I find that doing things like character charts before I begin a manuscript informs me of the areas of research that will most likely be required for those main characters at least. As for which came first? It doesn't really matter. Whatever your style, you need to do what you need to do.

As an example; I'm writing an historical novel that begins in 1815 and runs through 1850. While I am working on the basic plot and story line, I spend a little time each day or week researching BY YEAR through the national archives and other reference materials to fill in the historical details. Breaking things down to their most basic components and taking them one step at a time is a tried and true way to get your research done even while you are writing the manuscript. I realize that this is not everyone's way, but it is my way and it works. I hope this helps.

It wasn't until I allowed myself to delete some paragraphs, chapters, rhetoric when suddenly things became less overwhelming. I "let go" in other words. I'm presently writing a screenplay about a famous comedian and the research has become so abundant that I had to say "Stop...I know enough." With screenplays one can write the fiction; the scenes; the seasons and the years.. then add the truth later. Keep what you would want to know about a character or an era, a city or a country...not what you think the reader wants. Then put that part of your work aside and pick it up later. Suddenly it will all fall into place. This I know to be true for me.

Hi Karen, Check out National Novel Writing Month at nanowrimo.org. They have lots of great tools that are fun and empowering. It's a way to get a first draft written so you can go back and fill in the holes later. Good luck! Charlotte

I tend to begin and then research as I go. If during the process, I realize I need to know the train schedule between Budapest Hungary and Bonn Germany, I pause writing long enough to look up the pertinent information. Then I can go back to what I'm doing...

I'm lucky. Every writing project starts with inspiration. I have the core idea or concept first. It might be a variation on an established theme, an image or a one line concept. This method works best for Fiction writers but I have used it when doing nonfiction articles.

Next I prefer to chart out the story line in a simple way, seldom to the point of a full outline. I then begin writing.

Research comes on an "as needed" basis. Too much research can stall a project cold! It's probably better to make notes, stay close to the theme and ignore the rest. If you discover you need more data later you can always go back and look for it. The main goal is to stick to your writing schedule and finish the project.

Omeletman, thank you for your input, especially about the National Archives. All of the other comments confirmed what I had been thinking. My writing group said that I had to do all the research first then write, but it just was not comfortable as I had to write to know what I needed to research.

Thank you everyone for your helpful suggestions.

Now I have another question. Aside from the National Archives how do you folks do your research? I am finding that here in Hawaii I am very limited for material on California street cars, New Mexico, Colorado. I'm all over the place covering from 1950 back to the mid 1800's.

Traveling to do the research will be prohibitive with expenses being what they are so am I going to have to buy books blind for information? What have others done in this situation?

I had a long comment and sent it to all of you but I am not sure it went through so I will just sum up to thank all of you as the information is very helpful.

I have another question just in case the other did not get through.

When you are not able to travel to area of research how do you get your information. here in hawaii I a very limited with material from the library and I am afraid that I may have to buy books. The problem there is I don't even know if they will have what I am looking for and It is hard to find reviews for information that I am looking for.

any suggestions will be appreciated.