I’m reading Kaze Hikaru this afternoon. Manga volumes have omakes and I’m particularly fond of the author’s side story about their work process. One that caught my attention was Watanabe-sensei’s story about how she came up with her story and how difficult it was to integrate historical events/people into the story. She almost gave up the idea, but she loved it so much that she went and traveled to places and read many history books. Why the effort, though? I know that she needed to be at least very close to the actual since this is her country’s history, and she also thought people might criticize her if she laxed with her research and opted for creative liberties.

My question is, “You guys, how important is research in the book you are reading? It doesn’t only apply to historical-related books because, for me, regardless of genre, a good amount of research will elevate a story. It’s not about sounding like Wikipedia (because info-dumping is a huge turn-off too). I’m not only speaking of accuracy, even if it’s fiction; it’s important to deal with things such as culture and history carefully and with great consideration. It’s not slapping some of these things and making a play out of them because, after all, it is just fiction, or because, as an author, they are free to bend and mold it as they please. I think they still need to respect the material that inspired their story.

Yes, it’s true that some readers will not notice it. Not everyone will mind if they aren’t as real as the real thing. Sometimes enjoyment bypasses the lack of research. Look at Stormdancer; it’s quite celebrated despite the gaping lack of research (*was reminded again of the horrible use of honorifics*). But personally, I’m upset because some authors are serious with their research; it’s totally unfair to them. And most of all, it’s unfair to the readers. To me, I feel like I’m treated with gullibility because I may not know the difference. But I think that it doesn’t matter whether the reader is an expert or not. It doesn’t matter because if they love their own stories, they, themselves, as the authors, need to give the utmost attention to them, and I think research is part of that.

How about you? Does research, or the lack thereof, bother you like I do? Does proper research really matter for fiction books? Have you read a book that you feel is under-researched? Share with me your opinion; I would love to know it.