How Much Planning & Research is Enough?

This week, I have been thinking a lot about the research and planning of my novel. Before, I’ve not always bothered with it as much as I maybe should have done. It actually scares me a little. It all seems overwhelming. I’ll have a vague idea of the plot and who the main characters are but will then find that names will change half way through.

I continuously ask myself ‘how much is enough’ before it stops being helpful and starts becoming procrastination and a distraction from the actual writing of the novel.

The idea of planning also has me wondering, if I know too much about my characters and my story, what surprises are left for me to find let alone the eventual reader? The answer…probably more than I think.

Now it’s October, I am thinking about my novel idea for National Novel Writing Month next month and again, I am wondering how much planning and research to do.

Some published authors plan down to the very last detail, some only have an outline of the plot and a brief bio on the characters. Some authors go on research trips whilst others don’t bother unless they can find it on Google.  

I have got half way through a Nano novel and got stuck because I don’t know where I want to story to go and it’s then that I wished I had planned it a little.

My plan for this month is to at least give myself an outline rather than rely on what I have in my head. I know it’s time consuming now but I know future Laura will thank me.

Being able to write with nothing but an idea will maybe come in time but I’m learning, for this first book that planning and research is everything.

I’m off to write two outlines, one for The Back-up Plan and one for the Nano novel.

How much planning do you do before writing a novel? Do you have any tips for other writers?

by

Laura

I'm Laura. I started Novel Kicks back in 2009 as I wanted a place to discuss books and writing - two loves of my life. As someone who has anxiety, these two things give me, and I am sure countless others, a much needed escape.
There is a monthly book club, writing exercises, prompts, reviews, author interviews, competitions and guest posts. I cover many genres and I hope there is something for everyone.
I grew up by the sea in Dorset and currently live in Poole with my husband, Chris and three cats. I love writing and have a BA (Hons) in Creative Writing from Falmouth University. I am writing my first book. If only I could stop pressing delete. Chris has threatened to stop it from working. Haha.
I have always loved creative writing since I was in first school and would very much like to meet my teacher, Miss Sayers, to say thank you for all the encouragement she gave me then.
When not writing, I love reading, cats, Disney, singing (I can't sing but this doesn't stop me,) and falling into a good TV show or film. If I could step into any fictional world, it would be amongst the characters in ABC's Once Upon a Time.
I love reading many genres and discovering new authors.