As a speculative fiction author, it's really easy to fall into the trap that research doesn't apply to me. Obviously, fiction set in our world may require some level of research, but I get to decide what happens in the fantasy world I'm building? Right? Right?

When I interviewed this episode's guest, Lee Clark, she reminded me that research is an integral part of any good fiction, even in sci-fi or fantasy.

Lee Clark is the author of the seven-book Matthew Paine Mystery series, with the final installment, Killer Convergence, just launching. Her work relies on deep, meticulous research, everything from strange medical conditions to Russian spies posing as pastors in the U.S., from Miami gang slang to monasteries on Mt. Athos.

Lee reminded me that there is much more to building a believable world than having a good imagination. It needs to be grounded in something real, and that is what research can do. Listen to today's episode to get some killer (pun only partially intended) tips on research.

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