Incorrect Research Can Undermine Your Creative Vision. 👀 Here's What You Can Do Instead. {A Checklist}

Oct 02, 2024

Because Misguided Research Has Almost Derailed Historical Biopics or Novels

Keep your creative project on track with this checklist.

✅ Have you started your research early enough to avoid rushing through key details?

✅ Did you schedule visits to archives, libraries or historical sites for firsthand context?

✅ Have you planned to consult with historians or experts for validation of your facts, character development and storylines?

✅ Were you able to allocate time and resources for necessary research trips and interviews?

✅ Have you consistently checked your progress to ensure you’re staying on track with your research?

✅ Did you make sure your research is focused on the specific historical period relevant to your project?

✅ Have you avoided getting distracted by irrelevant details that don't contribute to your story?

✅ Did you seek out diverse perspectives to make your portrayal more nuanced and well-rounded?

✅ Have you cross-checked your secondary sources with primary documents for accuracy?

✅ Were you able to consult original materials like letters, diaries or official records?

✅ Have you set aside time to digest and reflect on your research before implementing it creatively?

✅ Did you reach out to experts for insights you can’t find in books or online sources?

✅ Have you reviewed the emotional and cultural context of your time period to avoid modern biases?

✅ Did you make sure your character’s worldview aligns with the era rather than today’s values? (This is important!)

✅ Have you allowed enough time for revisions in case new historical information arises?

✅ Were you able to find authentic (this means: original) sources rather than relying on dramatised versions of history?

✅ Have you balanced historical accuracy with your creative storytelling in a thoughtful way?

✅ Did you consider the political and social evolution of your character over time?

✅ Have you planned regular review sessions to ensure your portrayal remains historically grounded?

✅ Did you remind yourself that creative vision thrives when based on a foundation of solid research?