Avoiding Research Rabbit Holes

Strategies I learned for Writing a Historical Novel

by Shelah A Johnson

Writing a historical novel is like embarking on a time-traveling adventure. You get to dive into different eras, uncover fascinating details, and weave them into a story that feels both authentic and compelling. My journey into historical fiction began with a deep-seated curiosity about how past events shapes who we are as a society. There’s something magical about connecting with history, but it’s also a huge responsibility. Accuracy isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s what gives the story credibility and depth. And let’s be honest, today’s readers are smart—they know when something feels off.

When I started writing my first historical novel, I quickly realized that understanding the audience is crucial.  They’re not just looking for a good story; they want to be transported to another time and place, and they expect me to do my homework. But how do I balance the need for accuracy with the flow of storytelling? That’s where the real work begins.

The Value of Historical Research to the Reader

One of the first things I learned is how historical events subtly, but powerfully, influenced my characters. These events aren’t just a backdrop—they shape the characters’ lives, decisions, and personalities in ways that might not be immediately obvious. For instance, in one of my novels, Perpetual Gloom, the impact of the Great Depression played a crucial role in the true-life protagonist’s journey, especially when he and his brother stole their fathers last two horses and road off to what they thought would give them “half a chance”.  It’s these kinds of details that bring authenticity to characters, making them more relatable and real.

Another key aspect of historical research is its ability to transport readers. When sprinkled in accurate details about the setting—whether it’s the architecture, the fashion, or even the way people spoke— it not only paints a picture; but it immersing the readers in that world as though they are ease dropping. This level of immersion is what keeps readers turning the pages.

And let’s not forget the thrill of discovering new and exciting characters. Sometimes, while researching, I stumble upon a lesser-known historical figure who’s just too fascinating to ignore. Integrating these real people into the story adds layers of depth and can even steer the narrative in unexpected directions. It’s one of the joys of writing historical fiction—you never know who or what you’ll uncover next.

Avoiding the Research Rabbit Hole

Of course, with all this research, there’s a real danger of getting lost down a rabbit hole. I’ve been there—spending hours, even days, months, chasing down obscure facts that ultimately didn’t make it into the final draft. In fact, I spent six years in total researching the material for a single book, that eventually turned into The Boloney Trail Trilogy.  It’s easy to let research overshadow your actual writing. The trick is knowing when you’ve got enough to proceed. For me, it became clear when I realized I was accumulating more notes than words in my manuscript.

Setting limits on research is crucial. It’s about finding that balance between being well-informed and getting bogged down by too much information. Once I’ve reached a point where I can confidently write a scene, it’s time to step away from the research and start crafting the story. During the writing of The Boloney Trail Trilogy, I had to keep reminding myself the advice Verlyn Klinkenborg wrote in his book Several Short Sentences About Writing not only held true for constructing sentences but also, to some degree, was true when it came to research – “Most of the sentences you make will need to be killed.” In other words, just because I spent hours researching does not mean that I had to use it.

To Add or Not to Add Footnotes

Then there’s the question of footnotes in fiction. They can be a double-edged sword—on one hand, they add credibility and provide context; on the other, they can disrupt the flow of your narrative. Personally, I’ve found that while some readers appreciate the extra information, others find it pulls them out of the story. Instead of footnotes, I often prefer to weave historical context directly into the narrative or use an author’s note at the end to elaborate on certain points. It’s a way to keep the story smooth while still giving the reader the facts they might crave.

I believe it’s an author’s duty and responsibility to double-check the authenticity of any research they include in their manuscript footnotes. Consistently delivering accurate information is key to building a strong and trustworthy reputation.

Integrating Research into Your Writing Process

Organizing research is another challenge. Over the years, I’ve experimented with various methods—from digital tools like Evernote and Scrivener to old-school index cards and notebooks. Each has its pros and cons, and I’ve found that a combination works best for me. For example, I use a set of colored index cards divided into three stacks: SCENES and FILLER, CHARACTERS, and LOCATIONS. Each stack is held together by a metal ring, inspired by and digital version of what we used to call the “Bible” in film production—a tool used by lighting, costume, production, actors, and more. I jot down key facts and reference notes on the relevant cards, making it easy to flip through the deck while writing. It might seem a bit “old school,” but I appreciate the freedom that comes with working off the grid.

Blending fact with fiction is where the magic happens. The goal is to maintain historical accuracy without letting it overshadow the story. Think of the facts as a foundation upon which you build your narrative. This way, your story remains grounded, but you still have the creative freedom to craft compelling characters and plots. It’s a delicate dance, but when done well, it can make your novel truly stand out.

Personal Anecdotes and Lessons Learned

Throughout my research journey, I’ve encountered plenty of challenges. Conflicting sources, missing information—it’s all part of the process. But these obstacles often lead to creative solutions that enrich my story. Some of the most rewarding moments come when I stumble upon a nugget of information that changes everything. It’s those unexpected discoveries that make the research process so exciting and fulfilling. This was certainly true in my case, I have new books outline that are the direct result of the research I’ve done on The Boloney Trail Trilogy.

Conclusion

In the end, thorough research is the backbone of any historical novel. It’s what grounds our stories, making it believable and immersive. While it can be a time-consuming and sometimes frustrating process, it’s also incredibly rewarding. I encourage you to embrace the research but remember to balance it with your creative instincts. After all, it’s the blend of fact and fiction that brings history to life on the page. Happy writing!

About the Author

Shelah A. Johnson is the recipient of 9 awards from The Society for Technical Communication and is also a published photographer and has produced and directed more than 40 lifestyle broadcast segments focused on eco and small space living. She directed, produced, and is the co-creator of the documentary series, Where Small Business Grows (Amazon Prime). Shelah lives a life of voluntary simplicity, where she makes a mid-century modern Airstream her home on an island in the Pacific Northwest and enjoys kayaking and traveling across the country and around the world.

Connect with Shelah A. Johnson

Websites: https://shelahajohnson.com/ and https://theboloneytrail.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBoloneyTrail
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theboloneytrailofficial/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLCfeyoyQMcY7zkwHXUUwFQ
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelahjohnson/
Amazon: https://amzn.to/46PxOH0

IMAGINARY GRAVITY

Set against the backdrop of the 1960s, where Monroe finds himself trapped in the quicksand of his upbringing. Fueled by an insatiable desire for a brighter future, he seeks solace in a risky business opportunity that propels the family into the heart of Mexico, entwining them with the burgeoning Sinaloa Cartel.

Dora, a woman with God strapped to her wrist, grapples with the unthinkable – the societal taboo of divorce in 1963. Determined to achieve her middle-class dream, she tightens the reins on Monroe, imposing greater financial and social demands. However, it’s not until the family’s journey takes a treacherous turn toward the criminal underworld that the stakes skyrocket.

As Monroe and Dora’s tumultuous relationship ebbs and flows their eldest daughter, Shelda, emerges as an unlikely guardian. A precocious and intuitive 9-year-old, she begins constructing guardrails just in time to shield the family from the impending storm of their new lifestyle and ill-fated decisions.

Buckle up for a Southern-style adventure where love and hate collide, and the Boloney Trail family’s fate hangs in the balance.