Research for Writers - Using the Internet Creatively

For the canny writer, the internet is a mine of information that can give detail for your writing.

Place information

If you want to write about a place you haven't been in a while, or even about somewhere you have never been? Use Google maps and look at the street views. Few places escape the Google cameras, and it's possible to see detailed views of places, enabling you to write about them with authenticity. You can follow routes, have a look at the area, see images of the streets and routes, shops, restaurants.

How to do something

I was writing a story which involved a homoeopath making their own pills out of flowers. In order to describe the process, I wanted to see how it's done. Youtube is a brilliant source for videos which show you how to do something, from repairing your appliances, to how to use software, to marketing your work. Many writers create their own Youtube channel and read their work. It's easy to do - it's free to set up a Channel, and you can use your Webcam / tablet or even a phone to film your readings.

Gauging Public Opinion

The internet has made it possible for everyone to publish their opinions and ideas easily. If you want to see different viewpoints, look at social media and blogs. They will give you fresh insights you can use for your characters, and even ways of phrasing their opinions.

Wikis and Forums

A wiki is a site where users contribute to the information, relying on pooled knowledge to build up a bank of information - Wikipedia is the most widely known. They often offer good, clear insight on a topic. As ever though, bear in mind that you can't rely on them completely.

Online dictionaries & Thesaurus

Need to know what a word means, or find an alternative word of similar meaning? In Google, you can type 'defn' followed by the word you want to define, and you'll get the option of the definition is a few dictionaries. A thesaurus provides alternative words with similar meanings (synonyms). If you want to avoid reusing the same word, search for a thesaurus, and find an alternative.

Photographic histories

The largest photographic archive in the world is on Facebook! Instagram, flickr, Pinterest all have photo archives that you can delve into. These can give you inspiration for describing costumes, characteristics, cultures and events.

Personal accounts of historical events

Sites such as the BBC's People's war give first hand accounts of historical events. https://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ww2peopleswar/

These can give you insights into real stories, and events from the eye view of the people who were there.

The internet has so much to help the author, from details to support your story, to a range of types of information to help you develop your stories.