in meticulous research. Anthony Doerr’s intricate depiction of World War II…